Modular Design for Multifunctional Research Facilities

James Dykes, Public Works & Government Services Canada

The focus of this presentation is on the application of modular design principles for large research facilities, which have a need for a variety of different types of research spaces in order to conduct a diverse range of research activities.

The first objective is to increase the awareness of what modular design is by reviewing:

  • The principles of modular design.
  • The methods of determining common denominators.
  • Examples of applications of modular design.

Principles are the methods used to develop the building blocks that form the foundation for modular design, as applied to the key space components, such as:

  • Research laboratories, process laboratories, and testing modules.
  • Bench top laboratories, engineering laboratories, and high head laboratories.
  • Storage and service spaces.
  • Major equipment spaces (e.g., autoclaves, glass washers, walk-in freezers and coolers).
  • Offices and conference and meeting spaces.
  • Library, resources, and food services.
  • Circulation, gathering spaces, and parking.

Modular design is based on establishing common denominators for the key spaces used to determine the horizontal and vertical structural grids. The presentation will supply examples of applications of modular design for multifunctional research facilities, including some concept plans.

The second objective is to promote the benefits of modular design by examining some of the key advantages. All research facilities experience considerable change over their life span, and a modular approach offers the greatest amount of flexibility to accommodate efficient and economical modifications for the future. In addition, research activities tend to be compartmentalized and cloistered in groups, based on the focus of the research activities. A modular approach facilitates the ease of adjacent accommodations to encourage synergetic collaboration.

The third objective is to challenge the research community to seriously consider and take advantage of modular design concepts to promote opportunities for integration and collaboration between investigators involved in diverse fields of research. Places such as universities and other multifunctional research facilities offer opportunities for investigators to share and even collaborate on research projects.

Biography:

James Dykes is an architect with 39 years of experience. He spent 20 years in the private sector and was responsible for the design of numerous hospitals and research facilities. For 10 years, Mr. Dykes was the director of planning and development at the University of Alberta, where he held overall responsibility for the planning, design, and development of many major medical, engineering, agriculture, and animal care research facilities.

For the past nine years, Mr. Dykes has been the Western Regional Manager for architecture and engineering services for the Canadian Government and continues to be heavily involved in the front-end planning of a wide variety of government research facilities.