September 30, 1995
Narrative
⇒ Cost Efficiency: Assuring quality facilities
Assumptions:
while maintaining cost efficiency is a strong
VA goal.
The Research Laboratory Design Guide
Narrative addresses new construction as well as
renovation projects.
Trends:
The discussion throughout the Design Guide
Present trends are toward research at the
focuses on biosciences labs "life sciences labs"
micro
level
(genes,
cells,
viruses,
as used by the Department of Veterans Affairs
microorganisms).
Trends toward micro level
(VA).
research are evidenced in the emergence of new
Note: Dimensions are given in metric units with
research
technologies
such
as
mass
the English unit conversion in parentheses. For
spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging
example: 1680 mm (5'-6").
equipment.
Design
trends
involve
environmentally controlled atmospheres in the
labs.
Equipment is more automated with
Introduction:
computer controlled processes combined with
the need to frequently replace and update the
It is imperative that laboratory planners are
equipment.
Some of the new technology
aware that the research facility must not be
imposes stringent requirements on building
designed exclusively and permanently for any
utilities and environmental controls.
It is
one pattern or type of research work. The focus
imperative that labs be designed with mobile
of research is constantly changing. It should be
carts and shelving to allow for new equipment
expected that the direction of the facility's
and a rearrangement of the work flow. To insure
research program may change between design
a successful project, planners must anticipate
and activation. Therefore, the VA goal is to
future trends of research study that will take
achieve a facility that is flexible enough to
place in the lab through contact with lab users.
accommodate future programs while maintaining
cost efficiency at the time of design.
The design of a laboratory is a response to
Laboratory Space Planning:
four major challenges:
There are two plan options: the open plan
⇒ Flexibility:
The nature of research can
versus the closed plan. The open plan reduces
change in unpredictable ways. It is important
construction costs (requiring fewer walls),
to assess the kind and extent of flexibility
improves square footage efficiency, and is
that can be rationally planned while
oriented toward research teams. The closed
considering ADA guidelines.
plan allows tighter security and provides
⇒ Safety:
High risk factors to researchers
containment.
Although large laboratory
include
possible
from
programs common in teaching institutions are not
specimens, explosion, and exposure to
present at the VA, grouping of investigators by
chemicals. Exits must be clearly marked and
similar techniques (e.g.: molecular biology) is
the location of fume hoods must eliminate
done frequently in the VA.
VA investigator
the possibility of endangering the workers.
groups would benefit from the availability of open
plan labs. As shown in Section 4 of this guide,
⇒ Quality of Environment: The presence of
the VA recommends the open plan concept for
natural light, pleasing colors, and a quiet
all future lab design.
environment within the laboratory enhance
productivity.
With the adoption of the open plan concept,
there is a need to consider flexible casework
VA Design Guide -- Research Laboratory
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