Lab design has failed to keep pace with scientific advances and the changing needs of researchers. If, as expected, the next generation ushers in significant revolutions in the ways science is conducted, then lab design and operations, and the ways that scientists interact with these environments, will be at the heart of this change.
That is the scenario CBRE Global Workplace Solutions lays out in a just-released report, “Lab of the Future,” authored by Gregory Weddle, CBRE’s Vice President of Innovation and Products; and Hannah Hahn, its Global Workplace Innovation Manager.
The report draws heavily from a benchmarking study of labs that CBRE completed in 2014, which collected data from 24 labs in three global regions across four leading pharmaceutical companies. The report also reflects more than 68 lab professionals who responded to a questionnaire and contributed qualitative data on occupancy, instrumentation, spatial use, and collaborative space.
There are several reasons why labs need fresh design approaches. The era of the blockbuster drug discovery is past, and long-term trends lean toward personalized care, data-driven discovery, and digitization of lab spaces. “Hyper-flexible spaces that can be reconfigured as needs change will become more important.”
In addition, R&D is moving to lower-cost countries and to be closer to new markets. By 2025, two thirds of the world’s population could be living in Asia. Per-capita health spending in these markets today is significantly below Western levels. “The ability to collaborate quickly and efficiently among global locations will be more vital than ever.”
Indeed, CBRE sees organizations placing far more emphasis on speed to market and maximizing the use cost for their research facilities. “There is intense scrutiny on the return on investment for all R&D projects.”
Future labs need to be adaptable to changing technologies, and be set up to deliver products quicker to market. Image: CBRE Global Workplace Solutions
CBRE says that, at the very least, organizations with lab space should be asking themselves:
• Does your organization have many large molecule products in its pipeline?
• Is your science focus changing?
• Is your organization well-funded?
• Is your organization able to attract the scientists it requires in timely fashion?
• How willing is my organization to adopt new processes?
“Business strategy, therefore, must drive laboratory strategy,” CBRE concludes.
Among the trends that the CBRE’s report cites include digital lab space, which reflects the new generation of researchers known as digital natives, who are accustomed to digital technology having grown up with it. Social technology is changing communication patterns within labs, leading to flatter structures based on specialty interests. And given that only 7% of current lab space is set aside for collaboration, future labs must allocate more area for researcher collaboration, enabled by technology and design concepts.
Standardization could be a key to making labs more efficient and amenable, says CBRE. “Modular planning principles will be used to create a collaborative, flexible lab floorplan that can be used as a rotating lab,” the report states. “This means each lab space must be essentially the same size to allow for changes in lab furniture, bench space and overall layout. Today’s (and tomorrow’s) labs are aided by the ability to prefabricate building elements.”
Other factors influencing the shifting utilization of lab space include the miniaturization of equipment, which has been going on for a while, and helps to make researchers more productive in less floor space. Automation and robotics, so-called “shy” technology that’s barely noticeble (such as devices that communicate with each other), 3D printing, and artificial intelligence will all play roles in lab design and space utilization.
CBRE points out that, as life sciences become more technologically focused, labs must be set up to handle the greater volumes of data. Currently about 20% of lab space is set aside for technology, and that will need to increase significantly over the next 25 years.
And adept, skilled facilities managers will be in demand to keeping labs functional. “Put simply, as the physical location of the lab and all of its equipment become more fluid, a team that keeps track of utilization, operation, and maintenance of equipment will play an important role,” the report states.
Related Stories
| Feb 24, 2014
First look: UC San Diego opens net-zero biological research lab
The facility is intended to be "the most sustainable laboratory in the world," and incorporates natural ventilation, passive cooling, high-efficiency plumbing, and sustainably harvested wood.
| Feb 18, 2014
Study: 90% of healthcare providers say Affordable Care Act is 'step forward,' but major revisions needed
Providers are excited about opportunities to address long-term health issues in the U.S., but worries about the transition persist, according to a new study by Mortenson Construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
What's in store for healthcare capital markets in 2014?
Despite the shake up stemming from the Affordable Care Act, 2014 will be an active year in healthcare capital markets, according to real estate experts from CBRE Healthcare.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Dec 20, 2013
Top healthcare sector trends for 2014 (and beyond)
Despite the lack of clarity regarding many elements of healthcare reform, there are several core tenets that will likely continue to drive transition within the healthcare industry.
| Dec 17, 2013
IBM's five tech-driven innovation predictions for the next five years [infographics]
Smart classrooms, DNA-based medical care, and wired cities are among the technology-related innovations identified by IBM researchers for the company's 5 in 5 report.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.