Making the most of the space in your lab with Evolve

In a busy lab environment, space is a vital resource. In order to deal with increasing demand in sciences, labs must be responsive to multiple needs at all times.

Safety should always take precedence, while efficiency is also a priority. But what about wellbeing, creativity, and enjoyment? Well-organised, spacious labs foster better working environments conducive to learning and innovation.

Multiple integrative activities, health and safety concerns, segregation of hazardous chemicals and processes, and lab accessibility for all individuals demand that good use of space is a true art in lab design. A lab doesn’t have to be big to succeed in its ventures, and lack of space shouldn’t compromise the quality of lab work that occurs.

Read on for our take on harnessing the use of space in a lab.

Space planning happens in the infancy of any lab design project, and this key stage sets a standard for the facility’s performance and efficiency. Effective use of space can reduce costs, minimise waste, ensure safety protocols are followed, and facilitate timely projects.
So what, specifically, can space maximisation influence in the lab? It can…

• Allow processes to be carried out easily without physical barriers in the way to optimise human workflow.
• Reduce transition time between tasks, activities, and spaces.
• Facilitate easier communication and collaboration between teams and individuals (including hybrid and remote collaboration in future-proof labs).
• Reduce the chance of human error by providing ergonomic areas in which to work and influence the outcome of clinical workflows.
• Optimise energy use in the space to promote sustainable laboratory interests.
• Improve productivity, creativity, and the wellbeing of lab users.
• Eliminate safety risks and minimise accidents and injuries in the lab.
• Thanks to the creative use of space, a lab can produce better quality work, retain greater talent, and perform to its potential.

When considering the use of space on a lab floorplan, other factors are also at play. Safety in lab design should take precedence in any design decision. Safety skillfully combined with functionality and aesthetics makes for a successful lab design.

If we can extend space planning to future-ready initiatives, like sustainability, incorporating the use of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly practices like water conservation; tech integration like the use of automation, robotic equipment, and digital systems; and scalability and longevity for the future, we can ensure space maximisation is ensured for years to come.

With an intelligent and robust design at its foundations, there are lots of ways to use lab space to its maximum potential. When lab design makes way for more efficient and easy processes, space-saving becomes a natural part of day-to-day operations. Here are ten tips for effective use of lab space.

• Free up floor space with wall-mounted equipment and overhead shelving. Vertical space can be used to keep items out of the way, while empty open spaces can be adapted.
• Maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Clean-ups throughout the day will maintain a clear workspace for better focus and productivity.
• Furnish the lab with modular units like workbenches and tables on wheels with locking castors so they can be easily moved and firmly held in place.
• Consider investing in equipment that stacks, nests, retracts, and folds away to save space and make tidying away easier for staff.
• Keep on top of inventory management with stock checks and rotation. Use labelling and categorising systems or cupboard and drawer organisers to maximise storage space without creating disorganisation.
• Prioritise digital records over analogue to minimise unnecessary use of space to store documentation.
• Establish shared equipment spaces which will also encourage collaboration.
• Investigate underused areas, like transitional spaces, to determine whether they can be used as lab space.

The only way to establish a lab that truly uses its available space to its full potential is through well-thought-out design from the ground up. Through effective use of space in the conception phase of planning, we can find invaluable extra room in your lab that will make everyday tasks easier for years to come. Arrange a call with us to see how we can help you.

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