Portable Research: Considerations for Plug-in/Demountable Laboratories

Jeff Salocks, The Stubbins Associates
Don Posson, PE, Kling

The performance of scientific research is affected by many factors ranging from technological advances in instrumentation to the desire to accelerate the test tube-to-market development for a new product. As architects and engineers, we are often asked to create laboratories that are responsive to such dynamic processes. This presentation examines the benefits of laboratory fit-ups that are comprised of and for "plug-in" style furniture, equipment and apparatus components. It will outline the issues relevant to laboratory facilities that accommodate change and provide for rapid reconfiguration without renovation. We will touch on planning and implementation strategies which take advantage of this approach. Further insight will be provided by a detail exploration of the interface with plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems.

Findings:

The cyclical renovation costs of a laboratory building added to the original construction expenditure make the actual life cost the facility one of the highest in the industry. We believe that the life cost can be reduced by the strategic implementation of so called "plug-in/demountable" labs that can be adapted over time without demolition and renovation. Additionally, such labs are more environmentally friendly as they are recycled in situ instead of being disposed to a landfill when change is mandated. Through an examination of actual case studies and other state-of-the-art examples this presentation will reveal what it entails, from cost parameters to detail criteria, to put into operation these flexible facilities. We will compare the layout and design issues for the "plug-in/demountable" laboratory to more traditional arrangements. Further aspects examined will include ease of user adaptability, typical frequency of change, and environmental implications.

Labs21 Connection:

The approach suggested by this presentation is noteworthy because it literally embraces change as user implemented process. It represents the concepts of Labs21 through a "lifecycle" approach to interior fit-up by embedding the facility with renewable/reusable assemblies and components. It is also sustainable in principle since recycles internally the pieces of its own composition.

Biographies:

Jeff Salocks has over 20 years of experience as an architect and designer specializing in the programming, planning and design of laboratory and research facilities for universities, institutional, healthcare and corporate clients. At present he is the Director of Laboratory and Research Facilities at The Stubbins Associates in Cambridge Massachusetts and has recently designed new research facilities for the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research and Elixir Pharmaceuticals. He has also programmed and/or designed new laboratory facilities for academic institutions such as Brown University and Dartmouth College. Mr. Salocks holds a BArch degree from Pratt Institute and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He speaks frequently on the subject of laboratory design for such national organizations as SCUP, Project Kaleidoscope, National Council of Research Administrators and Society of Research Administrators.

Don Posson, PE, has over 18 years of experience specializing in HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems design for laboratory facilities. Don is currently employed by Kling as an Engineering Design Principal, working on the planning and design of R&D facilities for the federal government, corporate biotechnology laboratories and university teaching/research facilities. Don is a LEED™ 2.0 Accredited Professional and has been involved with the planning and design of numerous sustainable design projects, including the first LEED™ "Platinum" certified building. He has presented case studies and sustainable design methodologies at conferences and meetings hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council, the AIA Committee on the Environment, the Construction Specifications Institute, Laboratories for the 21st Century, and the Sustainable Washington Alliance. Don is currently guest lecturer and studio critic for a comprehensive architectural design studio at the University of Maryland incorporating advanced technology and sustainable design.

Back to the Agenda