The end users of the research laboratory shall be involved during the programming and design phases to meet the various specific needs of the laboratory occupants. Program requirements for the specific project shall be defined systematically and refined as needed throughout the project. The programming process shall address user needs, population density, building circulation, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and all aspects of safety.

The following goals and objectives define the minimum recommended program requirements for the design of research laboratory facilities. For specific requirements, see Biomedical Research Laboratories, Section: Design Criteria.

B.1 Quality of Life
B.2 Laboratory Research Space Guidelines
B.3 Flexibility and Adaptability
B.4 Services and Systems Distribution Concepts
B.5 Planning Module
B.6 Planning Concepts
B.7 Functional Relationships and Zoning of the Laboratory Building

B.1 Quality of Life

The laboratory should be designed for people who do research and shall provide them with a safe and pleasant work environment that leads to increased productivity, higher retention rates, and easier recruitment of new staff. Direct natural light and view to the exterior, adequate work space, appropriate color, a coordinated and well-organized layout, attractive and functional casework, and amenities such as exercise facilities, cafeterias, credit unions, bank teller machines, vending machines, shops, and child care facilities are some of the design features that will enhance the quality of life.

B.1.1 Natural Light: Laboratories and offices shall be provided with natural light and views to the outside, as long as they do not conflict with functional requirements. This presents design challenges with significant planning and functional zoning implications in large, multifloor facilities. Two significant issues that should be addressed when providing natural light are glare to computer screens and bench work areas and the solar effects of heat on internal temperature control. Natural light is not required in laboratory support areas such asa room containing large equipment or freezers. Laboratories utilizing photographic and optical diagnostic techniques should be located in dark areas of the facility such as interior support areas.

B.1.2 Lighting: Laboratory research requires high-quality lighting for close work. Lighting intensity and uniformity shall provide shadow-free illumination of the laboratory work surface. The ability to control lighting in specialized laboratories or in spaces that use computers should also be considered.

B.1.3 Noise: Noise-sensitive areas include, but are not limited to, space where microscopy, microinjection, or other procedures that require a high degree of manual precision or mental concentration are performed. Noise levels in laboratories are difficult to control because room finishes are generally hard and nonabsorbent. Equipment such as chemical fume hoods, centrifuges, and vacuum pumps contribute to the high noise levels within the laboratory. Planning should isolate noise-sensitive areas from noise sources wherever possible.

B.1.4 Vibration: Vibration caused by equipment can adversely affect the quality of life in the workplace for personnel. Structural dampening to minimize vibration is required for sensitive instruments so that scientific research is not adversely affected. Some pieces of equipment that are vibration sensitive can be placed on a special vibration-dampening table or close to more vibration-stable parts of the building such as at grade or near a column.

B.1.5 Interaction: Exchange of ideas in a biomedical research facility is fostered by formal and informal communication, interaction, and collaboration among researchers. In addition to the desired consolidation of branch-level activities, an important requirement is a buildingplanning
concept that promotes informal encounters and communications among all its occupants. Proximity to common facilities, such as conference rooms, rest rooms, break rooms, coffee areas and vending machines, mailboxes, clerical support services, and supplies, encourages casual encounters and facilitates interaction. Interaction areas should be shared spaces, and these spaces should be designed to draw researchers out of their labs and offices from time to time.

Careful design of circulation patterns and corridor spaces can also contribute to interaction between building occupants in all parts of a building. The designer should consider alternative informal interaction areas such as alcoves or event areas at the ends of corridors where researchers can talk together without using the traditional break area; stairwells can be designed as open, well-lit areas where researchers might meet going up or downbetween floors; elevator lobbies and general circulation corridors might have natural light and views and be large enough to provide informal seating areas; and in addition, bulletin boards, directories, and seating areas should be located in entrance lobbies or where there is cafeteria access. Conference rooms might open into these areas to encourage additional interaction. Another potential interactive space might be an exhibit area in a public entrance area that is adjacent to an auditorium, cafeteria, or other public space. Such areas shall be provided as part of a project’s net assignable program.

B.1.6 Efficiency: Efficiency is a key element in the success of a laboratory facility. The designer should carefully consider circulation of personnel, animals, supplies, and waste as well as functional relationships and adjacencies to increase the efficient use of available space.

B.1.7 Graphics/Signage: Graphics and signage will help employees and visitors find their way through a laboratory building. Directional graphics and signage should be functional and in harmony with the architecture of the building. Signs are also important for the identification of the biohazard level of areas where biohazardous work is performed. See the NIH Interior Signage System Users Manual for detailed information.

B.1.8 Artwork: Artwork is not typically part of a project’s construction budget and should be selected and purchased by the user. However, creative alternatives to purchasing artwork should be considered. These may include obtaining art through various loan programs or philanthropic donations. The design should be sensitive to user-defined artwork so that adequate structural support lighting and architectural detailing are provided.

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B.2 Laboratory Research Space

Recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel are important to the success of the NIH mission. The goal of the NIH is to provide each investigator with adequate and comfortable laboratory work space, laboratory support space, storage space, office space, and administrative support space in order to create a safe and functional research environment.

B.2.1 Laboratory Work Space: Adequate laboratory work space should be provided to meet the need for areas of lab components such as chemical fume hoods, biological safety cabinets (BSC), laboratory benches, equipment, storage, and desk space. The space must be adequate to provide a safe working area, including access to and around equipment, containment devices, and benchtop areas, and to meet the current accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities.

B.2.2 Laboratory Support Space: The need for lab support has increased dramatically. The ratio of lab bench area to lab support is approaching 1:1 versus 2:1 as in the past. Consideration should be given to locating noise-, heat-, and vibration-producing equipment in laboratory support spaces adjacent to the research laboratory. These may be dedicated or shared spaces, open alcoves, or securable rooms as required. They may also be on the same planning module as the laboratory.

B.2.3 Research Staff Office: Where possible, laboratory staff should be provided with desk space that is physically separated from the laboratory bench. This work space should be within the laboratory.

B.2.4 Laboratory Administrative Areas: Administrative office areas shall be adequate to provide space for administrative staff. These areas are outside the laboratory, in a quiet, aesthetic environment that is sized appropriately. Administrative and clerical support areas should be provided with adequate storage for files, records, and office equipment.

B.2.5 Ancillary Spaces: Ancillary space includes locker space, conference rooms, and break rooms. Ancillary space is very important to the overall function of a biomedical research facility because it provides opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas.

B.2.6 Basic Biomedical Research Laboratory Space Planning: The primary occupants of the laboratory are researchers who spend more than 50 percent of their time in the laboratory. These may include scientists, lab technicians, visiting fellows, or students. A typical range of laboratory space per user is 17.50 m2 based on four people per module to 31.26 m2 based on two people per module, depending on the type of research, planning model, and shared resources in the facility. Considerations that affect the space planning include number of containment devices, relationship of lab to animal research functions, radioactivity and biohazard requirements, availability of meeting and conference space, and
other lab support activities. Consultation with the principal investigator early in the planning process is critical to determining the required scientific work space.

B.2.6.1 General Rules of Thumb for Planning Basic Biomedical Research Laboratories: The following table shows general rules of thumb to be used in planning laboratories for budget purposes, or when a laboratory program has not been developed. The data assume two persons per module. The lab support area is based on 50 percent of the laboratory work space.

Table B.2.6.1 Space Utilization

Figure B.2.6.1 Space Utilization
(Based on Percentage of Total Optimal Area [31.26 m2 per Researcher])

These rules of thumb do not take into account levels of seniority. They also do not include areas for special function labs such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or laser labs and do not include animal facilities. Areas for these functions must be added to and considered in the overall budget and program formulation.

B.2.7 Area Allowances: The following calculations are for the purposes of design and construction and not to determine real estate space locations for the purposes of chargingrent. See Volume: Appendices for information on methodology used to calculate gross and net area.

B.2.7.1 Grossing Factor: For budget purposes, the gross building area generally includes the total area of all floors, including basements, mezzanines, penthouses, mechanical, electrical, and communications spaces, and enclosed loading docks. The gross building area will exceed the net area by a grossing factor. A range is given for these factors, depending on design choices for internal circulation patterns, interior partitions, utility distribution, and mechanical equipment configurations. For research laboratories, a grossing factor of 1.54 to 2.00 is typical.

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B.3 Flexibility and Adaptability

Laboratory facilities must be adaptable and flexible. This concept encourages development of generic spaces that have the ability to accommodate changes in function (within the same space category) without requiring significant physical or infrastructure changes to the space itself. Excessively and individually planned, nongeneric, or customized spaces should be avoided.

B.3.1 Services and Systems Distribution: Services must be uniformly and repetitively distributed to each laboratory and designed to provide simple extension into the laboratory without disruption to adjacent modules. Services may run overhead, in a service corridor, or in interstitial space to permit changes without requiring an upgrade to the building infrastructure, capacity, or major distribution systems. All building system components that require routine maintenance and repair shall be accessible without interrupting the day-today operations of the laboratory.

It is equally important that provisions be made for future utility services to accommodate unanticipated demands of new research protocols and technologies. Capacity should be designed to allow researchers flexibility to add equipment and instrumentation to meet everchanging needs without compromising laboratory health and safety.

B.3.2 Expansion Considerations: Designs for new research facilities shall include considerations for future expansion including horizontal and vertical expansion. Reserve capacity shall be planned into primary building systems to accommodate future growth and research mission changes within budgetary constraints. Building systems and plans shall be consistent with the current master plan.

B.3.3 Connection of Utilities to Laboratory Modules: Laboratory services must be distributed to each individual laboratory module, and the connection point of each service should be in a uniform position relative to the module and detailed to provide simple extension into the laboratory without disruption of adjacent modules. These services may run in service corridors or in interstitial space, allowing laboratories to change without increasing or upgrading capacity or the location of central infrastructure systems. Changes would be primarily to terminal systems, for example, piping and power connections to apparatus and equipment within the space.

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B.4 Services and Systems Distribution Concepts

Utilities and services including communication and information systems should be organized into specific zones, both horizontally and vertically, to provide uniform distribution of systems and services to each lab module. This three-dimensional planning allows for ease of maintenance and access of services and provides for maximum operational flexibility. The choice of design and locations of the utility distribution system(s) is a product of utility function, cost-effectiveness, ease of access for maintenance, additional future services, and remodeling during the life of the laboratory. The following identifies several concepts that have been used on NIH campuses. The current trend is to use interstitial space, although there are advantages and disadvantages to each system.

B.4.1 Ceiling and Shaft: Vertical distribution of utility services is accommodated through shafts. Horizontal distribution is through ceiling space to the laboratory. Services are fed down to the work area or, in the case of waste, is collected horizontally and then fed down through a chase.

B.4.2 Multiple Internal Shafts: Distribution of utilities is provided through smaller vertical shafts. Horizontal distribution is through ceiling space.

B.4.3 Multiple Exterior Shafts: Distribution of utilities is provided through vertical shafts, with horizontal distribution through the ceiling space.

B.4.4 Utility Corridor: Distribution of utilities is provided through an internal dedicated corridor that accommodates maintenance staff access only.

B.4.5 Service Corridor: Laboratories adjoin an accessible corridor that houses overhead utility services, routed horizontally into the laboratory via the ceiling or through the laboratory wall. Vertical shafts are required for mechanical and piping systems. The clear
width of the service corridor shall be 1 500 mm.

B.4.6 Interstitial Space: Interstitial space yields unobstructed open area for laboratory space and provides maximum adaptability of the laboratory space below. Horizontal distribution is through dedicated accessible floor space above the ceiling. Services drop vertically from the interstitial space into the laboratory. Centralized vertical shafts connect the interstitial space throughout the building. Interstitial space should be carefully designed in zones. The vertical zones consist of the following: structural zone, branch distribution zone (for utilities that are distributed through the floor such as waste lines), main distribution zone, branch distribution zone (for utilities that are distributed through the ceiling), and lateral distribution zone. The horizontal distribution zones consist of the following: electrical/communications zone, supply air zone, exhaust zone, plumbing/ fire protection sprinkler zone, and access zone.

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B.5 Planning Module

Although many researchers have special laboratory design requirements, the NIH’s goal is to establish an idealized common space denominator to meet a variety of research needs while allowing mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, partitions, and laboratory casework to be provided as required. A laboratory planned with modules permits safe, costeffective modification of building systems when future alteration of the laboratory is required and allows principal investigators the maximum flexibility in setting up laboratories to suit the needs of their particular research program within a standardized building matrix.

B.5.1 Laboratory and Laboratory Support Module: The laboratory module is the basic conceptual building block and provides regularity and epetitiveness of area and services for the building. It must be carefully organized on a modular basis, free of stairwells, chases, shafts, shear walls, elevators, and other obstructions. The planning module must be properly sized so that larger units can be created by assembling a number of modules. This permits the rational creation of space and allows the standardization of mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems that are accessible to each individual lab module. Figure B.5.1 illustrates various planning module layout possibilities.

The laboratory building is based on a planning module that is repetitive and regular, such as the 3 350 x 3 350 mm unit in the following diagram. This allows the rational creation of spaces that can accommodate a wide variety of laboratory and laboratory support functions.

Laboratory module widths are normally determined by an appropriate aisle width of 1 525 mm plus bench or equipment space equal to 914 mm on each side of this aisle. This dimension enhances flexibility, usability, and accessibility by all occupants of the facility.

The depth of a laboratory module is determined by the physical building constraints, the number of people who will work at the bench; the type and size of equipment to be placed in the work area, the amount of desk space, and placement and frequency of containment units such as fume hoods and biosafety cabinets. The ideal depth of the laboratory module is 10 050 mm. A typical configuration might include an investigator’s desk of approximately 1 525 mm in length to provide ample work space. The bench should be developed in a modular fashion to permit interchangeability of components or substitution of equipment for bench elements. Above the bench, a system consisting of struts supporting flexible shelving or enclosed cabinets will provide interchangeability of storage elements.

Figure B.5.1 Possible Laboratory Module Subdivision          

B.5.2 Structural Bay Spacing: The building’s structural system relates to the planning module. Major structural columns shall not intrude into aboratory space, and beams shall be located to minimize any impact with MEP systems. The structural system and column grid shall be designed to maximize the building’s efficiency. Laboratory buildings will be designed to minimize vibrations. Refer to Biomedical Research Laboratories, Section: Design Criteria, and General Design Guidelines, Section: Structural, for specific requirements.   

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B.6 Planning Concepts

B.6.1 Laboratory Neighborhood Concept: The laboratory neighborhood concept, illustrated by Figure B.6.1, is an approach to planning the layout of a laboratory building that brings together in a single space all of the resources that the researcher uses on a daily basis. A laboratory neighborhood includes not just laboratories and lab support but also office and office support areas, supplies, and all shared equipment including computer quipment. Laboratory neighborhoods are expected to promote greater productivity, eliminate the need to duplicate expensive laboratory support space, and promote a sense of scientific community. Laboratory neighborhoods bring together 30 to 60 people, including perhaps 6 to 8 principal investigators plus their postdoctoral fellows and lab assistants, and various support functions. Laboratory neighborhoods should be clearly organized for ease of movement. Typically, laboratories are on the outside, with support space inside. Numerous cross-corridors or cross-lab rooms make it easy to move about in the neighborhood.   

B.6.2 Open Laboratories Concept: Open laboratories are laboratories without partitions. The open laboratory concept encourages interaction between researchers. Depending on the building’s design, it can also enhance the laboratories’ relationship to the outside environment by placing primary research space to the exterior of the building. It provides a flexible environment that can be easily organized in a generic and modular pattern. Physical barriers between researchers should be minimized to provide a climate for open communications.

Figure B.6.1 Laboratory                         
Neighborhood Concept Summary                  

B.6.3 Lab Central Support Core Concept: All laboratory support functions should be centrally located and accessible from both sides in the lab support core concept. This concept is very functional and efficient. It has a grossing factor that can range from 1.82 to 1.67. Material and service traffic can be segregated from personnel traffic. The lab support core concept is well suited for research that is instrument intensive.

B.6.4 Ghost Corridors: “Ghost corridors” are aisles that connect laboratories and improve communications in a laboratory neighborhood. In some recently constructed laboratories, ghost corridors run through one side of the laboratory. Ghost corridors provide secondary emergency exits for the laboratories; however, they are not the primary fire or emergency exits. Labs can be separated easily by installing partitions and doors across the ghost corridor. This preserves the secondary exit from the lab but allows separation of labs with incompatible functions. Ghost corridors allow people, equipment, and samples to move easily between labs. Lab suites of three to four labs (which might be used by one group working under a principal investigator) can be easily grouped together.

B.6.5 Laboratory Pod Concept: The laboratory pod, illustrated by Figure B.6.5, is a variation of the neighborhood concept. The pod has high-intensity mechanical support and lab support functions located at the center. The laboratory bench area surrounds lab support functions and the desks are located on the perimeter. This concept maximizes the use of natural light and allows for the concentration and efficient use of the building’s mechanical systems. It also allows for structural flexibility, with the heaviest loads

Figure B.6.5 Laboratory Pod Concept

concentrated at the center of the pod carrying the equipment. This allows for longer spans in the bench and desk areas, thus providing more open space without the intrusion of structural columns.

B.6.6 Materials Management: In laboratory areas, material movement will occur in common corridors. If a service corridor is provided, it should be sized to accommodate materials movement within that area.

B.6.7 Open Stairways: Open stairways reduce barriers to communication between occupants who are on separate floors. However, the open stair must provide adequate fire separation.

B.6.8 Cyber Café: Cyber cafés are a response to the age of computer commun-ication, rapid information retrieval, and multitasking. A cyber café is a multipurpose space containing computer hookups for laptops at desks or tables, a refreshment bar, and informal meeting space. These areas foster interaction among building occupants and draw in others from outside the building.

B.6.9 Library/Reading Room: Libraries are no longer as popular or as necessary as they once were with the advent of online journals. However, there still may be a desire for a reading room where current hard copy journals are kept. The library room should be a quiet, comfortable, well-lit space with adequate perimeter shelving for books and journals.

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B.7 Functional Relationships and Zoning of the Laboratory Building

In planning a laboratory, the designer must address the relationships of all related functions or activities. By combining similar types of functions in zones, the building becomes more efficient. The following points can be used as a guide to determine space and functional relationships when planning a laboratory.

1. Define the organizational structure or the general functional philosophy of the proposed occupants.
2. Define the levels of interaction required by the functional philosophy. Diagram the proposed interactions to determine their efficacy.
3. Determine waste and material handling movement requirements for the individual work zones. Identify safety and health hazard issues that must be addressed in planning.
4. Determine specific laboratory support adjacency requirements for each laboratory zone.
5. Define office adjacencies to laboratory work space.
6. Determine which laboratory spaces will need “isolated” work zones that may require special mechanical services.

In addition to determining the types and degree of adjacencies, it is essential to obtain the following information when planning flexible and adaptable work spaces.

1. MEP requirements
2. Fire protection requirements
3. Biohazard and radiation safety requirements
4. Chemicals used
5. Major scientific equipment to be installed including environmental rooms
6. Density of fume hoods
7. Building population
8. Number of workstations
9. Types of nonstandard workstations such as electrophysiology rigs

B.7.1 Planning Diagrams: The planning diagrams describe in graphic form the basic planning zones for modular development and relationships between laboratory zones, office zones, desk zones, corridors, and support zones. These are diagrammatic only and must be adapted to requirements of the specific building’s program of requirements, site constraints, and user requirements.

B.7.1.1 Laboratory and Lab-oratory Support Concept: The planning of a laboratory building must address both relationships of functions and circulation. Figure B.7.1.1 illustrates primary personnel circulation between the lab and lab support zone and the office zone. The central service corridor supports the laboratories and segregates the flow of people and materials.

B.7.1.2 Laboratory Zones With Single Corridor: Figure B.7.1.2 illustrates a primary
personnel corridor between the lab zones connecting to a central office zone. This central corridor supports the laboratories and the offices, combining the flow of people and materials. All spaces receive direct natural light.

Figure B.7.1.1 Laboratory and Laboratory Support Concept       

B.7.1.3 Laboratory and Laboratory Support Zones With Single Corridor: Laboratory and laboratory support zones with single corridor is a double-loaded personnel corridor with a lab zone on one side and an office zone on the other side. This central corridor supports the laboratories and the offices, combining the flow of people and materials. All spaces receive natural light.

Figure B.7.1.2 Laboratory Zones With Single Corridor