oSIST prEN 15999-1:2023

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 15999-1:2023
01-april-2023
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 15999-1:2014
Ohranjanje kulturne dediščine - Smernice za načrtovanje vitrin za razstavljanje in
hranjenje predmetov - 1. del: Splošna navodila
Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for design of showcases for exhibition and
preservation of objects - Part 1: General instructions
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitfaden für die Konstruktion von Schauvitrinen zur
Ausstellung und Erhaltung von Objekten - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
Conservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes directrices pour la conception de vitrines
destinées à exposer et préserver des biens culturels culturels - Partie 1 : Exigences
générales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 15999-1
ICS:
97.195 Umetniški in obrtniški izdelki. Items of art and handicrafts.
Kulturne dobrine in kulturna Cultural property and
dediščina heritage
oSIST prEN 15999-1:2023 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 15999-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

February 2023
ICS 97.195 Will supersede EN 15999-1:2014
English Version

Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for design of
showcases for exhibition and preservation of objects - Part
1: General instructions
Conservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitfaden für die
directrices pour la conception de vitrines destinées à Konstruktion von Schauvitrinen zur Ausstellung und
exposer et préserver des biens culturels culturels - Erhaltung von Objekten - Teil 1: Allgemeine
Partie 1 : Exigences générales Anforderungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 346.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 15999-1:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents . Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principles and components of a showcase (3.12) . 8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Components and materials of the showcase (3.12) . 8
4.2.1 General . 8
4.2.2 Display space . 9
4.2.3 Technical compartments . 9
4.2.4 Installation and fixing of the showcase (3.12) . 9
4.2.5 Characteristics of construction materials . 10
4.2.6 Showcase (3.12) readiness for use . 10
4.2.7 Lining of the display space (3.4) and object mounts . 10
4.3 Expected lifetime and maintenance cycle . 10
5 The showcase (3.12) role in the preventive conservation risk management plan . 11
5.1 General . 11
5.2 Controlling risks of theft . 12
5.2.1 General . 12
5.2.2 Time of response . 12
5.2.3 The object value . 13
5.2.4 Showcase (3.12) security (3.11) class recommendation . 13
5.3 Risk assessment fire . 13
5.4 Controlling risks from pests . 15
5.5 Controlling risks from pollution . 15
5.6 Controlling the risks of damage by light and lighting systems . 16
5.7 Controlling climatic risks . 16
5.8 Controlling risks from oxygen . 17
5.9 Assessing precautions for vibrations . 17
5.10 Assessing precautions for disaster . 18
5.11 Assessing precautions for seismic events . 18
5.11.1 General . 18
5.11.2 Mitigate damage to objects . 18
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5.11.3 Mitigate damage to immediate surrounding . 19
6 Showcase (3.12) practical design . 19
6.1 General . 19
6.2 Basic criteria for the design of a showcase (3.12) . 20
6.3 Access to the display space (3.4) and technical compartments for staff . 21
6.4 Visual accessibility to the display space (3.4) for visitors . 22
6.5 Showcase (3.12) design for preventive conservation . 22
6.6 Object lighting . 22
6.6.1 General . 22
6.6.2 Showcase (3.12) lighting from outside . 23
6.6.3 Integrated showcase (3.12) lighting . 23
6.6.4 Reflected light . 23
6.7 Noise . 24
7 Project planning . 24
Annex A (informative) Risk sources . 25
Annex B (informative) Showcase and exhibition design influence on air exchange rate (3.2) . 30
Annex C (informative) Glass characteristics . 32
Annex D (informative) Example of content under the responsibility of the manufacturer given in the
operation file – Operation file . 33
Annex E (informative) Example of content under the responsibility of the manufacturer given in the
operation file – Maintenance file . 35
Annex F (informative) Example of project planning . 36
Bibliography . 49

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European foreword
This document (prEN 15999-1:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 346
“Conservation of cultural heritage”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 15999-1:2014.
prEN 15999-1:2023 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 15999-1:2014:
— …
EN 15999 will consist of the following parts:
— prEN 15999-1, Conservation of cultural heritage — Guidelines for design of showcases for
exhibition and preservation of objects — Part 1: General requirements
— prEN 15999-2, Conservation of cultural heritage — Guidelines for design of showcases for
exhibition and preservation of objects — Part 2: Technical aspects

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Introduction
The main purpose of a showcase for cultural heritage objects on exhibition is to reduce the risks of
total loss, physical damage, chemical and biological deterioration (e.g. by accidents, theft, vandalism,
natural disasters, humidity, temperature, dust, pollutants, light, pests).
Showcases are an important tool to preserve and protect cultural heritage objects. The role of the
showcase in the preventive conservation strategy of a heritage institution needs to take into account
many complex environmental variables along with the usage of the showcase. The type of showcase
and its properties need to be adapted to the principal risks to objects and specific environmental
conditions. A poorly constructed or selected showcase can under some circumstances cause damage
to objects.
Because of the complexity of the role of the showcase for preventive conservation but also for the
exhibition design, showcases need to take into account the perspectives of all stakeholders involved
in the process of the procurement, e.g. curators, conservators, scientists, architects, graphic
designers, lighting experts, architects, manufacturers and other decision makers.
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1 Scope
This document specifies general requirements for showcases for safe and secure display of cultural
heritage objects complying with the requirements for preventive conservation. This document is only
focused on so called passive showcases with unpowered climate conditioning systems, displaying the
objects in ambient air. The role of the showcase in the preventive conservation is established by a
risk assessment taking into account several risk factors mentioned in this document. As the design of
the showcase has an influence on its properties, some general consideration about the showcase
design are given. The procurement of showcase(s) and the development of the design of the
showcase(s) involve all stakeholders of the project; a structured project plan is proposed.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
EN 16893:2018, Conservation of Cultural Heritage - Specifications for location, construction and
modification of buildings or rooms intended for the storage or use of heritage collections
prEN 15999-2:2023, Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for design of showcases for
exhibition and preservation of objects – Part 2: Technical aspects
prEN 16163, Conservation of Cultural Heritage - Guidelines and procedures for choosing appropriate
lighting for indoor exhibitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
air exchange
exchange due to an airflow through gaps and openings, or molecular diffusion through permeable
materials
3.2
air exchange rate
volume of showcase air exchanged per unit time divided by the total showcase volume
Note 1 to entry: Unit: 1/t
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3.3
air pollutants
airborne pollutants, such as gaseous or particulate chemical contaminants induced into the
environment, which can generate corrosion, incrustation, colour fading, soiling, deterioration or
other forms of damage to the objects on display
3.4
display space
space in the showcase where the objects are displayed and which may contain other elements such
as panels, supports, graphics, monitoring equipment, etc
3.5
dust
solid particles of matter (e.g. pollen, skin, soil, sand) entrained and transported in air; and possibly
being deposited on surfaces
3.6
hygrometric half-time
time needed for the relative humidity in the showcase to move half way from its initial value to the
relative humidity value in the environment
3.7
microclimate
climate in the display space (3.4) of the showcase
3.8
moisture sorbent
material that captures or releases moisture to control relative humidity
3.9
resistance time
working time of the test person carrying out the manual burglary test
Note 1 to entry: The resistance time (3.9) includes times of less than 5 s each for tool changes, e.g. exchanging
a screwdriver for a crow bar.
[SOURCE: EN 1627:2021, 3.12 [1]]
3.10
safety
pertaining to human health, in the context of enclosures, ensuring they are physically stable and
cannot topple, have safety (3.10) glass that cannot be broken easily, do not generate atmospheres
within them that are hazardous to health during usage or similar
3.11
security
protection against theft and physical damage
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3.12
showcase
enclosure of any dimension for preserving and displaying objects in specified safe and secure
conditions
Note 1 to entry: The term “display case” is sometimes used as a synonym
3.13
stakeholder
individual, company or institution who is affected by the design, performance, purchase or use of a
showcase (3.12) over its lifetime
3.14
support
construction, material or device to hold and support one or more objects without interference or
damage and designed to provide stability to an object
4 Principles and components of a showcase (3.12)
4.1 General
The fundamental functions of showcases (3.12) are to:
1) display objects,
2) protect objects,
3) ensure preservation, to minimize damage to and deterioration of objects.
Showcases (3.12) display objects for visitors to interact with them and provide access to objects for
staff members, while shielding against environmental and security (3.11) hazards. This document
takes into account all uses of showcases (3.12): temporary showcase (3.12), showcase (3.12) without
oxygen, oversized, existing, historical or modular showcase (3.12), showcase (3.12) in uncontrolled
ambient environment, etc. This document applies to all stages of the life-cycle of a showcase (3.12)
from concept design to recycling.
4.2 Components and materials of the showcase (3.12)
4.2.1 General
A showcase (3.12) normally consists of:
a) a display space (3.4) for objects,
b) technical compartments,
c) a base and / or mounting system,
d) linings of the display space (3.4) and supports (3.14) for objects.
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4.2.2 Display space
The display space (3.4) presenting the objects is surrounded by walls, of which at least one is
transparent.
The dimensions of the display space (3.4) shall take into account the size of the object, its
preservation and security (3.11) needs, supports (3.14) and mountings, accessibility by staff, viewing
condition for visitors, and other exhibition elements such as panels and graphics, etc.
The contact between the door or opening panel and the showcase (3.12) maintains a seal that is
appropriate to identified hazards.
The opening shall give sufficient access to the display space (3.4) for safe handling of the objects and
for maintenance. The showcase (3.12) shall remain stable during opening and when it is fully opened.
The display space (3.4) provides room for installation of sensors/devices to monitor the
microclimate (3.7) or other internal environmental or security (3.11) parameters and facilitates the
collection of data.
4.2.3 Technical compartments
Technical compartments are publicly hidden parts of the showcase (3.12) where devices or materials
for environmental control (e.g. lighting, microclimate (3.7), pollutants), and security (3.11) can be
located.
A showcase (3.12) can contain one or more technical compartments.
Technical compartments containing sorbents for humidity or pollutant control shall connect with the
display space (3.4) so they can take effect on objects. For this use of the technical compartment
sufficient air exchange (3.1) with the display volume is essential and its installation adjacent to the
display volume works best. Sufficient gaps for moisture exchange between the technical
compartment and the display volume are essential to support the function of the moisture sorbent
(3.8).
Technical compartments containing heat, vibration or pollutant generating components (e.g. lamps,
fans) are to be avoided. If no other technical solution can be found, these compartments are isolated
from the display space (3.4) so they do not transfer any hazards to objects. Air from these
compartments is exchanged with the environment via vents. Heat generating components are best
located in technical compartments above the display space (3.4).
Technical compartments shall be separately accessible for maintenance; without allowing access to
the display space (3.4).
4.2.4 Installation and fixing of the showcase (3.12)
The base of the showcase (3.12) shall be strong and large enough to ensure the showcase (3.12) is
physically stable so it cannot topple. If this is not possible, the showcase (3.12) shall be securely fixed
to the floor, wall or ceiling. Alternatively, or in combination, the showcase (3.12) base shall be
weighted with additional material to act as ballast.
If a mount is needed to fix the showcase (3.12), it shall take into account the weight of the showcase
(3.12), its contents and the quality of the substrate (e.g. wall or floor).
The showcase (3.12) base, plinth or any other form of mount shall limit vibrations (5.9) transmitted
into the display space (3.4) via associated walls, floor, or ceiling.
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4.2.5 Characteristics of construction materials
Contact with, or interaction between, objects and the materials of the showcase (3.12) shall be
carefully considered. Not all materials are suitable for long-term use with objects.
The materials, and their off-gassing constituents, shall not react with objects. The materials used to
construct the showcase (3.12), e.g. the structure, glazing, inserts, varnishes, sealants, adhesives,
paints, textiles, etc. shall be selected on the basis of professionally recognized materials testing
protocols (see prEN 15999-2:2023, Annex G) or less reliably, by checking available documentation
(e.g. compliance certificates, technical data sheets).
4.2.6 Showcase (3.12) readiness for use
After the final construction and finishing of a showcase (3.12) adequate time shall be given to ensure
proper curing and off-gassing to limit chemical pollution inside the display space (3.4) from materials
used e.g. adhesives, sealants, coatings. A curing time reduces the risk of negative impact of volatiles
air pollutants (3.3) inside the showcase (3.12) to the objects. This applies to showcases (3.12)
completed off-site (e.g. in a factory) and on-site (e.g. in a museum)
NOTE Some materials can be sources of humidity (e.g. marble, concrete) which might also require some
time to off-gas, i.e. to dry.
It is not recommended that objects shall be installed during this period in the showcase (3.12)
without some precautions.
If material needs time to off-gas, the showcase (3.12) manufacturer shall indicate a recommended
period; this recommendation can include advice for room temperature and ventilation. If no
indication is given, a period of four weeks is suggested as a minimum. During the ventilation time the
door shall be open and the environment where the showcase (3.12) is located should be well
ventilated.
Additional measurement of air quality (see prEN 15999-2:2023, Annex G) in the showcase (3.12) is
recommended before its use, depending on the sensitivity of the objects.
4.2.7 Lining of the display space (3.4) and object mounts
Linings and object mounts are not integral part of the showcase (3.12). Nevertheless, all linings and
object mounts in the display space (3.4) should be tested to confirm their compatibility with the
objects in the same way as the construction materials. The linings should be easy to maintain and/or
replace.
The supports (3.14) shall maintain the physical integrity and chemical stability of the objects, without
exerting undue pressure, tension or torque. The objects together with their support(s) (3.14) shall
be stable. The system of fixing shall hold the objects safely even in case of vibrations.
The contact between the objects and the support(s) (3.14) shall be insulated with an intermediate
material of appropriate density and texture.
4.3 Expected lifetime and maintenance cycle
The span of time in which a showcase (3.12) is fully functional defines its useful lifetime. When
considering future expenditures on labour-time, consumables and repairs, there are ongoing
economic and ecological costs to sustaining effective showcases (3.12). These future costs should be
included as decision criteria when anticipating showcase (3.12) budgets: capital and operating.
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The three categories of showcases (3.12) regarding life span are: temporary exhibition single use,
temporary exhibitions repeated use and long-term exhibitions.
To achieve useful lifespans greater than approximately 5 years, two key aspects can be considered:
1) longevity of construction materials,
2) maintenance of the mechanical components (e.g. opening systems and gaskets) and extra
mechanical, electrical and electronic features (e.g. lighting, active microclimate (3.7) system,
filter, alarm and security (3.11) monitoring systems).
Maintenance of each component or feature needs to be undertaken following the guidance of its
manufacturer.
Showcases (3.12) can be categorized according to their duration of use in long-term and temporary
exhibitions. Temporary showcases (3.12) can be further divided between single-use and multiple-
use.
1) Temporary showcases (3.12) – single use: The construction remains fully functional for the
exhibition period, plus any likely extensions of the exhibition.
2) Temporary showcases (3.12) – multiple use: The construction remains fully functional for:
— > 5 years
— > 10 years
3) Long-term showcases (3.12): The construction remains fully functional during the planned span
of the Gallery, potentially:
— > 5 years
— > 10 years
— > 20 years
— > 25 years
5 The showcase (3.12) role in the preventive conservation risk management
plan
5.1 General
Objects on display are exposed to risks from damage by accidents, theft, vandalism and by
environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, pollutant (gaseous, particulate and direct
contact between materials), dust (3.5), light and pests.
NOTE 1 Annex A lists potential events or circumstances which can have an effect on the showcase (3.12)
design.
The showcase (3.12) plays a role in the risk management plan of an institution. It can assist with
lowering risk-levels by reducing the likelihood of damage occurring to an object, and by reducing the
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severity of consequences when damage does occur. Some risks shall be controlled, while others might
be judged as acceptable or tolerable.
If there are multiple risks to control, then solutions to mitigate the net risk
...