Commercial Architecture April 2017 - 6

DEPARTMENT

the architects

Design For Research
Breakthroughs
Effective laboratory design puts a priority on
occupant comfort while providing the flexibility
needed to do successful work.
Robert Skolozdra, AIA, LEED AP
Svigals+Partners

Above. The hexagon-inspired elements of this reception
area make a bold visual impact on visitors and staff that
reinforces the firm's culture and brand identity. Photo: Jim
Fiora, courtesy Svigals+Partners

oo many in the healthcare and technology sectors find out the hard way that laboratories are
not all created equal. Lab-facility owners, entre-

preneurs, and scientists all have experienced what it's like
to work in less-than-ideal conditions. To achieve inspired
breakthroughs in science, research organizations demand

Left. Rolling casework and plug-and-play pods for
infrastructure make this sunlit pharmacology lab eminently

more than just workbenches, bright lighting, and pow-

flexible. Photo: Robert Benson, courtesy Svigals+Partners

erful vent hoods. These clients deserve better, and they

Left bottom. Part of a soft-drink manufacturer ideation
space, a "culinary lab" kitchen adds to the prestige of employment. Photo: Robert Benson, courtesy Svigals+Partners

should expect more, too.
Research space should be built around the pursuit of
scientific discoveries and advancements. Stakeholders
also fundamentally view research facilities as workplaces.
Because the stakes are high, competition is fierce, and the

but they may be blind to some architectural

outcomes potentially paradigm changing, application of

choices that blunt the competitive edge. For ex-

the principles of good workplace design in the research

ample, recruiting and retaining talented scien-

sector can be critical to the success of a research project

tists is usually a foremost priority, yet it's easy to

and, by extension, of the research organization itself.

overlook the impact the research facilityhas on

Studying client work habits, we recognized years ago

recruitment efforts.

that most researchers spend long hours in the lab, making

Talented researchers know their value and, all

their offices and lab facilities effectively a home away

other factors being equal, will choose to work

from home. As a result, the design approach should deliv-

where there's a sense of prestige. While not all

er lab buildings that are healthy, welcoming, and enjoy-

researchers view "prestige" in the same way, typi-

able places in which to live and work.

cally those in the scientific community place a

Another key aspect draws on our experience in the
design of not only labs but also corporate offices, educa-

frequently to produce the unexpected avenues of thought
that lead to breakthrough discoveries.

premium on exactly what one might expect: an
attractive, comfortable space with desirable amenities,

tion institutions, and nonprofit organizations: That is to

The key is using the planning and design phases to

and lab facilities that boast robust systems and equipment

view research settings as productive playgrounds-envi-

explore possibilities for creating spaces that foster infor-

for their field of research. Additionally, many scientists

ronments of open participation and creative play that tru-

mal interdisciplinary or interdepartmental interaction.

perceive that sustainable-design features contribute to a

ly foster the productivity, innovation, and inspiration

Carving out a share of the facility's footprint and design-

facility's desirability, especially natural finishes, such as

critical to breakthrough science.

ing it to offer a space for relaxed interaction and creativity

wood; ample natural dayligh; and exterior views. Even a

is typically very cost-effective, and will likely have a negli-

recycling program and/or common areas with works of

gible impact on the organization's goals for the facility

art, help differentiate the facility.

Consider these general principles when designing research and science facilities:
Inspire greatness. Svigals+Partners has worked with

program and the project budget. Considered carefully

Use branding and artwork. Another way to create an

many different research-sector clients, and they all report

and early, the inclusion of breakout space can offer a po-

air of prestige is to capitalize on an organization's brand

that inspiration strikes outside the lab more often than in

tential cauldron of game-changing ideas.

identity or corporate culture in visual and architectural

it. In fact, casual interaction with colleagues and others

Compete for top talent. Research organizations do

ways. Integrating branded elements can be a cost-effective

during informal discussions and collaboration seem most

not need to be reminded how competitive their sector is,

way to reinforce an organization's identity and mission

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