Sustainable Lab of the Future: Improving Results Through Flexible and Humanistic Solutions

Chris Ertl, CRB, Inc.
Mark Paskanik, CRB, Inc.

Are your labs in need of modernization? Do you dream of improving efficiency and outcomes within your lab spaces while also striving to reduce operational costs? And do you want to be able to work in a more user friendly, collaborative, adaptable lab environment; one that provides you with a sustainable and engaging atmosphere that encourages and promotes research? Then this is the right session for you. This session will provide you with concepts and strategies that will give you the opportunity to explore techniques proven to improve your operations while including consideration of humanistic elements.

You will learn how existing facilities can be renewed and how to design and build new spaces that incorporate functional flexibility, increase energy efficiency and provide the necessary fundamentals for your success. Key to this discussion are tried and true results and the effects they have on improving outcomes within your lab space. We will look at strategies to address whole building systems, and their integrated relationship to specialized laboratory equipment. Providing comfortable places to do lab work that incorporate natural light, collaborative working environments within a sustainable operational model will be presented.

Methodologies of prioritizing when and where to use fixed or modular laboratory casework layouts will be shared. This will include: independently moveable lab furniture and under-counter mobile storage units; flex-hose, quick connects from overhead ceiling services; flexible electrical and tele-data connections; and, ADA adjustable / removable service carriers with integral shelving. These design ideas allow researchers, as needed, to quickly re-configure their lab space to better accommodate changing research needs at minimal cost.

We will present case studies to demonstrate just how these ideas have been successfully implemented for others in previous projects by: 1. Designing for flexibility and future layout, capabilities and potential future needs; 2. Providing effective value and cost solutions to the selection of building HVAC systems; 3. Selection of appropriate laboratory specialty equipment that fits the need, sustainability requirements and project budget. 4. Designing spaces that nurture the human spirit; 5. Selecting the appropriate blend of artificial and natural lighting strategies within the space; and, 6. Understanding how your outcomes can be improved based on implementing appropriate design solutions.

This presentation reflects the following aspects of the I2SL approach: Focusing on proven and new technologies that are sustainable, flexible and reduce cost; and, Evaluating the effectiveness of these on completed project's performance over time.

Learning Objectives

  • Gain knowledge of how incorporating humanistic design elements into your lab can have positive impacts on recruiting, retention of staff while improving research results.
  • Understand how an innovative and sustainable model-based approach can be used to overcome challenges inherent in fixed lab concepts by blending fixed and modular casework layouts to create a more flexible and collaborative design.
  • Explore proven methodologies and controls that project teams have already used to enhance the level of sustainability and still achieve a maximum return on the personal and financial investment aspects.

Biographies:

Chris is an architect who brings 19 years of experience in the programming, planning and design of research facilities nationwide. A LEED AP and charter member of I2SL's Heart of America chapter, Chris has dedicated his career to sustainable lab design and its impact on human occupants and building systems. His projects demonstrate the application of sound planning principles in the creation of collaborative research environments by implementing a multidisciplinary design process utilizing BIM.

Mark is a licensed architect with over 16 years of experience planning and designing research facilities worldwide. Focused on tested planning principles, Mark uniquely adapts each lab design to support the client's vision to create a collaborative, efficient and safe environment. As a LEED AP, Mark completed one of the first Laboratory projects in the nation and he continues to design sustainable laboratories with a focus on minimal cost impacts. Mark has planned well over 100 projects ranging from cGXP, BSL, Vivaria, Imaging, Bio and Pharmacoengineering, Stem Cell and others.

 

Note: I2SL did not edit or revise abstract or biography text. Abstracts and biographies are displayed as submitted by the author(s).