How to plan for your new laboratory space

Have you ever wondered how we design labs?

Our expert team at Evolve take a strategic approach to laboratory workspace consultancy.

Before we even think about your laboratory’s fit-out and furnishings, we will assign a team of specialists to perform a needs analysis with your key stakeholders.

This will involve:

1. Assessing your existing lab workspace and how you use it (if applicable).

2. Agreeing on your business objectives and how we can help you achieve them.

3. Identifying any bespoke space requirements, whether practical, scientific or people-focused.

4. Taking the time to understand your business and brand so we can create a lab space that is personal to you.

5. Ensuring the laboratory works for your team now and in the future.

6. Working together to agree on realistic budgets and timeframes to devise an achievable project plan

How Evolve creates people-centric laboratory spaces

At Evolve, we understand that planning the interior design of a laboratory space requires a specialised set of skills.

The materials, furnishings, technology and equipment should all combine to create a practical, productive, collaborative and inspiring workspace.

The secret of our success? We let the scientists take the lead.

Working collaboratively with our life sciences clients, we design and deliver laboratories that meet the practical needs of the people who will work there.

Planning for a variety of labs with Evolve

When it comes to the design and fit-out of lab projects, did you know there are different considerations depending on the type of lab required? Let’s cover the most common lab spaces:

Wet lab: Manipulating liquids – think of researchers wearing PPE and chemicals in beakers

Dry lab: Focus on physics and engineering – think of researchers by a computer wearing street clothes

Testing lab: Usually wet labs to support a bigger piece of a project such as testing whether a product is safe before distribution

Research lab: These can be both wet or dry labs in principle, but the main focus is supporting the overall research, whether engineering or biotech. AI can play an important role to make powerful predictions.

Teaching lab: Traditionally found in universities, but can be either dry or wet labs.

Understandably, each lab environment requires a very different approach to planning in terms of materials, furnishings and technology to work hard in its surroundings to remain practical, clean and functional.

At Evolve, we consider the different lab space demands so work closely and collaboratively with our life science clients to meet the practical needs of those who will work there.

Find out more about our bespoke design and fit-out services for laboratories by calling us today.

Our key processes for a successful laboratory

When designing your laboratory, Evolve’s expert team will work closely with your scientists in order to gain an understanding of how they wish to utilise the space.

We can even supply the bespoke furniture and equipment needed to operate the laboratory. Our process includes the following:

Coordinated design of spatial and services requirements
The strip-out process if required
Structural changes
Laboratory fit-out work, including partitioning, flooring and decorations
Mechanical and electrical services
Specialist monitoring of gases and the environment
Provision of laboratory furniture and specialist equipment
Commissioning of services and specialist systems
Training staff on how to operate new systems

Evolve’s in-house team of engineers specialise in the installation of laboratory services. As such, they understand what it takes to create the ideal conditions depending on how you plan to utilise the lab space.

What are the key considerations when fitting out a laboratory?

Just like any typical workplace, laboratories need to be planned with a suitable working environment in mind.

But unlike the majority of businesses that usually regulate the same environmental conditions throughout, laboratory environments require varying levels of diversity that are dependent on whatever the purpose of research is.

This makes fitting out a laboratory far more complex than the majority of workplaces which is why expert support and guidance are essential.

At Evolve, we have a wealth of experience in planning and fitting laboratories which can often be quite complex in terms of ensuring functionality and productivity.

Here  are some of the primary things to consider in the initial planning stages:

Power
Lighting and Heating
Gases and Gas Storage
Air Handling and Filtering
Data Security
Other Security Features

Vibration control in the modern laboratory

Not only can excessive vibration disrupt experiments and research, but it can also compromise safety and accuracy.

Here are our top 5 tips to mitigate the risk of vibration:

1. Assess the sources of vibration in your lab
Start with the obvious things such as equipment, foot traffic, or even nearby construction.

2. Invest in vibration isolation equipment, such as anti-vibration tables or mounts
These tools can help absorb and dissipate vibrations before they reach your sensitive equipment or experiments.

3. Carefully plan the layout of your lab
By strategically positioning equipment and workstations, you can minimize the potential for vibration interference.

4. Consider the materials used in your lab construction
Some materials may be more prone to vibration than others.

5. Monitor and maintain your vibration control measures regularly.
Consider routine inspections, calibration of equipment, and ongoing assessments of vibration levels in your lab.

By taking a proactive approach to vibration control, you can ensure a safe, accurate, and productive laboratory environment..

Discover more about our bespoke design and fit-out services for laboratories and scientific workspaces, below.

What does the lab of the future look like?

Increased demand for flexibility

In recent years there has been a shift in working preferences, with hybrid working growing in popularity in labs as well as offices.

Labs will: leverage technology, flexible furniture and equipment to suit the needs of whatever research is taking place.

Innovation, innovation, innovation

Interdepartmental interaction has been made easier by the inclusion of collaboration spaces in labs. This creates unique opportunities for innovation that may have previously been missed.

Smart labs

Labs are becoming smarter. With the recent drastic advancements in AI, researchers could be working in fully automated laboratories before we know it.

Focus on sustainability

Due to the energy-intensive nature of labs, it is crucial to consider sustainability in the construction and design process. Turning towards renewable sources of energy and leveraging technology helps labs to control their energy consumption.

This is who we are

Our programmes and partnerships, innovations and investments, and the positive impact we’re having in our communities