Future-Proof Lab Design

When it comes to planning lab spaces for the long term, we find ourselves at the intersection of art and science. Much like the beloved “choose your own adventure” books and the nostalgia-inducing Mad Libs, lab design projects are akin to crafting our own narrative.

In this article, we discuss the evolving landscape of scientific research, the speed at which advancements are occurring, and how some critical considerations can allow for forward-thinking lab design. We need to set expectations from the outset—to call it “future proof” is an absolute. So, we are ensuring that we are “forward thinking” to accommodate the ability of the lab to be nimble when sciences, processes, or funding changes, as these events often happen quickly. Drawing insights from architects, lab planners, facility experts, and program strategists, we delve into the artistry and precision required to hit the mark for a lab.

The importance of “hitting the mark”

As we live and work in our spaces, we pay attention to our surroundings. We look around and think, “I wish I had an outlet there,” or “If I had space for one more refrigerator, I could start another research project.” Designers and engineers strive for precision. Success lies not only in completing the project for end users but in ensuring that we’ve precisely hit that bullseye. What does this mean? It’s about meticulously defining that elusive sweet spot where functionality, efficiency, and innovation converge. To achieve this, we must start by considering the following:

Process before progress: Imagine having a well-defined “Day 1 Program of Requirements.” It’s our compass, guiding us through the labyrinth of decisions. However, what about those ideas parked and displayed on your “future road mapping” list? Do your documents clearly articulate why certain choices were made? Clarity is key here for future reviewers to interpret your communication as they re-envision the space. Do you have clear processes about how you interact in concert with other team members? Is that understood? We need to ask these questions and allow every voice to be heard.
Nuts for nomenclature: In our industry, acronyms abound and it’s easy to drown in alphabet soup. Let’s provide concise, meaningful glossaries—not boilerplate lists, but curated references. Quality control matters, and it extends beyond the lab bench. We’ve seen successes on teams where there is a project thesaurus or glossary so we can verify and ensure we have thought through and accepted the terms as a project team. These documents are handed to users without a jump or change in nomenclature as they shift into operations of a successful lab.

After we have set our collective vision for the space with common nomenclature and understand what our defined goals are, we can plan the execution as an integrated team. With these details in mind, here are five key elements to prioritize when crafting the long-term vision of your lab space:

Shared spaces and open floor plans can foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Embrace flexibility

Laboratory leases are often 10 or even 20 years long. Therefore, we need to ensure future lab designs embrace flexibility to adapt to changing needs and react to our exponential growth in technologies, with little to no disruption. You have to put professionals and barrier plans in place to allow for the comingling of the work and the construction without impact.

The days of rigid, fixed lab layouts are fading. Instead, modular designs are gaining popularity. These designs allow for easy reconfiguration of spaces, ensuring that labs can quickly adapt to new research requirements. Imagine a lab that can transform overnight from a chemistry workspace to a biology lab, or even a collaborative meeting space. This flexibility ensures that labs remain efficient and relevant for years to come. We can do this by planning and programming ahead.

Encourage sustainability

Sustainability is no longer an optional extra but a critical component of lab design. Labs are notorious energy hogs, but this trend is changing. Energy-efficient designs, use of sustainable materials, and consideration of the lab’s long-term impact on the environment are now standard practices. Imagine a lab that generates its energy from renewable sources, recycles water, and uses materials that can be easily repurposed. These sustainable practices not only reduce environmental impact but also save costs in the long run. If we can put fewer first costs in, reuse more, and be more sustainable, we are hitting a trifecta of positive results.

Foster collaboration

Modern labs are moving away from the traditional siloed approach to a more collaborative model. Shared spaces and open floor plans can foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. Imagine a lab where researchers from different fields can easily interact, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. This collaborative environment can lead to breakthroughs that would not be possible in a more traditional lab setup.

A successful lab design also needs to consider human factors.

Integrate technology

The integration of advanced technology is crucial in modern lab design. This includes not only lab equipment but also communication and data management systems. Imagine a lab where researchers can access and analyze data in real time, collaborate with colleagues around the world, and even control experiments remotely. This integration of technology can streamline research processes, increase efficiency, and lead to more impactful discoveries.

Consider human factors

A successful lab design also needs to consider human factors. This includes ergonomics, safety considerations, and creating a pleasant working environment. Imagine a lab where researchers feel comfortable, safe, and inspired to do their best work. This focus on human factors—mental health and physical health—can improve productivity, reduce accidents, and enhance overall well-being. This takes serious concerted effort to achieve and is often memorialized with WELL® Building certifications and the like so that employees are aware of the effort and consideration put into their environment.

In conclusion, by embracing flexibility, prioritizing sustainability, fostering collaboration, integrating technology, and considering human factors, we can create lab spaces that are fit for purpose today while also being adaptable for the needs of the future. The collaboration between architects, lab planners, facility planners, and program planners is crucial in this process. Together, we can design labs that are innovative, sustainable, collaborative, technologically advanced, and user-friendly, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of scientific research for years to come.

Previously, we could not fathom what was coming next. This is largely still true. But by setting up your lab space with flexibility at the forefront, you can more easily adapt to future unknowns.

Let’s navigate the art and science of lab design, ensuring our spaces evolve alongside the groundbreaking research they cradle.