FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

OF RESEARCH

LABORATORY

PYNDA SURYA PAVAN

CE12B049

Functional Design

Aspects

• Architectural

• Engineering

• Operational

• Safety

• Sustainability

Architectural Aspects

1. Flexibility

Dynamic field. Physical changes are

made

on annual basis. Need to accommodate

that.

2. Expansion

Nearby spaces should be left empty for

future expansions.

Engineering Aspects

1. Structural systems

Since the lab area is constantly changing and a single

large roof is preferred with all load bearing elements

in the ends and no centre pillars.

2. Electrical systems

Requires emergency power supply and uninterrupted

power supply along with normal power supply to ensure

smooth running of everyday tasks.

Operational Aspects

1. Zoning

Divide the total floor area into lab and non-lab zone

to reduce operational costs.

2. Shared equipment

Equipment that is shared with can be put outside the lab

area with separate structure

enclosing it.

3.Standardization

Try to design with standard building components instead

of customized components.

Safety Aspects

1. Safety

Protection of human life and health is

paramount by use of containment devices,

radiation safety and emergency power.

2. Security

Protecting facility from unauthorised access

is also important in present competitive

world.

Sustainability Aspects

1. Minimize overall impacts

Since labs are far more energy intensive

there is a need to reduce carbon footprint

as far as possible.

2. Optimize building efficiency on a life-cycle

Labs are used for a long time and optimising

it for its entire life cycle is a major step in

maintaining its sustainability factor.

Ventilation

1. Lab zone

Needs sealed room to perform sensitive experiment

so advisable to be cooled locally and to required levels.

2. Non-lab zone

This zone is only used for lectures and doing coursework

and hence needs no special requirements as long

as basic comfort levels are met using basic building

design principles.

Lighting

1. Lab zone

Requires specific lighting for some experiments so it is

recommended to glaze all fenestration to block light

from entering inside and the fixing required luminaires for

lighting.

2. Non-lab zone

Requires only general illumination and can be met by

exploiting natural lighting by using skylights and

clerestories.

Acoustics

1. Lab zone

Some experiments require noise control and also sound

coming inside a lab causes irritation and disturbs the

users. So labs must be insulated from outside noises by

using sound absorbing media in their walls.

2. Non-lab zone

This zone is mainly used for coursework and also for

group discussions and lectures. So this area also must

be insulated from noise by using sound absorbing

media.