by Vera Juul
According to the Boston Globe, nearly 16 million sq. ft. of lab space is available in Greater Boston. With such a surplus of lab space, users need to be proactive in finding the right option for their company and the scientific work being performed. While there are many factors to consider when evaluating a laboratory renovation project, identifying the key criteria will help guide the design process.
1. Understand the Research Program
To ensure the success of a laboratory renovation, it is important to have a clear understanding of the research being conducted. Different types of labs—such as bioscience, chemistry, or clinical research—each have unique operational, safety, and infrastructure requirements. While some needs may overlap, it is essential to identify the specific workflows, equipment, and research activities to create a functional design.
Design team members with scientific or lab planning experience can offer valuable insights into user needs, daily operations, and overall lab functionality. Their expertise is crucial for developing a design that is efficient, user-focused, and able to accommodate both current and future research goals.
2. Evaluate Existing Building Infrastructure
Laboratories require extensive infrastructure, making it essential to evaluate the existing systems within the building. Key aspects to consider include the HVAC capacity, structural limitations, and access to vertical shafts for new utilities and exhaust systems.
It is important that the building meets the lab’s needs while complying with building codes and biosafety standards. Identifying any infrastructure limitations early in the process helps prevent unexpected challenges, assesses the project’s feasibility, and guarantees that the renovated lab will be safe and effective for the research being conducted.
3. Align Budget, Schedule, and Design Goals
Lab renovations are complex and require careful coordination of the budget, schedule, and design goals. Involving key stakeholders from the beginning helps set priorities, understand constraints, and identify ways to phase the project if the lab must remain operational during construction.
It is also important to understand the organization’s long-term growth and flexibility plans. Designing adaptable labs makes it easier to meet new research needs, keep pace with evolving technology, and plan for future expansion. This approach ensures that clients receive maximum value from their investment.
4. Establish Environmental and Sustainable Goals
Research labs use significant resources, including energy, water, and ventilation. As designers, our goal is to minimize environmental impact while making sure the quality of research remains high.
Sustainability should be considered at every stage of the design process. This means choosing energy-efficient equipment and HVAC systems, and considering the lifecycle of furniture and finishes. Whenever possible, we should incorporate Green Lab Certification and other recognized sustainability standards. Implementing these strategies can help labs operate more efficiently and use fewer resources.
With an abundance of available lab space in Greater Boston, organizations have an opportunity to identify and design the ideal environments for their research programs, project goals, timelines, and budgets. By approaching this process thoughtfully and strategically, companies can create lab spaces that not only meet their current needs but also adapt to future scientific advancements.
Vera Juul
Vera Juul, RA, LEED BD+C, is an architect with Margulies Perruzzi.
