La conservazione dei beni culturali negli edifici storici. Proposta di una guida operativa per la contestualizzazione ambientale, progettazione funzionale, scelta e gestione dello strumento vetrina museale

The aim of the present work was to define a methodological tool with simple and practical application useful for evaluating the use feasibility and the effective choice of an exhibition showcase for the conservation and preventive protection of artworks in a museum environment. The (synergistic) effects of the boundary conditions were analyzed to identify the most suitable type of showcase, i.e. the thermophysical behaviour of the exhibition space inside which the showcase is located, the time profiles of use of the space, the high peaks of sensitive and latent thermal loads due to the visitors flow, the stability of the internal microclimate. The proposed method is a useful tool for the curator, historian and curator, but also for the museum itself as it provides fundamental indications on how to obtain optimal control of macro and microenvironment for conservation. The practical application of this methodological approach has led to the identification of a guide of good functional design, for the contextualization, choice and management of the efficient and effective museum display-case with a view to protecting cultural heritage, in real operational conditions. This practical guide highlights the crucial aspects, such as the evaluation and analysis of the thermophysical performance of the museum building and exhibition hall, the effects of the presence or absence of a specific type of air conditioning and ventilation system, as well as its operating and regulation conditions. The effects of the surrounding environmental conditions on the type of showcase, its positioning, functional location, use and maintenance are also highlighted. The method, that is at the basis of the proposed good practice guide, is suitable for all those similar cases, where there is a need for preventive conservation, but also for user satisfaction and better use and enjoyment of cultural heritage, while at the same time, seeking objectives of sustainability, quality, adaptive reuse.