Laboratory Standards and Functional Programming

James Dykes, Public Works and Government Services Canada

This presentation will provide an overview of the development of laboratory standards for federal departments in Canada, all of which include laboratory facilities. Space standards and design and performance standards were developed for the most common types of biosafety level 1 bench top laboratories (wet and dry) used by these eight departments. The standards follow the format established for developing a preliminary functional program for each laboratory group and type, using OminClass definitions.

The presentation will cover the following:

  • The determination of space dimensions, research and tech bench space needs, benchtop equipment space, major equipment requirements, support/storage/equipment space, and office space.
  • Design and performance standards for mechanical, electrical, architectural, and laboratory casework systems.
  • An overview of preliminary functional program methodologies, including determining net-to-gross area ratios for laboratories; cost planning for laboratories; space data checklists for laboratories; space planning for laboratories; and developing demonstration plans for laboratories to test the net-to-gross ratios using Excel and REVIT.

    • Biography:

    James Dykes is an architect with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) who practiced in the private sector for more than 20 years and was responsible for numerous major healthcare and research projects. Mr. Dykes then spent 10 years with the University of Alberta, as director of planning and development, where he was also responsible for initiating a major expansion program for medical and engineering research facilities. Mr. Dykes joined PWGSC in 2000 as the regional manager of architecture and engineering services and is now the national advisor for laboratories. Mr. Dykes has served on numerous volunteer boards and as vice president for the Alberta Association of Architects. He has guest lectured and was an assistant adjunct professor with the University of Calgary for 12 years. He has delivered several presentations on front-end planning for laboratories and provides advisory services to many federal custodians of laboratory facilities in Canada.