MKK Portfolio

Originally designed by architect John Gaw Meem, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center first opened its doors in the spring of 1936. Decades later, MKK was selected to perform MEP design on the 25,000 SF renovation and 30,000 SF addition. A challenging project, MKK needed to preserve the existing function and historic vision of the Fine Arts Center, which had the added complication of being situated directly adjacent to two other facilities that could not be interrupted during construction. In addition to the necessity of remaining operational during the construction period, it was also imperative that sensitive artwork in the gallery spaces be protected by providing a controlled environment for heating, cooling, humidity, and light exposure.

The mechanical system MKK designed monitors and maintains the building environment through the use of a DDC (direct digital control) system. The gallery units operate on a 24/7 schedule in order to maintain the humidity levels in those spaces, and vapor barriers are incorporated into the building envelope to maintain the humidity levels in the space to provide extra protection. Each space has carbon monoxide sensors to provide the necessary amount of outside air. The heating and cooling systems have redundancies in order to minimize the effect on critical artwork should either of the systems go down.

The remodel also included upgrading the existing 1930s boilers. Many constraints existed concerning the replacement of these boilers; because of these constraints, a cast iron boiler was required. The combustion air path was also changed throughout the phasing of the project in order to accommodate the location of the new building.

MKK designed a full automatic lighting control system for the gallery lighting. The lighting control system can be programmed for accent lighting during exhibit hours and will utilize "work/security" lights the remainder of the time. This approach not only saves energy but also preserves the artwork from overexposure to light.