Designing a lab is more than just designing an effective space. It is also about creating a conducive research environment using the available resources. For a lab to be effective, it needs to be flexible, efficient, and safe. These factors all increase the IT productivity of people working in the space.
There are also specific challenges you have to face when creating a lab design. Things such as airflow and waste management must be integrated correctly for the research space to work. In this article, we are going to discuss the three essential strategies for a successful lab design.
Simplicity Counts
The last thing you want is a research space that looks and feels cluttered. Similar to artists, engineers and scientists need a suitable environment to be effective. A cluttered lab often translates to a negative ambiance. It is also the source of many inefficiencies.
Simplicity is the way to go in most cases. You want clean design lines and functional amenities that are not only easy to access but are also complementary to the space itself in terms of design. Recessed cabinets and simple research tables are now used to replace the older, more complicated shelves for this very reason.
Simplicity is also an important aspect to consider when designing the flow of the lab. You have to take into account where research equipment and tools should be placed for optimum flow. This is what separates a great research environment from the rest. Equipment that is easy to find is equipment that can be used efficiently.
Minimalistic lab designs are the most efficient for the above reasons. Lab designs don’t necessarily have to look modern and bright, they just have to work and help lab techs undertake their tasks in the most efficient way possible.
Plan the Essentials
The next thing to keep in mind is infrastructure planning, particularly HVAC infrastructure that supports the laboratory. HVAC is always an important subject to focus on. Even those studying online master of engineering in biomedical engineering at top universities such as Rutgers Online are also learning about how to maintain a safe and suitable research environment as one of the must-have skills.
HVAC planning involves a lot of detailed things. For starters, you have to make sure that sufficient power is available to support the use of HVAC equipment. You also need to understand the kind of research programs that will be conducted and the specific requirements of those programs. With things such as biomedical engineering, additional infrastructure such as HEPA standard air filtration may be required.
Design for the Future
Technology is changing the way we research, so designing a lab for current equipment and tools as well as futuristic tech is the way forward. The last thing you want is a lab space that can’t cater for new equipment – after all, new technology comes into play every year. The best university hospital labs receive funding to expand and improve their research. You want make sure that your lab can keep up with those demands.
You’re never going to be able to think of everything, but if there is new tech in the pipeline that looks certain to happen in future, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make a space for it now.
Open Plan Lab Designs Count for a Lot
When it comes to lab environments, you’ll want to ensure it’s well-lit so lab techs can undertake their tasks freely. Open plan lab spaces can, and will, help produce more lighting from minimal energy sources. A step that most lab designers follow is to also base their designs with a glass entry/exit point to allow the light from the outside to penetrate within.
Of course, lighting doesn’t always help labs researching for different purposes, but having access to sufficient light will pay dividends when it comes to space. The last thing you want is overhanging lights and external electric lights to provide light, when all you need is an open plan lab design that takes advantage of external light. The benefits of open lab designs don’t stop there either. Open labs provide plenty of room and space for techs to work freely, ensuring all work undertaken is efficient.
Check the Regulations
Lastly, always review the federal and local regulations. For instance, the local regulations may oblige research facilities to have proper environmental contamination prevention measures in place. If the measures aren’t implemented properly, research employees and engineers working in the lab will be at risk; rule violations will also result in the lab being closed by local government.
Fortunately, the majority of regulations governing the design and use of research facilities are based on safety best practices and deep understanding of fields of research. Understanding these regulations helps you design an effective research environment and reach maximum safety and efficiency.
The key ingredient to a successful lab design is understanding. Many designers choose to work with online MEBME degree holders and experienced research writing experts to better understand the needs and specific requirements of researchers. Only then can you achieve the goal of designing a lab that provides researchers with the best environment for their important work.
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