Illustrated summary of the principles of laboratory design for sustainability

Design for the unknown

All design decisions should be made on the premise that the function, space, staff and location will change.

One solution is a generic laboratory with a kit of parts system furniture which can be reassembled.

One solution is to have perimeter services reticulation to generic wet labs with central open plan dry labs.

Design for the computer

More tasks are now undertaken with computers - such as computer modelling, data acquisition and data analysis. Movable benches allow for a combination of computer workstations, benches and equipment.

More tasks are now undertaken with computers - such as the virtual experiment in teaching.

Break down the barriers

The trend now is for scientists from different disciplines to work together. They used to be scattered but are now being brought together under one roof. The red and blue disciplines share the green spaces and the research hub.

Facilitate scientific creativity

Architects can bring scientists together. Chance encounters can spark new directions in research. Small spaces at high traffic nodes can allow colleagues to take time off for a chat. Shared facilities is an opportunity for informal meetings.

Design generic, not specific

The laboratory design should be generic, rather than specific. This typical 'laboratory module' is adaptable to either laboratory workbenches or most of the other functions shown in the next illustration.

The laboratory design should be generic, rather than specific. This typical 'laboratory module' is adaptable to either laboratory workbenches or most of the other functions shown in this plan.

Permanent structures

All fixed structures such as stairs, toilets and lifts should not be an obstruction within the open plan laboratory/support/workstations' flexible space.

Connectivity

A covered atrium between all floors enhances the sense of being part of a scientific community.

Green Room

A balcony meeting space is 'green' because it is either outside or in a naturally ventilated atrium.

Chilled beams

Apart from the advantage of providing cool air to a laboratory without undesirable draughts, chilled beams avoid the provision of air ducts for HVAC.

Building energy rating systems

Most countries have some form of rating the energy of the building design such as The Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR).

A planted roof attracts points for insulation.

Most countries have some form of rating the energy of the building design such as The Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR).

Onsite wind turbines attracts points for energy generation.

Decentralised air handling

To avoid cross-contamination and allow detoxification if needed a decentralised air conditioning should be provided for each floor, parts of each floor or even for each individual laboratory, to suit the laboratory needs. Illustration shows the louvred plant rooms at each floor.

To avoid cross-contamination and allow detoxification if needed a decentralised air conditioning should be provided for each floor, parts of each floor or even for each individual laboratory, to suit the laboratory needs. This example shows four HVAC units serving each quarter floor.

Peristitial space

Multi-storey laboratory buildings need a peristitial services space to avoid internal shafts and ducts which restrict flexibility.

Reticulated services

The reticulation of piped services (gases, water etc.) and liquid waste plumbing should not be enclosed in false ceilings as they cannot be identified, maintained, changed or replaced. Gas lines in confined spaces can in time create an explosive mixture.

Standards and regulations

As laboratories can contain hazardous substances, flammable liquids and many other life-threatening risks, laboratory design needs to create a safe working environment. Standards and building regulations are the essential reference for the design team.

New technology

Both laboratory owner and design professionals need to acquaint themselves with the new building technologies, such as auto retrieval of consumables with a vertical carousel.

Zero emission to the environment

Community concerns for the environment are increasing. If emissions of greenhouse gases are to be avoided recirculatory filtration fume cabinets should be installed in lieu of ducted fume cupboards.

Energy-efficient designs

An awareness of energy efficiency has led to the integration of the principles of ecologically sustainable design. Natural convection of fresh filtered air is a good example.

An awareness of energy efficiency has led to the integration of the principles of ecologically sustainable design. Solar energy generation with photovoltaic panels is a good example.

Professional interaction

The need for laboratory planning to facilitate, indeed encourage, professional interaction is recognised as ideas can spring to mind when informal meetings occur, at the café for example.

System furniture with movable benches

My particular interest in laboratory furniture design, which I continue to develop as new user requirements are presented to me, stems from the fact that the laboratory furniture is the interface between the user and the building.

Shadowless lighting

Visual acuity is enhanced by shadowless indirect lighting with improved energy conservation.

Laboratory services to the benches

I have designed several systems to provide service outlets to movable benches and floor standing equipment with a kit of parts. This is the service spine system.

Reduce noise in the laboratory

Noisy equipment can be located in the peristitial space.

Recommendations additional to the Third Edition

Improve storage provision

There are various types of storage designs including supermarket style fridge/freezers in lieu of underbench units.

Avoid false ceilings

False ceilings should be avoided as accessing services will dislodge material, requiring labs to be vacated for cleaning.

Data Connections

Data cables need to be placed in accessible trays, not in false ceilings, as illustrated.

Lab Space Calculations

I recommend my 'linear methodology' to calculate the lab space required to accommodate the user needs. This example illustrates the method:

Space Relationships

An important part of the design brief is the space relationship diagram. I like to assist the client by arranging cutouts of spaces into the desired pattern. Sometimes they provide their own diagram.

Budget Control

A diagram such as this demonstrates how areas could be reduced to stay within budget restraints.