Back in 1965, when Gordon Moore predicted that computing power would double every two years, he didn’t realize that his insight would become known as Moore’s Law. But he was right; and we’ve seen it play out in microchip technology ever since.
Today, we’re experiencing a similar doubling factor in other areas of science. Innovation is skyrocketing, thanks in part to organizations like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Its biomedical research hub in Chicago will bring together minds from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to develop nano technologies for cell and tissue research.
To stay ahead, we’re building a workforce to support this innovation: life sciences employment hit a record 2.1 million jobs at the start of 2023. What’s more, employment in the fields of life, physical, and social science is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, about the same rate as the average for all occupations. This increase is expected to result in about 98,700 new jobs over the decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Opportunities will also arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 147,900 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What’s driving this progress? In part, it’s the exponential growth of clinical trials. According to Clinicaltrials.gov, a mere 1255 trials were in place in 2000, while more than 400,000 are running in 2023.
So, we have the momentum, and the people in place to foster it. The last piece of the puzzle? Smart, flexible lab space, and lots of it.
Thankfully, we now have the capability to build labs to support any kind of technology and ground-breaking thinking. It’s a challenge, but it’s certainly not impossible to put strategies in place to design exceptional lab space for R&D, biological, chemical, energy, food innovation, clinical GMP and more. In fact, our goal is to build in flexibility so the scientists aren’t constrained by the space, and in fact, may even be inspired by their workspace.
Designing Exceptional Lab Space
Scientists are using traditional models in novel ways and finding new technologies to amplify their research. This multidisciplinary approach to science and cross fertilization of thinking means lab designers, engineers, and architects must truly understand the science and be prepared to leverage it in novel ways to create a space that is better for the users. Here are three key strategies to make it possible.
One: Place the lab module at the center of every plan
A smart lab design starts on the outside and moves in. When the exterior skin, structure, and lab module are designed in unison, it increases efficiency and enhances safety. Decisions about the placement of windows and views coordinated with the lab module take advantage of daylight for a high-performance building. And major equipment such as exhaust fans that easily integrate with the rooftop and will benefit from logical and cost-effective placement.
Consider placing the core in an offset position. While a central core may work well for a typical office building, an offset core may allow for a more efficient lab floor plate and can enhance the safety of the labs.
An overall floor plan with a minimum 50’ depth can enhance design, with the ideal lab depth being 50’ - 55’. This allows for a more efficient use of the total square footage. We like to analyze the total linear feet (LF) of lab bench and equipment zone to the total overall gross square foot (GSF). An exceptional ratio of .15LF/GSF (versus inefficient .13LF/GSF) could mean a gain of 2,000 LF of bench and equipment space in a 100,000 SF lab. Every inch counts in lab planning, so pay close attention to your design layouts.
Ensure that you have a sound structural grid that mitigates vibration. Equipment like a mass spectrometer is incredibly sensitive and small movements from simple footfall traffic can alter results, putting at risk your investment in research, time and money.
Movement of materials is also key, with supplies coming in and (potentially hazardous) waste leaving the lab. Loading dock bays and connection to vertical transport must be part of a considered building plan, as is movement of materials inside a building, which may include dedicated elevators for materials and people, for example.
A major advantage in effective lab design is the duct/utility loop. Speed to market will drive many decisions for lab space. A properly installed duct/utility loop can allow for a shorter construction schedule. With infrastructure and utilities already in place, it is very easy to connect into these systems.
- Accommodating key functionality while maintaining clearances and keeping ceiling heights as high as possible are key to smart HVAC design.
- Electrical is the most frequently upgraded utility, making a dedicated zone for electrical distribution a wise choice. The ease of access that will make equipment changes smoother and more affordable in the future will be appreciated.
- When coordinating plumbing and piping, be sure to consider multiple floors at a time so waste drains for the floor above aren’t interfering with duct work and wiring for the floor below.
In short, a well-planned duct utility loop allows for a plug and play format for all utilities, ensuring they are functioning optimally without interfering with one another.
Two: Include these essential lab amenities
Chemical inventory and safe storage of hazardous materials must be functional for everyone. Keep in mind that hazardous material storage is regulated; if you are working in a tall building, planning for storing materials on lower floors is a must.
An efficient lab has the right amount of materials on hand, but space for science takes precedence over storage, so building in just-in-time techniques that allow for the right materials to be available at the right time, with no interruption to process, will make for a successful lab design. Electronic bar-coded management systems help to make this more effective in real time, but the most important aspect is maintaining safety regulations.
Include freezer farms for cold storage, and make these automated if possible, to allow for strict control and management.
Consider leveraging third party ‘cloud labs’ to manage some of the more basic aspects of lab processes. Sample testing and quality assurance can happen offsite in a totally automated lab and can be managed by an online ordering process. This frees up lab space for more complicated processes and can be economically advantageous as these labs work on a pay per service model. Another benefit to this model is its impartiality, which adds a level of trust to results, particularly when reporting on quality assurance.
In my experience, including speculative lab spaces or innovation centers that allow for growth and R+D initiatives as part of the initial design not only encourages innovation, but builds in flexibility to handle discoveries, new ideas, and the essential pivots that come with results. The truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know when you start your design, and with the pace of innovation, the smart choice is to plan for this unpredictability.
Three: Seek out a healthy lab ecosystem
A truly innovative facility is more than well designed space and state-of-the art equipment. It’s the combination of that physical space with location, technology, proximity to resources, and importantly, talent. You need to consider things at both the macro and micro level for a resilient, successful facility:
- Environment - Academic and medical centers located near the facility that offer a strong and reliable talent pool
- Momentum - Participation and collaboration with faculty at academic institutions that support research and funding like National Health Institute Grants
- Efficiency - An organically growing, local workforce that supports all aspects of the lab
- Community - A location that offers an attractive quality of life, discouraging talent from seeking greener pastures
- Technology - Data analytics and machine learning that foster and support innovation
- Operations - Proximity to supplies, maintenance and repair companies that will minimize disruptions and increase productivity
It’s clear that we’ll need an increasing number of well-placed, and thoughtfully designed labs to match the pace of innovation in the years ahead. Engaging with an expert in lab design who brings an understanding of both the technical aspects of an efficient design and the importance of a lab ecosystem will pay dividends to any company with its sights set on fostering the next big discovery.
About the Author: Mark Paskanik, AIA, is a talented lab planner and licensed architect. With a focus on the lab ecosystem, Mark strives to make each lab successful through a holistic approach of examining the support system of the lab beyond its walls while understanding industry best practices to attract the best and brightest employees. He has over 20 years of experience programming, planning, and designing research facilities worldwide, and in that time, he has planned over 20 million square feet of laboratory projects ranging from wet lab to dry lab with specialties in BSL, GMP, and vivaria. Mark is a member of Labcompare's Editorial Advisory Board.