Artifact Cases
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  Artifact Cases :: Detroit Institute of Arts  
     
 
Client: Detroit Institute of Art
"Reinstallation of Art"

Proto, as the prime fabricator of the artifact cases and interactives, fabricated more than 500 unique conservation cases for the renovation and expansion project of this 150,000 square foot exhibit space, the largest renovation of an art museum to date. Dimmable fluorescent, halogen and fiber optics were used in the wall and free-standing glass cases. Microclimate cases were fabricated with desiccant chambers to keep the relative humidity at the proper levels. The Proto cases have a universal design developed by the designers, Staples & Charles, but each gallery has its own distinctive elements.

Four and five-sided artifact cases were fabricated ranging from twelve inches by twelve inches up to a forty linear foot case, with six large glass hinged panels that provides a display area for garments and textiles that are rotated every three to four months. Delicate artifacts are pin mounted to the fabric wrapped ethafoam decks. Another set of unique cases were two part clear acrylic cases that created an appearance of floating in front of a muralized wall. In addition to the casework, Proto fabricated and installed interpretive structures which aid in placement of these impressive objects within their original social, historical, and spiritual contexts and also support the interpretive graphics. Innovative labeling solutions include a three-sided rotating indexing label stand with stories of the curators and collections. Interactives engage the visitors to have a better understanding and appreciation of art.