http://www.labmanager.com/ Lab Manager Magazine Article RSS Feed for Lab Design and Furnishings en-us ©2011 LabManager, a division of the LabX Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Sat, 18 May 2013 06:41:00 EST 120 http://www.labmanager.com//images/site/LabManagerPrintLogo.jpg http://www.labmanager.com/ http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/34921/article/Going-Greener http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/34921/article/Going-Greener   Papers, Ph.D. students, and so on make up the traditional outputs of science laboratories, but these days energy consumption matters more and more. That consumption includes the energy to condition the air and drive the analytical platforms. Disposable plastic, reagents, and other items also contribute to a lab’s consumption. Those consumables raise growing concerns as labs around the world strive to be more efficient, more “green.” Today’s vendors supply more options than ever to build a green operation. Nonetheless, much more work needs to be done to modernize labs. Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/34952/article/Optimizing-Laboratory-Exhaust-Systems http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/34952/article/Optimizing-Laboratory-Exhaust-Systems The creation of sustainable, high-performance and efficient buildings is growing in importance for companies and governments around the world for both economic and environmental reasons. In particular, laboratories are the focus of many of these reduction efforts as they are some of the largest consumers of energy due to the specialized equipment and ventilation systems required for safety and compliance. Lab Design and Furnishings Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33557/article/What-to-Expect--Trends--and-Energy-Considerations http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33557/article/What-to-Expect--Trends--and-Energy-Considerations Laboratory designs are big projects that normally arise from necessity. Of new construction, expansions, and retrofits, greenfield projects cost the most and take the most time, while the latter two consume fewer resources but present varying degrees of disruption. A lab or facility manager’s involvement in laboratory design and build depends on his or her experience with design, architecture, and building trades. Typically, the relationship between “builders” and “owners” is consultative, but as we will see, more hands-on approaches are possible. This topic could fill an encyclopedia and still not exhaust even straightforward considerations such as budgets, equipment, construction codes, regulations, and the myriad designations and certifications. Here we will focus on what to expect, trends, and energy considerations. Since design/build is a project or process, we include three case studies, as well as a Q&A with managers who have recently gone through design projects. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33558/article/Starting-Out--Designing-for-the-Unknown http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33558/article/Starting-Out--Designing-for-the-Unknown Securing project funds is the first step in the process, and an initial “visioning” workshop with the core team is a good way to establish a budget, notes Mark Paskanik, senior associate at Perkins+Will (Cary, NC). “The visioning workshop helps to align the team members and build consensus on goals.” Once this scope is defined, project managers may leverage business strategies already in place to begin selling the idea to the board or steering team that is usually responsible for establishing or approving the initial budget. “Many times, when there is not enough focus on this first step, the project will not have enough momentum or buy-in to go forward.” Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33559/article/Green-Lab-Design---Mostly-About-Air http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33559/article/Green-Lab-Design---Mostly-About-Air Since energy and natural resource consumption are huge components of a lab’s operating expenses, no lab design today ignores “green” issues. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33560/article/Three-Case-Studies---Laboratory-Expansion http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33560/article/Three-Case-Studies---Laboratory-Expansion Here we explore three case studies on laboration expansion at an emerging metro-Boston biotech company, a small biophotonics R&D lab, and laboratories at the University of California, Irvine; showing how they dealt with the challenges they faced. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33561/article/Ask-the-Experts--A-Q-A-with-Select-Lab-Design-Experts http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/33561/article/Ask-the-Experts--A-Q-A-with-Select-Lab-Design-Experts Q: Describe a recent laboratory design/ build or retrofit at your organization. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/30476/article/Pushing-Design-Boundaries http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/30476/article/Pushing-Design-Boundaries The past 20 years have seen an explosion in laboratory construction as academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, and high-tech companies have increased the level of research and development in their respective fields. The design of these laboratories has Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7488/article/Modular---Flexible http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7488/article/Modular---Flexible Automation has been defined as the use of control systems to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the realm of biomedical research or clinical testing, automation often involves processing liquid-based Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7024/article/We-Need-Backup- http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7024/article/We-Need-Backup- For many of us, our introduction to laboratory automation revolves around the formerly popular Technicon SMA (Sequential Multiple Analyzer, circa 1969) and the SMAC (SMA + C), when a computer interface was added to the platform in 1974. In the heady Lab Design and Furnishings Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7039/article/Perspective-On--A-Contract-Research-Lab http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/7039/article/Perspective-On--A-Contract-Research-Lab When developing new chemical entities, pharmaceutical and biotech companies often employ the help of contract research organizations (CRO). Bioanalytical CROs assist with method development, validation and sample analyses for preclinical and Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6340/article/Leed-the-Way-to-Safety http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6340/article/Leed-the-Way-to-Safety We have written previously on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the U.S. Green Building Council?s (USGBC) certification program for green buildings. Now that we know what building green means and how to do it, are there any dr Lab Health & Safety, Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6370/article/Office-Space http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6370/article/Office-Space Want to build a lab? Think you don't have the space or the funds to do so? Think again! You can place high-technology research space in your current office building. All it takes is a good plan up front and creative thinking from an integrated te Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6321/article/Changing-Spaces http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/6321/article/Changing-Spaces Architecture and industry professionals have witnessed a deep paradigm shift in workplaces over the last decade. Traditional office and R&D designs have failed to serve new business models and employment arrangements; the results have been visibl Home, Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5941/article/Laboratory-Acoustics http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5941/article/Laboratory-Acoustics Understanding basic acoustic space design criteria and strategies that building managers, users, planners, and designers can use to recognize and address the acoustic needs of laboratory spaces is deeply important for collaboration and efficiency. Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5955/article/Perspective-On--An-Academic-Research-Lab http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5955/article/Perspective-On--An-Academic-Research-Lab Instrumentation laboratories in the University of Rochester (UR) Department of Chemistry play a key role in both academic research and education. Besides instruments belonging to each professor?s research group, the department also maintains a Home, Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5960/article/Ask-the-Expert--Designing-an-Eco-Friendly-Laboratory http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5960/article/Ask-the-Expert--Designing-an-Eco-Friendly-Laboratory Matthew Gudorf, campus energy manager with the Facilities Management group at University of California, Irvine, (UCI) talks to Tanuja Koppal, Ph.D., contributing editor at Lab Manager Magazine, about the Smart Labs program developed at UCI, which aim Home, Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5763/article/Sustainability-Meets-Flexibility http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5763/article/Sustainability-Meets-Flexibility What does ?high-quality? mean in terms of laboratory design? The lab owner may think of cost-effectiveness or the attractiveness of the lab to potential top recruits as quality issues, while the facilities manager may think of durability, Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5798/article/Don-t-Forget-the-Green http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5798/article/Don-t-Forget-the-Green It?s really not optional anymore. Sustainable design must be a part of the holistic approach to building a lab. A few tips and techniques can help create synergy among the various design elements, yielding an optimized interior that is cost-effect Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5113/article/Cosmetic-Labs-Eye-Naturals-and-Especially-Anti-Aging-Products-for-Future-Growth http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/5113/article/Cosmetic-Labs-Eye-Naturals-and-Especially-Anti-Aging-Products-for-Future-Growth Embattled like much of the United States economy, and having endured several years of anemic demand from consumers caught in the throes of a prolonged recession and high levels of unemployment, the $58.3 billion a year cosmetics and personal care ind Home, Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/4502/article/Greening-Older-Laboratories http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/4502/article/Greening-Older-Laboratories How does a research facility or biotech company with older laboratories update existing facilities to current energy conservation standards? When building a new facility, incorporating green strategies is fairly straightforward, but the goal for Home, Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/4142/article/Lemur-Research-Center-Updated-and-Expanded http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/4142/article/Lemur-Research-Center-Updated-and-Expanded Life has improved dramatically for 140 diurnal lemurs and the husbandry staff and researchers who care for and study them, as a result of two new state-of-the-art facilities at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC), a refuge owned by Duke University that hous Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3848/article/Modular-Labs-Going-Mainstream http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3848/article/Modular-Labs-Going-Mainstream How can a lab conduct multidisciplinary research under one roof? What is the most efficient and cost-effective way to add a new lab? Flexible modular laboratories have evolved as innovative answers to these often-daunting questions. Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3801/article/Pure-Water http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3801/article/Pure-Water A successful water system design begins with a clear and precise definition of user needs throughout the facility. The purity level and volume of water required at each point of use can vary considerably and therefore must be fully assessed in order Lab Design and Furnishings, Water Purification Systems Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3802/article/Design-Focus--Sustainability http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3802/article/Design-Focus--Sustainability With the issue of sustainability fast becoming ubiquitous in our culture, the benefits of green design and building are prized highly by architecture, engineering and construction professionals as well as by many in the scientific community at large Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3738/article/Crime-Lab-Design http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3738/article/Crime-Lab-Design Design requirements for forensic laboratories are unique. While forensic labs share certain features with academic, research, and other laboratories, the composition of these elements and the addition of other characteristics make these facilities an Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3739/article/Leaning-Toward-Lean- http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3739/article/Leaning-Toward-Lean- Although the basic concepts and techniques of Lean are straightforward, adapting them to a particular lab situation and integrating them into a defined process that uses resources well is quite a challenge. Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3691/article/Best-and-Brightest http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3691/article/Best-and-Brightest Of late, designers and operators of laboratory spaces are beginning to encourage clients to consider an unusual and often unconsidered aspect of research facilities: how laboratory design and amenities contribute to a research organizations ability Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3618/article/Greener-Windows http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3618/article/Greener-Windows Film-based, multicavity insulating glass offers superior insulating performance, reduces noise and increases occupant comfort more effectively than low-e glass alone. Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3620/article/Lab-Construction---Renovation--A-Managers-Point-of-View http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3620/article/Lab-Construction---Renovation--A-Managers-Point-of-View When it comes to lab design, construction or renovation, there will be problems. Accept that, and be prepared to be flexible and cooperative in finding solutions that do not compromise safety, budget, scheduling and quality. Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3567/article/Perspective-On--A-Mobile-Training-Lab http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3567/article/Perspective-On--A-Mobile-Training-Lab Launched in 2006 in part to solidify North Carolinas standing as a national biotech hub, the BioNetwork mobile laboratory is outfitted with life science workstations, specialized equipment, and experienced faculty. Now in its third year of operation Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3544/article/Scanning-The-Scene http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3544/article/Scanning-The-Scene 3-D laser scanning helps facilities work through the renovation and building process. Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3520/article/Location--Location--Location http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3520/article/Location--Location--Location Whether your R&D operation functions as one central laboratory or as several smaller laboratories, the location chosen can impact facets of your business differently. From personnel relocation to reducing operating costs, several factors should be ta Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3485/article/Scientists-are-from-Mars--Designers-are-from-Venus http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3485/article/Scientists-are-from-Mars--Designers-are-from-Venus Scientists and designers need to appreciate the differences each brings to the design process. Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3463/article/CAV--RAV---VAV http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3463/article/CAV--RAV---VAV Chemical fume hood design pros and cons Lab Design and Furnishings, Fume Hoods Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3429/article/Thinking-Lean http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3429/article/Thinking-Lean While it might sound like some sort of fad diet, lean in the context of business improvement refers to a specific methodology that originated in the Japanese motor industry toward the end of the 1980s. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3423/article/New-European-Center-for-Training-in-Laboratory-Animal-Science http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3423/article/New-European-Center-for-Training-in-Laboratory-Animal-Science Since modern laboratory animal science was recognized over 60 years ago, it has faced the challenge of responding to the demands for improved standards of operation, validation and animal care from biomedical research community, regulators, and socie Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3405/article/Laboratory-Retrofit http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3405/article/Laboratory-Retrofit As energy prices rise and commitment to sustainability heightens, universities across the nation are developing methods for reducing energy consumption. Lab Design and Furnishings Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3373/article/Lab-Safety-Revisited http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3373/article/Lab-Safety-Revisited Now is the right time to take a fresh look at your lab's safety protocols and practices. Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3381/article/Modular-Lab-Design http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3381/article/Modular-Lab-Design Fundamental to the process of laboratory facility planning is an understanding of some basic design principles that ensure future adaptability. While each lab type remains unique, the purposeful application of modular design, zoning of tasks and imp Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3351/article/Managing-the-Task-of-Discovering-Breakthrough-Treatments-for-Human-Disease http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3351/article/Managing-the-Task-of-Discovering-Breakthrough-Treatments-for-Human-Disease Getting a new drug into the hands of patients is no easy feat. Pharmaceutical companies have to go through a myriad of tests in cell cultures, animals and humans before discovering and developing treatments for illnesses. Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3355/article/Flexible-Lab-Zones http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3355/article/Flexible-Lab-Zones A dynamic shift in the way researchers conduct their work has had a profound effect on the design of their facilities. Emphasis has focused on three main components: establishing large open labs, the distribution of utilities to and within the lab, a Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3326/article/Energy-Saving-Exhaust-Systems http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3326/article/Energy-Saving-Exhaust-Systems An energy savings of 15 percent or more is available through the use of VAV laboratory exhaust ventilation systems. When properly designed, a VAV system can provide these savings without adversely impacting the air quality at downwind air intake lo Lab Design and Furnishings Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3294/article/Next-Generation-Laboratories http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3294/article/Next-Generation-Laboratories New open-plan labs are meeting the need for more customized lab settings, including the ability to modify bench setup and support areas as needs change and increase interaction among researchers - now seen as preconditions for scientific breakthrou Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3300/article/Tomorrow-s-Labs-Today http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3300/article/Tomorrow-s-Labs-Today Pressure to improve laboratory efficiencies, reduce environmental impact and accommodate a myriad of advanced technologies is driving remarkable achievements in research facility design. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3268/article/Relocation--Relocation--Relocation http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3268/article/Relocation--Relocation--Relocation Careful planning and smart partnering protect assets and minimize downtime and disruption Lab Design and Furnishings Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3245/article/Green-Up- http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3245/article/Green-Up- Laboratory managers can play a leading role in implementing improvements in research process and facility management. When coupled with lean thinking, these objectives can become powerful tools for change with an eye toward sustainability. Lab Design and Furnishings Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3221/article/Rethinking-Vacuum-Supply http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3221/article/Rethinking-Vacuum-Supply Local vacuum networks can bring modularity, energy savings, and cost savings to this important utility for your renovated labs. Lab Design and Furnishings Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3118/article/Achieving-Flexible-Lab-Design-on-a-Budget http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3118/article/Achieving-Flexible-Lab-Design-on-a-Budget Unlike offices, laboratories require infrastructure that is costly and not readily available in commercial real estate. Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3128/article/Advanced-Ceramic-Heaters-for-Laboratory-Equipment http://www.labmanager.com//?articles.view/articleNo/3128/article/Advanced-Ceramic-Heaters-for-Laboratory-Equipment Laboratory space, portability, power efficiency and performance continue to be the market drivers of new instrumentation designs. Instrument designers are continually looking to OEM suppliers for components that are smaller, lighter, thinner and para Lab Design and Furnishings Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST