Today's laboratory designers understand that in environments that support complex tasks, workflow should dictate design, not the other way around.

The most significant trend in modern lab furniture is the move away from fixed casework and lab benches toward modular benches, tables, and worktops.

Taking some time to investigate the lab’s operations to uncover inefficiencies is a key part of successful lab design. It’s important to note any complaints regarding lab ergonomics: benches that are too high or crowded, not enough space for computer-related work, workflows scattered around the lab instead of being concentrated.

What lab managers need to consider when beginning a project

It's all in the planning 

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. In this column, the Safety Guys will look at some of the potential health and safety issues involved when building green.

Matthew Gudorf, campus energy manager with the Facilities Management group at University of California, Irvine, (UCI) discusses the Smart Labs program developed at UCI, which aims to reduce overall energy consumption by 50 percent.