Laboratory layout for best optimization

 Laboratory layout for best optimization

The scientists, students, maintenance people, and administrators that use and manage college and university science laboratories are integral to not only planning what is needed and wanted but also why.

Providing the architects with sufficient information requires meaningful planning discussions with a full spectrum of institutional people.

Optimizing processes foundational step

Optimizing processes is at the heart of lab planning. For example, sequencing DNA in a lab requires a definitive workflow that extends from sample extraction through the prep room, into the sequencing room, and then into a local or remote bulk storage system. The precise protocols followed at each of these steps ensure the purity of the sample and the integrity of the data obtained from the process.

Lab design enables processes such as DNA sequencing. Designers must understand the way the different spaces interact with each other as they are passed through along the research material pathway. Designers must also understand the mechanical and electrical requirements of each of the spaces as well as the design principles related to the efficient operation of each.

Laboratory space comes in two basic kinds or zones. First, there is research space where researchers feel comfortable and productive. These are the best spaces in the building, perhaps with lots of glass to provide views and plenty of natural light, plus HVAC (Heating, ventilation and Air conditioning) systems designed to meet human and scientific needs.

Colleges and universities can select from a number of different trends in laboratory design today. At a conceptual level, these trends typically involve determining how bench and lab space relate to lab support space, and how support space relates to office space.

With these thoughts in mind, key planning considerations include materials and consumables, security protocols, mechanical system maintenance, and technology.

Planning space for materials and consumables

Laboratories usually provide for the handling of materials and consumables in one of two ways.

First, each research group would be responsible for its own needs. Each would order, purchase, accept delivery, store, and handle for itself. Then you could provide separate storage areas for each of the individual research groups. This can make for an inefficient use of space.

In a second scenario, the institution might decide to centralize some of the basic gases and basic consumables and then charge a per diem or some kind of storage rate to the research groups. With this plan, all the purchasing, delivering, and storage could be centralized in the building and make more efficient use of space. On the downside, it might cost the institution a bit more because additional personnel has to come on board to manage the central purchasing and storage areas, but those costs can be factored into per day charges.

Another consumable decision to consider during early planning involves glass-washing facilities. Some lab designs include a fully staffed centralized glass-washing, sterilization, and packaging facility. Researchers don’t have to concern themselves with this chore.

Planning to accommodate security protocols

Closely interconnected with materials and consumables is security in the planning process. Laboratory security has four basic goals: identifying areas of public access where anyone may go; controlling access to spaces and rooms where researchers work; protecting intellectual property, and controlling access to hazardous materials

Areas closed to the public need secured doors controlled with readers and access cards or other security devices stronger than traditional keys.

For spaces requiring high security, two-factor access control can be used. One-factor security requires one method of identification defined as something you have—an access control card, a PIN, or perhaps a biometric such as a fingerprint.

Planning mechanical systems and maintenance

Science laboratories often contain spaces that work with sensitive intellectual property and hazardous materials—spaces where the general public is not permitted due to confidentiality or public safety concerns.

With that in mind, some universities view school or privately employed maintenance and repair crews as members of the public who may not have free access to all laboratory spaces.

As a result, many lab designs incorporate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems “outside” of the laboratory proper. Three designs can accommodate this need.

For low buildings with relatively small floor plates, all the building systems may be located in the penthouse or basement and serviced there.

Planning labs with a complete team of people who are connected to the facility and its use enable designers to deliver a fully optimized facility.