MUSEUM LIGHTING WITH LIGHT EMITTING DIODESA Concept for Light Damage Mitigation at the Ruam Samai Museum, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

Museum Lighting with Light Emitting Diodes

A Concept for Light Damage Mitigation in the Ruam Samai Museum, Chiang Mai, Thailand

This thesis presents an approach to mitigate light damage in museums, focusing on the use of LED exhibition lighting at the planned Ruam Samai Museum (RSM) in Chiang Mai. The collection to be exhibited is composed of South-East-Asian antiques, modern and contemporary art. The research on the methodology of light- and UV-vulnerability categorisation of col- lections forms the basis for the assessment of light sensitivity of the RSM collection.

Further, the scientific foundations of object illumination in museums are elaborated, followed by a comparison of the benefits and disadvantages of conventional light sources and LEDs. The following chapter delves into light-induced deterioration processes. Examples of the degradation of colourants follow.

Solutions are presented for the control of natural and artificial light, in exhibition rooms and in showcases, based on the current discourse of literature. Finally, the thesis offers a compre- hensive and sustainable strategy for light damage mitigation at RSM.

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