What type of laboratory are you building and why does purpose define design?
Understanding your purpose and outcome is key to a very successful workflow and design delivery. There are many types of laboratories and each type may differ in its purpose to deliver a specific outcome. In this article we seek to assist end users and architects with some basic fundamentals to help you understand the importance of function over form and the impact of good design on the purpose and outcome. Laboratory types are commonly segmented into three key categories.
- Throughput/Production laboratories
- Research laboratories
- Academic Laboratories.
Throughput/Production Laboratories
The purpose of a typical throughput/production laboratory is to process a sample accurately, and quickly. The speed and quality of throughput can determine a competitive edge especially on a large scale multi-national analytical organisation. Throughput or production labs are normally clinical or analytical testing facilities with a clear line of process from start to finish. Examples for throughput laboratories include:
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Laboratories
- Clinical/Pathology Laboratories
- Analytical Testing Laboratories
- Soil testing Laboratories
In a clinical/pathology laboratory accuracy and speed is paramount as human life and treatment of life threatening disease and conditions depends directly on the accuracy and speed of results. In more recent times automation/robotics has been a huge contributor to both of these factors and is equally important as workflow and process of the space.
An analytical or testing laboratory is similar to clinical/pathology but is more related to the testing of wastewater, drinking water, water catchment management, soil testing and other repetitive testing required by councils or private organisations for compliance and quality control. Accuracy and speed is also paramount, accuracy for end user.
Example workflow for a production Laboratory.
The transition to automation in today’s production laboratory is not the only way to assist with high throughput, as there is lower cost and simpler way that can assist with automation called “workflow”. The importance of workflow and lean process is often underestimated, especially in larger production lab operations were multiple laboratory staff are working in the same space. Large amounts of capital can be absorbed upgrading to better methods through automation and robotics, but this transition can often happen over years as capital becomes available to purchase equipment. This results in equipment being placed in the most available spaces for a quick convenience without the thought of workflow and overlooking the huge potential and ROI (Return on Investment).
One of the best ways to assess workflow is to step back from your laboratory with your team and document a process map without thinking about the space you have available. Break up your laboratory in to small areas... for example in a pathology you may break it into the following areas:
- Sample Processing Bench
- Sample preparation workstation
- Formalin downdraft vented station
- Processing Instrument
- Embedding Instrument
- Microtome and Cryo Stations
- Laboratory Oven Station
- Staining Workstation
- Cover slipping Workstation
- Cryostat Workstation
- Sample Archiving System
It is a great idea to look at the lineal meters, resource and equipment required for each area and document this as part of your workflow process. Consider number of staff and remap your layout
When looking at increasing throughput, it is important to eliminate as many cross over points as possible. If you drew a plan view sketch of your laboratory in its existing state, then draw lines from point to point in order of process, this will immediately show you the crossover point in the process highlighting immediate inefficiencies.
Research Laboratories
Research type laboratories are dynamic work-spaces that need to be adapted to facilitate the testing, experiment and research being conducted at any given time. The space requirements can change from one day to another as innovation is an ever evolving essential to any progressing business or institution. Some examples of research type laboratories include:
- Research/University laboratories
- QA Laboratories
- R&D Laboratories
A research/university laboratory is a space that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. It needs to facilitate a group of researches with a research grant and a challenge. Every challenge can be different so the space needs to be dynamic and interchangeable whilst facilitating a number of services.
Example workflow for a Research and Development Laboratory.
A QA Lab is designed to detect, reduce, and correct deficiencies in a laboratory's internal analytical process prior to the release of patient results, in order to improve the quality of the results reported by the laboratory
Research and development (R&D, R+D, or R'n'D), also known in Europe as research and technological development (RTD), refers to innovative activities undertaken by corporations or governments in developing new services or products, or improving existing services or products.
Academic Laboratories
Educational type laboratories should be designed to maximise the ability of the educator to teach whilst increasing the academic/learning outcome of students. Examples of educational type laboratories include:
- Secondary School Science Laboratories
- STEM and Technology Centers
- 1st and 2nd year University Teaching Laboratories
The core purpose of a learning type of laboratory is to educate students through practical “hands on” and academic experience whilst maximising learning outcomes. This is really the most important factor because it can directly determine the success of the university or educator and ultimately accelerate the student into their career.
The second most important thing would be the work flow between the front-of-house and back-of-house this is traditionally known as preparation and learning space. Learning space can consist of academic, wet laboratory or dry laboratory space and can come under the banner of physics, chemistry or biology space and more recently STEM and technology space. The front-of-house and back-of-house is important because its layout and workflow can determine the speed and agility of which the laboratory practicals are prepared and distributed.
Example workflow for a educational laboratory.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in traditional methods of teaching science. We are now seeing new approaches to the design and fit-out of laboratory work spaces. An ideal science laboratory is now one that provides flexibility and gives a secure and creative environment for both teachers and students.
The 21st century calls for a shift in the way we teach our students and we are beginning to see a trend of positive learning environments commonly known as Self-Directed Learning (SDL) or in science, Self-Directed Research (SDR). Open and flexible laboratory spaces can be adapted to meet the needs of the students and teachers and provide opportunities for individuals to work and interact in a way that is most conducive to their own learning style.
From a student who is cooperative learner to one who is an independent or competitive learner, a good laboratory design will consider the ideal space for both, keeping in mind the need to accomplish theoretical and practical work. It is also worth considering the different needs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology requirements. This ensures multiple subjects can be taught and utilised in the same creative space. A well designed and collaborative space will facilitate multiple learning styles including:
- Social and collaborative learning
- Integrated curriculum
- Self-Directed/teacher-directed learning
- Individualistic learning
- Project work
- Direct instruction