In addition to being a multi-faceted problem, laboratory design plays a significant role in the research process, combining features of office space with those of a science lab, and must be implemented in a way that encourages efficiency in scientific activity.
Despite the fact that there are many differing viewpoints and questions about the most effective use of research space, there are some unalterable truths that everyone can agree on: the arrangement and layout of a lab are there to make scientific research as smooth as possible while also keeping researchers as comfortable as they possibly can. The ability to accomplish this without the addition of additional personnel, while simultaneously increasing productivity and reducing errors, is what optimal lab design is all about.
Every mistake in design can result in delays, an increase in blunders and accidents, as well as hampered experiments, which is why it is critical that the design of a science lab and lab furniture in Malaysia is of the greatest possible calibre. Continue reading if you’re considering making changes to the design of your workspace; we’ll go over the considerations you should make while planning the layout of your laboratory.
What Factors Should You Take Into Consideration When Designing Your Lab?
- Navigation With Ease
- Preparation With Scientists Is Essential.
- The Location, The Layout, And The Accessibility
- What Degree Of Adaptability Should It Have?
- The Importance Of Safety Cannot Be Overstated.
- Preparation With Scientists Is Essential.
A thorough period of pre-planning is required for the design of laboratory space. Workshopping with those who will be utilising the space is vital since it allows the lab to be adjusted to the specific needs of the research and extraneous elements may be discovered immediately. Collaboration with scientists provides designers with a level of precision that is particularly valuable for one-of-a-kind and unusual scientific study.
The Location, The Layout, And The Accessibility
The Location, The Layout, And The AccessibilityWhen planning the design of your lab, the location and arrangement of the space should be taken into mind as well. If it is a multi-story building, will it be necessary to provide the appropriate vertical transportation system? How convenient would it be for researchers to have access to things like utility systems, trash disposal, and the appropriate instruments, for example?
Simple things like the simplicity of maintenance, accessibility of equipment, heating and cooling requirements, and ergonomics are all elements that influence the architecture of rooms. In order to facilitate access and workflow, benches for write-ups, administration, and sample preparation should be strategically arranged around the perimeter of the lab. Furthermore, the height and depth of the bench should be considered in order to accommodate the ergonomics of instrumentation usage.
Take into consideration the lab’s adaptability as well; after everything is in place, it can be difficult to make changes. Building flexibility into your lab from the beginning will help to mitigate these difficulties. This leads us to the following step,
What Degree Of Adaptability Should It Have?
We discussed how gathering insights from scientists might help us fine-tune the process; nevertheless, research methodologies and practices will change over time as technology advances. In addition to the flexibility and adaptability noted above, your lab will be prepared for things that researchers may not necessarily require now but may be required in the future by their research.
However, even in the absence of such long-term effects, it is critical to have a flexible working environment because two or more researchers may be performing different jobs or have distinct requirements for a pleasant working environment. In order for a lab to remain flexible, the design of the room must be simple to reconfigure. Working surfaces and equipment stations can be moved to accommodate the needs of a new project, eliminating the need to hire more people from outside the organisation.
Researchers’ performance can be greatly enhanced by arrangements that reduce physical strain on the researcher, as well as by having lots of natural lighting available to them.
The Importance Of Safety Cannot Be Overstated.
Because of a well-designed lab, researchers are able to concentrate on their job rather than being too cautious when it comes to emergency situations and mishaps. In the design of your laboratory, it is critical to have safety features readily available.
Easily accessible biosafety cabinets, fire protection and detection systems, emergency showers/eyewash stations, and clearly posted exits are all recommended. Researchers can carry out their responsibilities to the best of their abilities if they are confident that the proper safeguards have been made to protect them.
It is also necessary to have the proper ventilation systems in place, which should be suited to the activity of the researchers. Furthermore, temperature regulation keeps users comfortable while also having the potential to boost productivity.
A Few Pointers
When designing your lab, it’s crucial not to go overboard with the configurations of the equipment. Lab layout standards include common-sense rules for a reason, and these guidelines are included in the standards for lab layout. Make use of them as a foundation to build your design on top of.
The ergonomic elements of work surfaces, such as adjustability, adequate lighting, and equipment placement, should be considered while designing computer workstations.
In order to accommodate chairs near fixed instruments and equipment, as well as for procedures needing a significant amount of time, bench areas should have sufficient knee space.
If you want to maximise researcher productivity, you should consider where your equipment is positioned. Several operations should be located close to one another in order to save travel time to and from certain pieces of equipment.
