Prompted by the evolution of the digital era in both data gathering and communications, laboratory research is in the midst of radical transformations in both organization and methodology—aiming at becoming more efficient and productive. This session will explore all aspects of lab research through the lens of three recent R&D campus master plans and subsequent renovation projects. 

Attendees will ...

With the 2030 federal mandate to achieve carbon neutral facility construction and operation rapidly approaching, many institutions should ask themselves if they are on track to be carbon neutral by 2030, 90% reduction by 2025, or even 80% reduction by 2020. Considering the average mid-size laboratory building takes three to five years to design and construct, if this isn’t a ...

Laboratories are some of the most technically challenging types of spaces to design. Once the technical aspects are accounted for, what separates the good labs from the great? The answer lies in productivity. 

Whether the lab is for research, testing or teaching, operating at optimal potential is the goal of any lab. What does the latest research tell us ...

MIT.nano is a brand-new nanotechnology facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, designed to house a range of ultra-sensitive instruments. History has shown that sensitive facilities tend to become less sensitive over time as tools and users begin to move in. This presentation will describe the steps MIT.nano is taking to maintain its sensitive environment, and the role ...

This presentation will explore the nexus between architectural and engineering design, and the programmatic and spatial considerations for clean, safe and low energy laboratory buildings. 

Low energy buildings start in the master planning phase where the accommodation and programmatic adjacencies can best be manipulated and shaped. The speakers will explore different implementation techniques to pursue scientific discovery through innovative ...

Over the last seven years, there has been a dramatic increase in complex buildings that incorporate research (experimental and computational), clinical, education, innovation space and specialty functions (imaging, cyclotrons, vivariums, core labs/technology platforms)—and this is pushing the envelope on traditional research building planning. In this presentation, we will look at trends and issues, developing a universal planning module ...

“We’re making it work, but it’s not ideal.” This is a typical problem that labs face—research evolves, business needs can change, and often the design of the lab and supporting spaces no longer accommodate the current science. 

When the facility doesn’t work as needed (more tests than planned, not enough storage, too much walking between functions, etc.), employees ...