So, where do we go next?.
bench space per floor area) than a new-build.This can be due to structural grids or the general proportions of the available space, among other things.
A tight or convoluted lab layout may mean disorganised or congested material and personnel flows, adding time to processes or increasing the risk of mix-ups and cross-contamination.There may be insufficient maintenance space, or a lack of space for collaboration between scientists or analytics and informatics work, which are particularly important in R&D environments and increasingly so with the rise in automation..Regarding flexibility, science and technology are evolving rapidly, which means new processes, equipment, and requirements.
Furthermore, the life science industry is very fast-moving, and businesses are routinely scaling-up or going bust.Flexibility is therefore vital not just for businesses and tenants, but also for developers looking to ensure buildings remain occupied.
In our experience, open plan offices with 7.2m grids and above are best suited to flexible lab conversions as these enable a wide range of bench configurations, larger equipment, subdivision into smaller rooms, as well as compliant installation of future MBSCs (microbiological safety cabinets) and fume cabinets.
Some extra space for unexpected changes or new technology introductions will almost certainly be beneficial in the long-run, and consideration should also be given to areas outside the main lab, such as the impact of automation or remote working on write-up and meeting areas.The answer, I feel, to the limitation of an individual impact is multiplication.
Multiplying each effect by ten, by a thousand, by a million, etc.Through support and work with organisations which advocate for change, apply pressure and do positive things at scale.
I can make choices about what I do and buy and communicate those choices.These actions get us to the 100s may be the 1,000s.
(Editor: Space-Saving Toasters)