UKSPA Conference 2008 Laboratories for the Future East Midland Conference Centre, University Park, Nottingham Incubator Buildings in Science Parks – special.

UKSPA Conference 2008UKSPA Conference 2008

“Laboratories for the Future”“Laboratories for the Future”East Midland Conference Centre, University Park, NottinghamEast Midland Conference Centre, University Park, Nottingham

Incubator Buildings in Science Incubator Buildings in Science Parks – special needs and design Parks – special needs and design

solutionssolutionsbyby Brian Griffin, Architect, laboratory specialist and authorBrian Griffin, Architect, laboratory specialist and author

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONSSecurity covered car parking and stores delivery zone next to goods lift

Basement car park, separate store rooms for each tenant, special equipment rooms, noisy equipment.

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Shared reception, audio visual presentation, cafeteria and meeting rooms.

All shared spaces at ground floor.

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONSProspective tenants need to be shown what is available, what services and a demonstration lab fitout.

Demonstration suite showing movable bench furniture in modular adaptable single or connected suites with peristitial services

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Quality lighting on the bench, equipment and shelves without 'reflected glare' from luminaires.

Indirect lighting from suspended luminaires directing light to a white ceiling.

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

To avoid manual handling of materials

Automated systems using tracks, pneumatic tube or carousels.

Loading the carousel

Retrieving supplies

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Data communication between staff without cables in overhead trays.

Accessible cable trays. Wireless technology where possible.

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

To reduce toxic emissions to the environment from fume cupboards.

Recirculatory filtration fume cabinets to Euro standards

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

To prevent cross contamination from one laboratory to other laboratories.

Decentralised air conditioning to each laboratory – see plan – or chilled beams with individual filtered outside air

Four AC units per floor

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

To avoid direct sunlight on sensitive instrumentation and chemicals becoming unstable.

Sunshading facade to laboratory windows or internal laboratories

Perforated irregular louvres

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONSTo reduce draughts from HVAC which affect containment in fume cupboards, local exhaust and maintaining negative/positive pressure.

Chilled beams which cool by natural convection mixed with filtered fresh air. Saves energy by not requiring ‘balance air’.

USER NEEDS DESIGN SOLUTIONS

To allow changes in research programmes, technology, staff, budgets etc.

Generic laboratories with movable benches serviced from a peristitial service corridor.

Typical laboratory floor with the peristitial service corridor outside the wet labs

Other laboratory design solutions

Design for changeAll 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.

Design generic, not specificThe 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 structuresAll fixed structures such as stairs, toilets and lifts should not be an obstruction within the open plan laboratory/support/workstations’ flexible space.

Building energy rating systemsMost 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.

Building energy rating systemsMost 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.

Reticulated servicesThe 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.

Energy-efficient designsAn 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.

Laboratory services to the benchesI 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.

Service spine and bollards

Add reagent shelves

Add movable benches