Steel Doors Meet Staff-Area Needs At Smithsonian

WASHINGTON, DC--January 22, 2001

Expansion of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History included high-quality doors and frames in the new space for greater durability and serviceability. This recent project involved the construction of a multistory building in a former courtyard of the original building.

The National Museum of Natural History is one of 16 museums and galleries that, along with the National Zoo, make up the Smithsonian Institution. With more than 120 million objects in its research collection, the museum is a fascinating resource on people and their natural surroundings. Visitors can see exhibitions on humankind's earliest origins and the development of world cultures, as well as examples of ancient and modern mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and sea creatures.

Keeping Up to Date

The original building, built in 1910, has been remodeled and expanded several times, all the while retaining its basic architectural style and historical flavor. When first constructed, the main building incorporated two courtyards, one on each side of the central hall and completely surrounded by the building. In the 1960s, an East Wing and West Wing were added to the main structure. Over the years, these courtyards were used for more mundane purposes, including an air conditioning plant. The construction of a new underground air conditioning plant located beneath an adjoining parking lot provided the opportunity to meet growing Museum space needs with the construction of the new East Court building.

A nine-level building was actually constructed in the East Courtyard, primarily to house the Museum's constantly growing collections. The Entomology Department occupies four floors, but the new space also includes a daycare center, other staff offices, conference rooms, and much-needed additional public restrooms.

When it came to selecting doors and frames that would ensure longevity and serviceability, steel doors and frames were the choice for heavily used common areas such as elevator lobbies, corridor fire doors, mechanical rooms. All metal doors and frames were furnished by Steelcraft, part of IR Security and Safety. For offices and conference rooms where wood doors were suitable, Steelcraft frames also were used, to provide optimum durability. Especially in the new building's mechanical and service areas, the Steelcraft doors and frames are used extensively.