Overview of Modular Laboratories: The Smart, Sustainable Solution to Your Evolving Laboratory Requirements

Rohit Saxena and Prithi Venkatram, HOK
  
One of the biggest challenges to creating sustainable laboratories lies in the laboratory's ability to accommodate rapid changes in an inexpensive manner; minimizing the excesses and waste traditionally associated with the building type. This presentation will examine modular laboratories and outline the benefits and effectiveness of applying modularity to laboratory facilities to promote long-term building usability.

The presentation will delve into an analysis of modularity; discussing issues such as cost implications (both financial and environmental), project delivery times, and simplicity of construction. It will highlight the benefits of early decision-making (including how to best accommodate for the unknown end-user), and how to make best use of your consulting team through early, integrated design.

Additional benefits of modular design to be discussed include:

• Easy portability
• Easy adaptability to existing laboratory building
• Ability to be pre-engineered for higher energy-efficiency

Through the review of a variety of laboratory modules for differing scientific types, the presentation will review critical planning dimensions for modular laboratories. It will explore the issues of building for today, while accommodating for future expansion through robust systems and perspectives on when to allow for interstitial space. It will also discuss the further implications of total flexibility, and how modularity can support changes in laboratory layout, personnel, casework, furniture, and equipment, as well as potential changes in research (supporting the trend toward interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research).

Attendees will take away an increased knowledge of modular laboratories, and a better understanding of how the laboratory module can be one of the most significant factors in achieving maximum sustainability.

Biographies:

Rohit Saxena directs HOK's Science + Technology Group in Atlanta, Georgia and brings more than 20 years of experience in planning and managing technically-oriented projects with an emphasis on research and educational projects. He recently served as a project manager for the Whitehead Biomedical Building at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences at the University of Georgia and the University of Central Florida Burnett College of Biomedical Science.

Rohit is a LEED® Accredited Professional and is actively engaged is sustainability issues for HOK and their clients. He is a member of the American Biological Safety Association, Society of College and University Planners, Georgia Biomedical Partnership, and speaks regularly at industry conferences around the country on sustainability and laboratory design.

Prithi Venkatram is a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of HOK's Science + Technology Group. After specializing in health facility planning and design while pursuing her Masters at Texas A&M University, she has been immersed in the healthcare and research facility building type from the beginning of her career. As a laboratory architect, she has been a part of teams for projects such as the SRI Center for Advanced Drug Research, the Commonwealth Medical College (proposed), University of Central Florida Burnett College of Biomedical Science and the Florida International University College of Nursing.

Prithi was the 2001-2002 AIA/AHA (American Institute of Architects/ American Hospital Association) fellow and recipient of the James J. Souder award for her research on 'Designing for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias.' She is a prior attendee of the Labs21 Conference, and is an avid proponent of the Labs21 Approach for science and technology facilities.

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