Guidelines For Designing Laboratories For The Future

Michael R. Somin, AIA, Earl Walls Associates

Abstract:

The building system's infrastructure is the foundation for future adaptability to the changing needs of teaching, research and clinical laboratories. The design of the infrastructure must be treated as much as a research component as is the research housed in the building. The building must quickly and economically be modified to meet the needs of specific future uses some of which are not yet known. The laboratory infrastructure includes the structural system, floor-to-floor height, floor loading, and column spacing. In addition, all of the mechanical and electrical components must be designed to be repetitive, and adaptable. These include the lab service piping distribution; special gas routings from cylinders to point of use; supply and exhaust mechanical systems, including fume hood exhaust and make-up air; and lighting and power distribution, with all the filtering that make it a quality laboratory system. To do this and make it a sustainable design is the challenge to today's laboratory building programmers and designers. Earl Walls Associates laboratory design professionals will share how they have learned from existing solutions, anticipate change in technology and designed facilities that stand the test of time.

Biography:

Michael R. Somin is an internationally recognized authority on the programming and design of laboratories. As one of five principals in the firm, Mr. Somin has participated in many of Earl Walls Associates' most highly acclaimed and award-winning facilities. His 40 years of experience includes designing hundreds of laboratory projects for myriad clients representing commerce, government, academia, health care and institutional research; housing nearly every scientific discipline and ranging in all sizes and levels of complexity. These services have encompassed Facility Assessment, Master Planning, Programming, Grant Proposal Assistance, Schematic Assistance, Design Development (Program Drawings), Construction Documents and Construction Services.

Mr. Somin received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois and is a member of the American Institute of Architects, American Chemical Society, American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, and Labs for the 21st Century. He has been a speaker and presenter for numerous organizations and associations within the design industry.

Earl Walls Associates is an architectural and engineering firm specializing in laboratory design, planning, and engineering. With over 1,500 laboratory projects since their founding in 1961, the firm has received numerous accolades, including being the recipient of 18 honors by R&D Magazine's Laboratory of the Year competition, as well as recognition by the American Institute of Architects for their significant contribution to the industry.