Ah, if you've got the budget (and stature) of the U.S. Library of Congress, you can probably figure out how install all the necessary ductwork in a giant, multi-chambered old building that wasn't built with AC in mind. (Fun article is here about how they do it: https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/blog/librarys-hva...)

But it's worth browsing pictures of the abbey to get a sense of how challenging this would be. https://www.comece.eu/christian-artworks-benedictine-archabb... Most books reside in giant, wall-flush bookcases with no natural ventilation. Establishing decent airflow -- without accidentally ruining structural walls or turning the bookcases into perforated messes -- seems very hard.

> […] install all the necessary ductwork in a giant, multi-chambered old building that wasn't built with AC in mind.

You do not need to run ducts, just piping for (say) mini-splits.

Only US is obsessed with ductwork. Most of the world prefers mini-splits.

We have mini splits too. It's just that many homes already have ducts. Also, a lot of people unfortunately find the indoor units unsightly.

Yes, they are just not popular here. All new US houses are built with airducts as well, so it's not just old homes.

By the way, I was always curious why installing splits _in_ the room. I understand multi-story apartments, where there's no other place. But if we're talking about detached houses you have an attic (where the airducts go), or a ceiling (where recessed lights go). Can we put splits in there? I can see problems with power delivery, condensate diversion, but they are the same if we install them _in_ the room. But in return you get fine-tuned climate control, and no pressure difference problems (no need for bypasses to prevent slamming doors with ducts).

You can't slap a window unit on World Heritage sites: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/758