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Home > Markets > Laboratory Design & Furnishings
The New Open Labby Gary Cipa Over the last several years the “new” concept of an open laboratory design has been a hot topic at lab design conferences and planning sessions. Actually, the open lab concept is not new at all. If we go back in history to the earliest labs, they were, in fact, generally all open designs. All functions were in the same, undivided space. As science became more sophisticated and measurements were made with more precision, certain laboratory functions were isolated to protect the integrity of specific processes. This isolation process was certainly furthered by the territorialism of research groups (or individuals), security and formalized facility programming and design.
Forever evolving, science is opening new doors, providing elusive answers and allowing us to look more deeply into our universe than ever before. We are, however, for the first time in history, at a time when we cannot possibly design facilities that will outlive technology. New methods, lower detection limits, changing paradigms and super-sophisticated instrumentation can only provide clues as to what may be required for the laboratory in the next decade and beyond.
The challenges facing design teams are tremendous. Efficiency, economy, functionality, safety, building codes and far more complexity in building structures, systems and services are problems we must continue to address. As we add the fast-paced evolution of science to the equation, the task becomes Herculean. Regardless of how close to perfection we get with our planning and design process, changes will be necessary and will occur beginning at the time of initial laboratory occupancy.
In the past, modifications of laboratory layouts to accommodate changes in staff, processes or equipment have usually been viewed as a nuisance. After sometimes-lengthy justification processes, changes would be implemented. Changes took time, idled staff, disabled critical resources and generally crippled entire laboratories. Today, we can be certain that change will occur. Adaptability must be accepted and anticipated and it must be at the user level whenever possible. Enabling the user to make modifications is a critical key to a functional and efficient laboratory.
Opening the lab design to larger rooms with multiple modules is a great first step but the real benefits are achieved through the introduction of non-conventional laboratory furnishings and service distribution systems. Mobility, connectivity and flexibility options may cost a little more initially but the long-term payback is tremendous.
Overhead Service Distribution
Traditionally, laboratory services, such as gases, water, communications and electricity have been delivered to individual bench tops. This type of distribution is very labor-intensive at the time of field installation and represents a large portion of the mechanical installation costs. In order to “best guess” where services may be needed, the number of service connections may also be excessive. Overhead service distribution systems are suspended from the ceiling and allow connection to the services along the entire length of the system. These units are provided in modular lengths and may be pre-plumbed and pre-wired at the manufacturing facility. Once on site, the units are quickly attached to the building structure and connected to a single-point of service connections. The cost reduction of on-site installation and distribution easily offsets the added cost of the overhead system components.
Mobility, Height Adjustability, Adaptability
Fixed casework has been the laboratory standard since the earliest labs. Regardless of the materials of construction, this type of furniture defines a rigid laboratory configuration that offers little, if any, adaptability. It can also be very user-unfriendly in terms of ergonomics. Today, a wide variety of options is available. Benches or tables may have wheels to facilitate mobility. This permits reorganization and sharing of lab equipment between groups or departments. Height adjustable benches are necessary in more and more labs to minimize the repetitive stress issues facing employees and to address a wider range of worker heights. Simple but effective racking and shelving systems above benches allow vertical integration above the primary workbench. This takes better advantage of expensive lab space and permits workers to adjust the shelves to accommodate peripheral equipment and supplies related to a specific lab task or function.
The Payback
Overhead distribution, mobility, flexibility…all great concepts, but how do they affect the bottom line cost? Building a lab with these options can add a few dollars to the first cost of laboratory furniture but it can also dramatically reduce the mechanical installation costs at the same time. Depending on the laboratory configuration and number of services the overall cost of overhead service distribution may actually be less than conventional bench-mounted services.
As changes occur in the lab (staff, process, equipment), user-adaptability will eliminate outside contractors, project delays and down time. The staff is able to dedicate their time to efficient operations rather than waiting for changes to be made.
The ergonomics issue is often inadequately addressed when labs are designed. This is, however, an area of tremendous and growing concern. Employee injuries due to improper ergonomics can be devastating to production and extremely costly. Workers’ compensation costs and claims are increasing at an alarming rate and should be avoided through responsible employer action. Adjustability in work surface height is critical for employee well-being.
Another tremendous advantage of overhead service distribution and mobile benches is realized at tax time. Fixed laboratory furniture is depreciated over 39 ½ years. Mobile equipment and overhead service distribution systems can qualify for as little as a five year depreciation term.
Summary
There is nothing new or earth shaking about an open lab design. The greatest benefits are realized by the way we design the service distribution and furniture systems. The cost advantages can be significant and the payback continues as the laboratory is used.
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