24 High-Profile Focus: Schools and Institutions
March 2026
Altieri Providing Engineering Services for New Bedford Whaling Museum Project
New Bedford, MA – Altieri is currently providing comprehensive MEPF engineering design services for the Machado Silvetti – designed expansion of the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford. In 2022, the design team completed a campus master plan for the museum, which resulted in the development of a new building featuring a state-of-the-art gallery space to support the museum’ s extensive collections and temporary exhibits from various lenders. The museum subsequently acquired a site directly across from the existing entrance to construct a new Welcome and Exhibition Center.
Altieri worked closely with the building envelope consultant to ensure the integrity of the exterior wall components within the museum environment. Large windows on the facade introduce natural light into the gallery space. Research and coordination were conducted with a conservation light-metering provider to implement a system that monitors light levels within the space, preventing artwork from being exposed to excessive illumination. To accommodate mechanical equipment located in the basement, the team collaborated with the construction manager to avoid excavation of the rocky foundation.
“ We are excited to help support the client’ s vision of providing a new front door to the museum with The Welcome and Exhibition Center expansion,” said Peter Sabourin, PE, Altieri’ s project manager.“ The large special exhibitions gallery on the second floor will have enhanced lighting and climate control systems designed with flexibility to support different requirements of
New Bedford Whaling Museum / Rendering courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
changing exhibits, all providing a stateof-the-art space.”
The museum’ s expansion will bring to the forefront its mission to ignite learning through explorations of art, history, science, and culture. The second floor will house a new 6,000sf state-of-the-art special exhibition gallery, tripling the size of the current
exhibition space. To enhance the visitor experience, the expanded welcome area will include a“ community living room” with a cafe and retail space. A redesigned plaza will connect the new center with the existing building, featuring shaded groves and terraces. The 20,000sf expansion is expected to be completed in 2027.
Portsmouth Abbey Student Center
Portsmouth, RI
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