There are a number of important considerations that should be taken into account when designing a building for a laboratory. Some of the most important include:
1. Safety and Hazard Control: Safety is the top priority in any laboratory and special attention must be given to equipment, storage, ventilation, electrical supply, emergency systems, and hazardous waste disposal. Safety features should be in place to ensure that users of the laboratory are protected from inadvertent exposure to hazardous materials.
2. Contamination Control: Laboratories typically require strict control of air, water, and other environmental systems to prevent the introduction of contaminants, both microbial and chemical. Proper ventilation and HVAC systems must be put in place to ensure that the air is filtered and cleaned to remove harmful chemicals and microorganisms.
3. Space Planning: Planning and organization of the laboratory space is essential to maintain optimal workflow and safety. The layout must be designed taking into account the specific requirements of the research being conducted inside the lab and maximize the available space.
4. Flexibility: Laboratories typically require the flexibility to adapt to changing research needs over time. Thus, the design often allows for the quick reconfiguration of lab space as the science evolves.
5. Infrastructure: A laboratory building requires specialized infrastructure, such as specialised electrical supply, gas supply, compressed air supply, emergency power supply, water treatment systems, and others. Adequate infrastructure must be put in place to support the needs of the laboratory.
6. Accessibility: A laboratory building should be designed in a way to provide access to various users, including people with disabilities and who use assistive technologies.
7. Sustainability: The design should incorporate environmentally sustainable features, such as energy conservation and water efficiency measures in order to reduce environmental impact and save costs in the long run.
Overall, the design of a laboratory building must ensure that the building meets the safety, operational, and workflow demands required to facilitate successful scientific research and development.
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