Harvard University engaged a Watson & Henry Associates, Scattergood Design and Wendy Jessup and Associates to perform a collections-focused study of the spaces and building systems serving the exhibited and stored collections of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.   One of the oldest archaeological and ethnographic museums in the world, the Peabody is steward to one of the largest and most diverse collections of cultural objects in the Western Hemisphere.

The consulting team examined collections, building envelopes and building systems in more than 65,000 square feet of space in the 11 Divinity Avenue Building, as well as 18,000 square feet of storage space in the 38 Oxford Street Building.  The consulting team reviewed previous reports/studies and the institutional history of the PMAE; interviewed Museum staff and Harvard Facilities staff; and facilitated four participatory workshops. A range of strategies for improving use of space, the building envelope and building systems for stewardship and care of the collections  were provided, as well as potential phasing strategies and budgets.

Other team members included: Altieri Sebor Wieber, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineers;  Shawmut Design & Construction, cost estimates;  and Silman, structural engineers.