5 Things to Know: The Future of Lab Design

The drab lab is dead. Today’s scientists demand workplaces that are vibrant, collaborative, healthy and sustainable.

So do we.

At HOK, our Science + Technology experts are pioneering new approaches to lab design that make labs as innovative as the science occurring within them. Below are but a few of the things we’ve been working on, discussing and researching when it comes to next-level lab design.

1.?Emory Unveils Health Sciences Research Building II

The future of lab design can be seen today in Emory University’s new Health Sciences Research Building II. Designed by HOK and constructed by JE Dunn, the eight-story building opened in March and is home to more than 1,000 multidisciplinary researchers, includes numerous collaboration zones and is targeted to achieve LEED Gold certification. Learn more about Emory’s HSRB II.

2.?Trends in the Scientific Workplace

Technology, research funding, DEI, and employee autonomy are just some of the factors impacting lab performance and function. Our lab planners and workplace strategists offer solutions to these and other challenges in a new report, Trends in the Scientific Workplace: The Shape of Labs to Come.

3.?Lab Renovations and Adaptive Reuse

A renovated lab can cost half as much as a similar brand-new building. Similarly, converting an existing building into new lab space (adaptive reuse) can be faster and less expensive than ground-up projects. Renovations and adaptive reuse have the additional benefit of being more environmentally friendly by requiring far less embodied carbon.

Check out the many opportunities—and the occasional challenges—of lab renovations and adaptive reuse in our recent report: Lab Design Strategies for Renovations and Adaptive Reuse.

4.?The Life Sciences Outlook for 2023 and Beyond

What market factors are shaping the life sciences sector in 2023? This article in Labiotech is worth reading for a quick glance at how VC investment, real estate markets, climate and M&A activity are shaping the industry.

5.??Pathway to Net Zero Carbon Labs

Labs are notoriously carbon heavy from an operational energy and embodied carbon standpoint. It doesn't have to be this way. In a new technical report, HOK’s Science + Technology team analyzes three design approaches to demonstrate how labs could be built and operated to meet the 2030 energy use and embodied carbon challenges of the Royal Institute of British Architects and American Institute of Architects. Check out Pathway to Net Zero Labs.

Boston Calling!

Lastly, we're happy to announce the opening of our new Boston?studio, which expands HOK's global footprint to 26 cities. Led by long-time Bostonian?Tom Grimble, the office will support new and existing clients throughout the region, including many in the S+T space such as Sanofi, AstraZeneca and Longfellow. If you're in New England, we'd love to hear from you!