Describes the post-construction HVAC system commissioning process undertaken at a new 425,000ft2 museum and archival storage facility. The commissioning agent was not brought into the process until construction was complete, the building was occupied and the HVAC systems were found to be functioning improperly. Describes the process of identifying the causes of system problems, performing verification tests, correcting problems and working to recreate a team approach to problem solving. Concludes with a discussion of how involving an agent throughout the design and construction process as recommended in ASHRAE Guideline 1 would have benefited all parties.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, Case studies, USA, museums, new buildings, building services, archives, commissioning