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The American Institute of Architects Center for Advanced Technology Facilities Design

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Designing a state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory can be a daunting task for any design professional. Under-standing the special requirements of the researcher in the facility is just the first step.You need to also be knowledgeable in materials handling, isolation units, spe-cial equipment stabilization, hazardous waste disposal, biocontainment areas, positive air flows, security issues, multi-level governmental regulations, and high-tech support systems.The list goes on and on. Where do you start?

Guidelines for Planning and Design of Biomedical Research Laboratory Facilities provides the introductory starting point you need to understand the special design needs and requirements of biomedical research laboratories.The information pre-sented here is an easy way to grasp the basic elements, relationships, and special considerations of this complicated and technically challenging design area.

The initial basis for Guidelines for Planning and Design of Biomedical Research Laboratory Facilities was a set of design guidelines for biomedical research facili-ties originally developed by the National Institutes of Health.This material has been revised and augmented with a wide array of knowledge pulled together by a multidisciplinary task group of experts. The result is a comprehensive set of design guidelines that are not specific to any one type of public or private sector biomedical research. Instead, you will find the material applicable to most biomed-ical research facilities in any setting.

These Guidelines for Planning and Design of Biomedical Research Laboratory Facilities help you to meet the unique design challenges posed by this rewarding and fast-paced field.

G U I D E L I N E S FOR P L A N N I N G A N D D E S I G N o F

IBIOMEDICAU I (RESEARCH LABORATORY

iFACILITIES

The American Institute of Architects Center for Advanced Technology Facilities Design

The American Institute of Architects 1735 New York Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C.20006

Compilation 1999 by The American Institute of Architects All rights reserved Printed in the United States ISBN 1-87904-95-3

Todd Phillips, PhD, AIA - Director, Center for Advanced Technology Facilities Design Cover design by Max Brinkmann Layout and type by EEI Communications Printed by Balmar Services, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS viii INTRODUCTION xi

A PLANNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . 1 A.l Laboratory Activities 1 A.2 Laboratory Planning Objectives 2 A.3 Quality of Life 3

A.3.1 Noise 4 A.3.2 Wayfmding 4 A.3.3 Artwork 4 A.3.4 Other Amenities 4

A.4 General Laboratory Planning Parameters 5 A.4.1 Planning Modules 5 A.4.2 Zoning of the Laboratory Building 6 A.4.3 Security 11 A.4.4 Loading Docks 11

A.5 Distribution of Services to the Laboratory Module 12 A.5.1 Ceiling and Shaft Distribution 13 A.5.2 Multiple Internal Shafts 13 A.5.3 Multiple Exterior Shafts 14 A.5.4 Service Corridors 15 A.5.5 Interstitial Space 17

B SPACE DESCRIPTIONS 19 B.l Laboratories 19 B.2 Wet Laboratories 19

B.2.1 Biochemistry/Pathology 20 B.2.2 Molecular Biology 20 B.2.3 Cell Biology 20 B.2.4 Organic Chemistry 20 B.2.5 Physical Chemistry 21

B.3 Dry Laboratories 21 B.3.1 Electrophysiology/Biophysics 21 B.3.2 Electron Microscope 21 B.3.3 Laser 22 B.3.4 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 22 B.3.5 X-Ray Crystallography... 22 B.3.6 Mass Spectrometry (MS) 23

B.4 Laboratory Support 23 B.4.1 Autoclave Room 23 B.4.2 Glasswash 24

B.4.3 Constant Temperature Rooms 24 B.4.4 Computer Mainframe/Server Area 25 B.4.5 Darkroom 25 B.4.6 Freestanding Equipment Areas 25 B.4.7 Bench Lab Support 26 B.4.8 Radioisotope Laboratory 26 B.4.9 Standard Ice Support Room 26 B.4.10 General Storage Room 27 B.4.11 Tissue Culture 27 B.4.12 Biotech Room 27 B.4.13 PCR Clean Room 27 B.4.14 Chemical and Flammable Liquid Storage 27

B.5 Offices and Shared Use Areas 28 B.5.1 Offices 28 B.5.2 Work Areas 28 B.5.3 Collaboration Areas 28 B.5.4 Break Rooms 28 B.5.5 Personal Effects Storage 29

B.6 Building Operational Areas 29 B.6.1 Materials Management 29 B.6.2 Shipping and Receiving Area 29 B.6.3 Materials Handling 30 B.6.4 Movement of Laboratory Animals 30 B.6.5 Circulation 30

DESIGN CRITERIA 31 C.l Equivalent Linear Measurement (ELM) 31 C.2 Area Allowances 31 C.3 The Laboratory Module 32 C.4 Laboratory Furniture and Equipment 32

C.4.1 Casework 32 C.4.2 Chemical Fume Hoods and Biological Safety Cabinets 32 C.4.3 Equipment 33

C.5 Architectural Finishes and Materials 34 C.5.1 Floors 34 C.5.2 Walls 34 C.5.3 Ceilings 35 C.5.4 Windows and Window Treatment 35 C.5.5 Doors 35

C.6 Structural 35 C.6.1 Vibration 35 C.6.2 Module/Bay Size 36 C.6.3 Floor Slab Depressions 37 C.6.4 Equipment Pathway 37

C.7 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning 37 C.7.1 Energy Conservation 37 C.7.2 Systems Economic Analysis 38 C.7.3 Outdoor Design Conditions 38 C.7.4 Indoor Design Conditions 39 C.7.5 Air Quality 39 C.7.6 Air Distribution , 41 C.7.7 Relative Pressurization 41 C.7.8 Air Balance 41 C.7.9 Ventilation Rates 42 C.7.10 Heating and Cooling Load Calculations 43 C.7.11 Laboratory Equipment Cooling Loads 44

C.8 Plumbing 44 C.9 Electrical 45

C.9.1 Normal Power 45 C.9.2 Standby Power 45 C.9.3 Lighting 46 C.9.4 Monitoring 47 C.9.5 Telecommunications/LAN 47 C.9.6 Grounding System 47

CIO General Health and Safety 47 C.10.1 Fume Hoods 48 C.10.2 Biological Safety Cabinets 48 C.10.3 Vacuum Systems 48 C.10.4 Emergency Shower/Eyewash Equipment 48 C.10.5 Physical Hazards 49 C. 10.6 Electrical 49 C. 10.7 Flammables 49 C.10.8 Gas Cylinders 49 C.10.9 Waste Storage 50

C.ll Biological Hazard Safety 50 C.ll.l Background 50 C.11.2 Biological Safety Level 1 50 C.11.3 Biological Safety Level 2 51 C.11.4 Biological Safety Level 3 53 C.11.5 Biological Safety Level 4 57 C.11.6 Biological Safety Cabinets 57

C.12 Radiation Safety 60 C.12.1 Specific Areas of Concern 61 C.12.2 Radioactive Waste Storage and Staging 61 C.12.3 Laboratory Design 63 C.12.4 Radioactive Liquid and Airborne Effluent

Discharges 65

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C.12.5 Building Vacuum Systems 66 C.12.6 Irradiators Utilized in Medical Research 66 C.12.7 Radiation-Producing Equipment 61 C.12.8 Non-Ionizing Radiation 61 C.12.9 Clearance for Renovation/Remodeling 69

C.13 Fire Safety/Fire Protection 69 C.14 Environmental Management 70

C.14.1 Background 70 C.14.2 Hazardous Construction Materials 71 C.14.3 Hazardous Substances Storage 71 C.14.4 Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling 73 C.14.5 Bulk Storage Facilities 75 C. 14.6 Wastewater 77 C.14.7 Solid Waste 78 Index 81

APPENDIX A. VIBRATION CRITERIA FOR USE IN PLANNING NEW FACILITIES A-l

VI

PREFACE This document is the first publication by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of material developed to assist with the tasks of planning and designing biomedical re-search laboratories. The decision to develop the document was based on the recogni-tion that biomedical research is rapidly becoming more complex and far reaching, and that facilities designed to support work in the life sciences must themselves be corre-spondingly more sophisticated to meet research requirements today and tomorrow.

The original basis for this document was the set of design guidelines for biomedical research facilities that was developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH material has been amended by a multidisciplinary task group charged with creat-ing a more broadly generic and updated set of guidelines that are not specific to one type of public or private sector biomedical research. These guidelines should there-fore be viewed as an introductory point of entry into a complicated subject. It is antici-pated that this first edition will be steadily expanded and refined in an open, public review and comment process conducted at periodic intervals in the future.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been privileged to work with a multidisciplinary task group of distinguished and dedicated experts involved in bio-medical research laboratory facilities as researchers, facilities designers, and construc-tors, representatives of professional organizations and public agencies.

These experts were convened as a formal task group and they devoted many hours of concentrated work during 1997-98 to represent the latest and best thinking about bio-medical research from the viewpoints of their respective fields. Their deliberations began with a thorough review of earlier guidelines that were developed specifically for the National Institues of Health (NIH), and that the NIH generously made available to the AIA in a modified form as a starting point for this document. The process benefited further from the thoughts of numerous others, including Mr. Robert Guy, AIA, of Earl Walls Associates, and Mr. Lloyd Siegel, FAIA, Director of the Facilities Quality Of-fice, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C. Every effort was made to craft guidelines language that expressed a balanced and broad-based consensus.

Executive Committee

Frank Battistello Branch Chief Research Facilities Branch National Cancer Institute Bethesda, MD

Janet Baum, AIA Principal Health Education + Research Associates, Inc. St. Louis, MO

William R. Brader, PE Principal Kling Lindquist Philadelphia, PA

Daniel L. Hightower, RA Associate Director Management Control and Policy Office Division of Engineering Services National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD

Todd S. Phillips, Ph.D., AIA Director Center for Advanced Technology Facilities Design American Institute of Architects Washington, DC

P. Richard Rittelmann, FAIA Executive Vice President Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates Butler, PA Alfred Ferruggiaro

Senior Industrial Hygienist and Acting Chief Technical Assistance Section, Division of Safety National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD

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Task Group Members Stephen Campbell Interim Director Facilities and Real Estate Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD

Charles Coulter, Ph.D. Director Research Facilities Improvement Program, NCRR Bethesda, MD

Fernand Dahan, FAIA Senior Architect U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C.

Michael Kiley, Ph.D. Biological Safety Officer National Program Staff Architectural Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Beltsville, MD

Clyde Messerly Architect, Project Officer Division of Facilities Planning & Safety U.S. Food and Drug Administration Rockville, MD

James Mulshine, MD Head Intervention Section Medicine Branch National Cancer Institute Rockville, MD

John Pallas Manager of Engineering National Cancer Institute Frederick Cancer Research Development Center Frederick, MD

Leo A. Phelan Director Standards Service Office of Facilities Management Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, DC

David Westreich Vice President Gilbane Building Company Laurel, MD

Joseph J. Wisnewski, FAIA Wisnewski Blair & Associates Alexandria, VA

Special thanks are due to Daniel L. Hightower, RA, of the NIH for his initiative in making it possible for the AIA to work in concert with NIH experts and others to undertake the development of this document. The initial task of converting NIH guide-lines material into a basic manuscript that could serve as the starting point for this document was conducted by the following key persons at the NIH:

Frank Battistello Terry Christensen, PE Charles Coulter, Ph.D. Rassa Davoodpour Alfred Ferruggiaro, CIH Ricardo Herring, AIA Daniel Hightower, RA

Jean Khoshbin, RA Thomas Ligis Dr. Farhad Memarzadah, PE James Mulshine, MD John Pavlides, PE Judit Quasney, RA Cyrena Simons

Thanks are owed as well to the many persons who are responsible for the NIH Design Policy and GuidelinesResearch Laboratories:

Dave Berry Joseph M. Bladen Charles E. Blumberg, FIIDA Martin D. Borenstein Nancy Boyd Benjamin Buck, PE Christine M. Campbell, PE James Carscadden, PE Dr. Alan L. Chedester Terry L. Christensen, PE Rassa Davoodpour Mehryar Ebrahimi, PE David H. Epley, PE Alfred J. Ferruggiaro, CIH Shawn Googins Paul Hawver Ricardo C. Herring, AIA John K. Hollingsworth Herbert B. Jacobi Frankie R. Kelly Jean Khoshbin, RA Byung Kim Louis Klepitch Frank M. Kutlak, RA Dr. RandolfLarsen James S. Lewis, PE

Thomas Ligis Kristy Long, RA Johnny Madlangbayan Athanasia Mantzouranis, PE Phillip Marcus John McCabe, PE Dr. Farhad Memarzadeh, PE Mark F.Miller Rand M. Mortimer Nga Nguyen Albert Parrish Arvind Patel Daryl E. Paunil, PE John Pavlides, PE Edward A. Pfister Leon F. Pheder, PE Judit A. Quasney, RA Solange Rangel, RA Shahriar Saleh Donald A. Sebastian, RA Cyrena G. Simons William Strine Peter W. Sweeney Dr. James F. Taylor Esmail Torkashvan, PE. Gary Zackowitz, RA

INTRODUCTION

General The puipose of this document is to provide information to the design and research communities on the planning and design of biomedical research laboratories. These guidelines reflect the judgment of a multidisciplinary group of experts in research laboratory design and operation. They encompass the majority of current best prac-tices today, but they are neither universal solutions nor detailed enough to answer every question that may arise in the course of a specific planning and design project. It is not the intent of this document to specify construction techniques, to prescribe facilities quality or cost criteria, or to serve as code requirements. The intent instead is to identify issues and approaches that deserve careful thought when undertaking bio-medical research facilities projects. Such facilities are complex and require these spe-cial and specific design considerations.

As highly changeable environments, biomedical research laboratories and their sup-port spaces must be flexible and able to readily accommodate a wide range of current and future requirements and hazards. To achieve satisfactory results from the planning and design, it is important that the project owner supply for each project a functional program for the facility that describes the purpose of the project, the projected demand or utilization, staffing patterns, departmental relationships, space requirements, and other basic information relating to fulfillment of the organization's objectives. This program may include a description of each function or service; the operational space required for each function; the number of staff or other occupants of the various spaces; the equipment required in each space; the numbers, types, and areas (in net square meters) of all spaces; the special design features; the systems of operation; and the interrelationships of various functions and spaces.

The functional program should also include a description of those services necessary for the complete operation of the facility, and it should address future expansion of essential services that may be needed to accommodate increased demand for techno-logical change. The approved functional program shall be made available for use by all members of the design team in the development of project design and construction documents.

A total "environmental approach," including attention to site, structure, massing, circu-lation, visual harmony, open areas, existing conditions, and construction logistics, as well as operational sustainability, is the most effective strategy when planning biomedi-cal research facilities. A design approach that responds to these specific issues will serve to create a product that is functional, aesthetic, flexible, and reliable. Design pro-fessionals must consider all these criteria to meet the needs that are identified by users, dictated by functional relationships, and imposed by specific existing conditions.

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It is extremely important to recognize that the end users (researchers, facility manag-ers, administrators, etc.) are integral parts of this process, and their involvement is essential to the project success from the outset. The most effective method by which to integrate scientific, administrative, and facility requirements is through a "partner-ship" interaction whereby design professionals and end users share a clearly defined goal. Accomplishing such a shared vision through the entire design, construction, and operations process ensures the operational functionality, sustainability, and reliability of these sophisticated facilities.

A hazard assessment must be conducted for each investigative and research function. The assessment becomes a critical determining factor in design and throughout the full life cycle of the facility. A main purpose of these guidelines is to assist in the design of "safe space" to support research.

In response to this purpose, all laboratories are assumed in design to contain chemical, radiological, and biological hazards, since all of these scientific activities may occur within the space during its life cycle. Containment devices and researcher procedures are used in concert with the facility to manage these hazards. Architectural and engi-neering features are also essential to maintain proper safety for workers and visitors. Every research facility shall provide and maintain a safe environment for personnel and the public. When chemical fume hoods are required, even to handle small quanti-ties of hazardous material, then the laboratory space must have air pressure negative in relation to adjacent egress and circulation corridors. In addition, the exhaust system requires redundancy to establish reliable containment. Radioisotopes, usually used only in trace amounts, must be secured and shielded. Biohazards are assumed to be at Biosafety Level 2.

Provisions for Disasters In locations where there is a recognized potential for hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, blizzards, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, planning and design shall consider the need to protect the life safety of all facility occupants and the potential need for continuing facilities operations following such a disaster. For those facilities that must remain operational in the aftermath of a disaster, special design is required to protect systems and essential building services such as power, water, laboratory gas systems and, in certain areas, air conditioning. In addition, spe-cial consideration must be given to the likelihood of temporary loss of externally sup-plied power, gas, water, and communications.

Codes and Standards Research facility projects are subject to the regulations of several different authorities at the local, state, and federal levels. Individual project requirements should be veri-fied as appropriate. Should requirements be conflicting or contradictory, the authority

xii

having primary responsibility for resolution should be consulted as early in the design process as possible.

These guidelines assume that the design professionals who are selected for biomedi-cal research facilities projects are knowledgeable about the attributes of these facili-ties. It is the design professionals' responsibility to comply with established codes, regulations, and current practices. These guidelines do not relieve design profession-als of such responsibilities. Rather, they are intended to supplement the design process by offering consolidated practical knowledge and experience based on commonly ac-cepted operational sustainability and safety practices. By incorporating such knowl-edge, greater consistency, flexibility, reliability, and safety within biomedical research facilities can be achieved.

Facilities shall be designed to meet the requirements of applicable building codes, including the most current editions of the following:

BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators) National Building Code

ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials) Uniform Building Code

NEHRP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program) Provisions SBCCI (Southern Building Code Congress International) Standard Build-

ing Code

Insofar as practical, these guidelines have been established to obtain a desired perfor-mance result. Limitations, when given, such as dimensions or quantities, describe a condition that is commonly recognized as a practical standard for normal operation.

In all cases where specific limits are described, equivalent solutions will be acceptable if the authority having jurisdiction approves them. Nothing in this document shall be construed as restricting innovations that provide an equivalent level of performance with these guidelines in a manner other than that which is prescribed by this docu-ment, provided that no other safety element or system is compromised in order to establish equivalency.

Metric standards of measurement are the norm for most international commerce and are being used increasingly in the United States. Where measurements are a part of this document, "hard" metric units are given as the basic standard, with "hard" En-glish units in parentheses. It should be noted that these units are not usually arithmeti-cally equivalent.

Various codes and standards have been referenced in whole or in part in sections of this document. Care must be taken to use current editions of the applicable codes and standards as accepted by the regulating authorities.

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A PLANNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES a. The intent of these guidelines is to provide the designer with information that will yield state-of-the-art biomedical research facilities either by constructing new facilities or by renovating older facilities to meet ever-changing biomedical research needs. It is essential that the end users of the research laboratory be involved during the programming and design stages to meet the various specific needs of the labora-tory occupants. The following goals and objectives define the recommended consid-erations necessary to maintain proper functionality of the facility as well as good productivity of the end user. For specific requirements see section C, Design Criteria.

b. In planning and designing laboratory facilities, the designer needs to fully analyze and understand the unique organizational and operating culture of the client, including spatial relationships, flexibility, efficiency, security, and other requirements. What works for one client is not necessarily applicable to all clients. Client organiza-tional and operational cultures will vary widely; thus, the laboratory space diagrams provided in this document must be considered in that light.

A.1 Laboratory Activities a. The primary activities to be performed in the laboratories will be scientific research and/or experimentation.

b. The research in biomedical laboratories consists of systematic stud-ies and investigations in the field of biomedicine. Biomedicine is a broad field of science that includes biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. The experimentation conducted in the laboratories is a process or action under-taken to discover something not yet known or to demonstrate something known. It is also an action or a process designed to find out whether some-thing is effective, workable, valid, etc.

c. The laboratories should provide space for the actual experimenta-tion, electronic monitoring and calibration, general laboratory support func-tions, information processing and retrieval, specimen and equipment stor-age, scientific notation and recording. Laboratories should be adaptable and capable of supporting a wide range of science.

d. The secondary activities performed in the laboratories are adminis-trative and informal interaction. Space should be provided to house admin-istrative activities such as office space for the laboratory chiefs and their secretarial and support staff. Areas should be provided to encourage interac-tion activities and philosophical exchange of ideas between scientists. The interaction areas could be refreshment or break areas, copy centers, stair-wells, landings, etc.

Planning Goals and Objectives 1

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e. Where possible, laboratory staff shall be provided with low bench desk space that is physically separated from the laboratory bench. This work space shall be outside yet could be adjoining the laboratory. The reasons for separating the office work space from the lab are to remove the occupant from any potential hazards within the lab, to facilitate compliance with good laboratory practice, and to realize possible cost reductions. In doing so, how-ever, it is important to provide for a good visual connection into the lab.

A.2 Laboratory Planning Objectives a. Modular Space Planning: Modules should be organized in a man-ner that allows space to be easily configured. Space should be carefully or-ganized on a modular basis free of closed-in stairwells, chases, shafts, shear walls, elevators, and all other obstructions, save regularly spaced structural columns.

b. Laboratory Support Space: The ratio of laboratory support spaces to research laboratories shall be adequate to eliminate the need to locate equipment in nonlaboratory functional areas. Consideration shall 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.

c. Flexibility: It is important that laboratory space and utility services be designed for flexibility so they can be readily adapted to accommodate future changes in research protocols. Laboratories require an enormous amount of capital to construct, and they should not be rendered functionally obsolete due to minor changes in technology or research priorities. It is im-portant that the laboratory have the ability to change without affecting adja-cent research activities.

d. Capability: The laboratory must be capable of providing all the util-ity services necessary for the scientists to conduct their research. It is equally important that provisions be made for future utility services to accommo-date unanticipated demands brought about through improvements in tech-nology or through changes in research protocols. Flexibility and capability can be said to "go hand in hand."

Consideration should be given to providing reserve capacity in the primary building utility systems to accommodate necessary levels of reliability as well as future growth and change. Standby capability should be provided to support research, safety, and functions. Capacity should be designed into the building systems to allow researchers flexibility to add equipment and in-

2 Planning Goals and Objectives

strumentation as required to meet ever-changing needs without compromis-ing laboratory health and safety.

e. Expansion: In the context of master planning, future expansion is an important consideration in laboratory facilities. State-of-the-art research institutions must be designed to accommodate expansion. Establishing a framework for building systems that can be easily expanded and be consis-tent with the local master plan is essential.

Quality of Life Quality of life in laboratories is a major concern of the occupants. Research-ers stated in a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Divi-sion of Engineering Services, that views to the outdoors, both from their laboratories and offices, are highly desirable. The laboratory should be de-signed for people, providing them with a pleasant work environment that leads to increased productivity. Introduction of natural light into laborato-ries, giving researchers some visual relief, is an important element in creat-ing a comfortable work environment. Adequate work space, color, a coordi-nated and well-organized layout, and attractive casework are some of the design features that will enhance the quality of life. The use of visually in-teresting features such as natural material, art work, etc., and amenities such as exercise facilities, bank teller machines, etc., that can help to attract and retain scientific staff is highly desirable.

a. Natural Light and Visual Relief: Introduction of natural light into laboratories by allowing researchers the opportunity for visual relief is an important element in creating a comfortable work environment. This pre-sents design challenges with significant planning and functional implica-tions in large, multifloor facilities.

Where possible, and unless in conflict with functional requirements, labora-tories should be located in such as way as to optimize natural day lighting. Laboratories utilizing photographic and optical diagnostic techniques must have blackout capability. Natural light is less important in laboratory sup-port areas because occupancy is more intermittent than in the labs.

b. Lighting: Laboratory research requires high-quality lighting for close work, both in terms of brightness and uniformity. Fixtures should be posi-tioned to provide shadow-free illumination of the laboratory work bench. Consideration should be given to control of glare, brightness contrast ratios, accurate color rendition, and task lighting at the bench.

c. Interaction Areas: These should be dedicated, neutral spaces spe-cifically designed to encourage staff to encounter one another and promote


healthy interaction. These spaces should be designed to attract researchers out of their labs and offices from time to time for encounters with colleagues. Experience shows that proximity to coffee stations, toilet rooms, main corri-dors, mailboxes, and break rooms makes interaction areas most successful.

d. 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. These ele-ments are very critical to efficient operation of the laboratory facility.

A.3.1 Noise Noise is a critical factor in determining the quality of the work environment. Noise levels in laboratories are difficult to control because room finishes are often non-sound absorbent. Equipment such as chemical fume hoods, centrifuges, and vacuum pumps contributes to the high noise levels within the laboratory. Con-sideration should be given to minimizing the total impact of noisy equipment or other noise generators. Planning should isolate noise-sensitive areas from noise sources wherever possible.

A.3.2 Wayfinding Graphics and signage will help employees and visitors find their way through a laboratory building. Directional graphics/signage shall be functional and integrated with the architecture of the building.

A.3.3 Artwork

Artwork should be not only in the form of photographs, paint-ings, etc. It could be designed by using different forms of light-ing, color, texture, and materials.

A.3.4 Other Amenities

Consideration during the programming and planning stages should be given to the inclusion of other amenities such as cafeterias, lounges, bank machines, credit unions, shower and locker facili-ties, and child care.


General Laboratory Planning Parameters A.4.1 Planning Modules

a. Many researchers have special laboratory design require-ments. One of the initial goals in the design of a laboratory is to establish an idealized common space denominator capable of meeting the required variety of research needs while also allow-ing circulation, service, structural, mechanical/electrical/plumb-ing (MEP), partition, and laboratory casework systems to be pro-vided as required. The laboratory module is the basic conceptual facility design building block that provides regularity and repeti-tiveness of area and services for the building. It must be care-fully organized on a modular basis and, to the maximum extent possible, be free of interruptions such as stairwells, chases, shafts, shear walls, elevators, and other obstructions.

b. 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, to the extent possible, the standardization of MEP systems' design and acces-sibility. Laboratory buildings are usually designed based on a planning module that is regular and repetitive, such as the unit shown in Diagram No. 1. These typical modules are shown only for the purpose of illustrating a modular approach and are not universally applicable. The identification of modules for both laboratory and nonlaboratory support functions allows the ratio-nal creation and organization of spaces to accommodate the wide variety of laboratory and support spaces typically found in these facilities.

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c. The building's structural system, whether existing or new, must relate to the planning module. Structural columns should be considered in the module design to minimize impact on func-tion and beams designed to interface with MEP distribution sys-tems. The structural system, in concert with other building sys-tems, should be designed to maximize the building efficiency given existing conditions and the needs of research. Because of the sensitive research functions and equipment typically found in these facilities, laboratory building designs generally include considerations for the control of vibrations. This topic is discussed further in the appendix to these guidelines.

A.4.2 Zoning of the Laboratory Building a. In addition to the considerations described previously in this section, there are a number of other demonstrated trends that require a response from the planned zoning of a laboratory building.

b. The accelerating use of automated instrumentation in labo-ratories is having a profound impact on the way research is per-formed and research facilities are designed. Dedicated instrumen-tation and robotics areas, typically found with support areas and adjacent to laboratory spaces, have become common. The in-creased need for this space type has required, in some instances, the creation of a separate zone for these types of support spaces. This increase in automation has also resulted, in some cases, in a shift in researcher time associated with data review and analysis from the laboratory to the office workstation. This shift has im-plications for the quality-of-life aspects of these spaces, espe-cially with regard to external views and daylight.

c. "Laboratory Neighborhoods" is a relatively new approach to the zoning and planning of a laboratory building that brings together in a single space all of the resources that the researcher uses on a daily basis. Laboratory neighborhoods include not just laboratories and lab support but also office and office support areas, supplies, and shared equipment and instrumentation. Labo-ratory neighborhoods are expected to promote greater produc-tivity, eliminate the need for expensive duplicate laboratory sup-port space, and instill a sense of scientific community. They typi-cally are composed of 30 to 60 researchers, including 6 to 8 prin-cipal investigators, plus postdoctoral fellows and lab assistants, together with various required support functions. They are clearly


organized with multiple cross corridors or laboratories for ease of movement. In some cases these laboratories are organized into large single "megalabs" within code requirements in order to fur-ther promote team research and communications.

d. After analysis of the building program to establish plan-ning modules, desired adjacencies, and required systems, plan-ning zones are diagrammatically established to identify relation-ships between laboratory, workspace, support and office zones, and connecting corridors. These diagrammatic approaches must be responsive to the current and future building program, site constraints, user requirements, flexibility/adaptability criteria, and budgetary constraints. Diagrams Nos. 2 through 9 identify some typical alternative approaches to laboratory buildings.

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Support very conveniently located relative to laboratories Very adaptable to partial interstitial space over support areas Limited office area will work for some institutions but not others Fixed relationship of support to laboratory will somewhat limit future flexibility


Diagram No. 3

Excellent laboratory/support space relationship Service corridor can run on either side of support area and can serve as equipment storage area and provide a second exit from all laboratories Offices can be on separate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and enjoy perimeter wall Labs sacrifice some natural light because of comdor Excellent future flexibility

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Diagram No. 4

Corridor separation of laboratory and support increases flexibility Offices conveniently separate. Near laboratories but on separate HVAC

system All laboratories and offices enjoy perimeter wall Excellent potential for sharing equipment


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Diagram No. 5

Offices and laboratories enjoy perimeter wall Support space can be utilized for laboratories if desired Offices conveniently separate from laboratories Offices can be on separate HVAC system Corridor would probably have to be a service corridor as well as an access corridor

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Diagram No. 6

Support between offices and laboratories Support central to and well distributed through laboratories Offices can be on separate HVAC system Excessive corridor reduces floor efficiency Typical of teaching institutions. Students can visit offices without entering laboratory area Entry to and exit from laboratories somewhat restricted


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Diagram No. 7

Very simple layout Offices embedded in layout, which makes them expensive Laboratories and support areas somewhat remote from each other Offices have no natural light Laboratories difficult to enter and exit Used for research laboratories in teaching institutions Reasonably efficient for large floorplate Most often used in retrofit for buildings with a narrow floorplate

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Diagram No. 8

Excellent laboratory/support relationship Offices spread throughout plan, which makes them expensive Efficient for a large floorplate but inefficient for a small floorplate Can be difficult to enter/exit laboratories Excellent for "laboratory neighborhoods" concept

Planning Goals and Objectives

Diagram No. 9

Excellent access to and exit from all spaces Offices enjoy perimeter wall and distribution around laboratories Offices too spread out to be on separate HVAC system, which makes them

expensive Racetrack corridor system creates slightly inefficient floorplan Common for corporate research facilities Support somewhat remote from some laboratories Laboratories lack natural light

A.4.3 Security Laboratory buildings are typically occupied 24 hours per day, and access by visitors and employees must be delineated and controlled to minimize dis-ruption and maintain security of operations. Zones of security within the building, at the loading dock, and at dedicated building systems will also be generally required. Electronic security such as card access and closed-circuit television may be planned for the facility.

A.4.4 Loading Docks Locations and numbers of loading docks must be based on an operations concept for the specific facility. The quantity and types of materials that will be received and discharged, the need for security, quality control functions, accessibility for vehicles of multiple sizes, temporary storage and staging, recycling, pest management, waste disposal, materials storage, and staff marshaling are key issues to address. A storage area for gas cylinders adja-cent to the loading dock, and in an area of minimal activity and easy access, should also be considered.


Distribution of Services to the Laboratory Module In order to function properly, laboratories require the services of many utili-ties. The choice of desiOgn and locations of the utility distribution systems(s) is a product of utility function, cost effectiveness and ease of access for maintenance, additional future services, and remodeling during the life of the laboratory.

a. Systems Access, Organized and Integrated Right-of-Way: Ease of maintenance, repair, and change mandates readily accessible spaces and systems to minimize costly and time-consuming disruption of ongoing re-search activities. Ease of accessibility should be integrated into the building planning concept and fully coordinated with other major mechanical, plumb-ing, electrical, and communication systems. These services may run over-head in the circulation corridor or in interstitial space, allowing laboratories to change without increasing or upgrading capacity or location of central infrastructure systems. All utilities should be carefully organized into spe-cific zones, both horizontally and vertically, to provide a uniform distribu-tion of services to each lab module and for maximum flexibility.

b. Connection of Utilities to Laboratory Modules: Laboratory ser-vices must be distributed to each individual laboratory module, and the con-nection point of each service should be in a uniform position relative to the module. The connection point should be detailed to provide simple exten-sion into the laboratory without disruption of adjacent modules. Changes would be primarily to terminal systems, i.e., piping and power connections to apparatus and equipment within the space.

c. Structural Systems: The building's structural system relates to the planning module. Major structural columns shall not intrude into laboratory space, and beams shall be located to minimize any impact with MEP sys-tems. The structural system and column grid shall be designed to maximize the building's efficiency and meet vibration requirements. Refer to section C, Design Criteria, for specific requirements.

The structural systems selected for laboratory buildings should allow flex-ibility to add floor penetrations and shifting of major live loads at any future time. The typical range for anticipated live loads is from 600 to 750 kg/m2 (125 to 150 pounds per square foot).

d. Alternate Distribution Systems: There are several ways to distrib-ute utilities in laboratory buildings, such as ceiling and shaft distribution, multiple internal shafts to modules, multiple exterior shafts to modules, ser-

Planning Goals and Objectives

vice corridor and interstitial space. These diagrams are merely examples of typical layouts.

A.5.1 Ceiling and Shaft Distribution In this system, vertical distribution of utility service is via verti-cal shafts, and horizontal distribution is through ceiling space to the laboratories. (See Diagram No. 10.) Advantage

This system is comparatively economical

Disadvantages

Extensive ceiling cavity space is needed Ceilings must be removable for access Laboratories below the module may be disturbed during reno-

vation or maintenance

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Diagram No. 10

A.5.2 Multiple Internal Shafts In this system, vertical distribution of utility service is via smaller vertical shafts, and horizontal distribution is through the ceiling space of a much smaller area to the laboratory work area or directly to laboratory casework. (See Diagram No. 11.)


Advantages

Relatively short horizontal runs are necessary that require smaller ducts or pipes

Access to shutoff valves is more convenient and less disruptive than when located in ceilings

Requires minimal floor-to-floor height in new facilities Suitable for alterations to existing facilities with low floor-to-floor heights

Disadvantages

The shafts constitute multiple obstructions Future service additions are awkward The planning efficiency is decreased and the grossing factor is increased Wet walls are available only at the shaft spaces

Diagram No. 11

A.5.3 Multiple Exterior Shafts Distribution via multiple exterior shafts is similar to that with multiple interior shafts. (See Diagram No. 12.) Advantages

Relatively shorter horizontal runs are necessary that require smaller ducts and pipes

Access to shutoff valves is more convenient and less disrup-tive than when located in ceilings

In new facilities, a minimal floor-to-floor height is required


It is suitable for alteration to existing facilities with low floor-to-floor heights

It is suitable for renovations when the introduction of new in-ternal shafts is difficult

Disadvantages

It is difficult to add utilities Multiple shafts decrease the planning efficiency and raise the grossing factor The exterior appearance of the building is strongly influenced Access for servicing is limited to the common wall between shaft and building Piped services are subject to temperature differentials, so insu-lation of the shaft may be required Flexibility of planning for future laboratory configurations may be reduced Reduces potential window area

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Advantages

Continuous access for maintenance is available through the service corridor without entering research spaces

Shutoff valves and electric panels are easily accessible Special zones in service corridors could house equipment that

is objectionable in the lab environment due to heat, moisture, noise, and other products

Disadvantages

The planning efficiency is decreased and the grossing factor is increased

Building flexibility is limited If the service corridor cannot be made suitable for personnel

circulation or egress, the plan will require additional circula-tion space

It is more difficult to provide natural light into the laboratory, unless there is only one double-load service corridor per floor

During emergencies (chemical spills, smoke and fire situations, etc.), it is almost impossible to perform a thorough cleanup due to inevitable storage in the service corridor. The width of the service corridor has a great impact on emergency response; the wider the corridor, the more material will accumulate there.

Diagram No. 13


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A.5.5 Interstitial Space Interstitial space is essentially an unobstructed open area with structural columns placed where they favorably relate to the plan-ning module. Horizontal distribution of utility systems is housed in an accessible space above the ceiling plane. The services drop vertically from the interstitial space into the laboratory. Vertical shafts at the perimeter or in a central core connect the interstitial space with the entire building. Interstitial space should be care-fully designed in zones. The vertical zones consist of the follow-ing: structural zone, branch distribution zone (for utilities that are distributed through the floor, such as waste lines), main dis-tribution zone, branch distribution zone (for utilities that are dis-tributed through the ceiling), and lateral distribution zone. The horizontal distribution zones consist of the following: electrical/ communications zone, air supply zone, exhaust zone, plumbing zone, and access zone. (See Diagram No. 14.)

Advantages

The labs enjoy unobstructed floor plan and enhanced adapt-ability of space

Minimum disruption occurs in the lab during routine mainte-nance and alterations

Service is available from above or below at any point on the planning module

The system is generally cost effective over the life of the build-ing

Construction time can be reduced Allows flexibility in faster, less costly upgrading of laborato-

ries

Disadvantages

The volume of the building increases The space requires additional structure for decks or catwalks


STRUCTURAL BAY

STRUCTURAL

MECHANICAL

LIGHT FIXTURE

RESEARCH AREA

LAB MODULE

Diagram No. 14

(This diagram represents only one of many approaches to the design of interstitial space.)


SPACE DESCRIPTIONS

Laboratories a. Laboratory buildings may be designed with generic laboratory space whereby the future users would adapt the generic laboratory to suit their requirements by placing equipment and work zones according to their indi-vidual needs. Generic laboratory design could be used to accommodate a variety of biomedical research. With minor adaptations and well-designed support space, research such as virology, immunology, physiology, cell bi-ology, and clinical research could be accomplished in generic laboratories.

b. Biomedical laboratories in general are classified as wet or dry. A wet laboratory requires working with solutions utilizing benches, sinks, etc., with fully piped services. A dry laboratory involves working with electronics and large instruments with few piped services; however, more special electrical services may be required than in wet labs.

c. Other general laboratory considerations are as follows:

Locate fume hoods and biosafety cabinets (BSCs) away from the primary exit

Locate desks away from lab traffic and circulation Provide secondary exits in larger open laboratory spaces Recess doors and swing in direction of egress Ensure that windows are fixed Provide independent temperature control for each single lab module and a

pressure-independent terminal unit for supply and exhaust duct connec-tions

Keep all terminal units and associated control dampers and actuators out-side the laboratory space

Locate containment devices so as not to block egress, entrap, or pose safety hazards to occupant

Provide a sink, emergency eyewash fountain, and deluge safety shower where chemicals are used

Provide chemical storage cabinet (user specific) and flammable liquid stor-age cabinet

Wet Laboratories Wet laboratories house functions that include working with solutions and utilize benches, sinks, and chemical fume hoods. Generally, a wet lab is fitted out with a full range of services: purified water, potable water, lab cold

Space Descriptions 19

and hot water, lab waste/vents, carbon dioxide (C02), vacuum, compressed air, eyewash, safety showers, natural gas, telephone, local area network (LAN), and power.

B.2.1 Biochemistry/Pathology Equipment generally includes a large number of refrigerators and freezers (-20C (-4F), -70C (-94F), and -135C (-211F)), and a large number of centrifuges. Access to chemical fume hoods, BSCs, and cold rooms is generally required.

B.2.2 Molecular Biology Equipment generally includes refrigerators and freezers (-20C (-4F), -70C (-94F)), and bottled liquid nitrogen) and centri-fuges. Access to chemical fume hoods, BSCs, bacteriological incubators, shakers, and darkroom is generally required.

One 120V outlet per 600 mm is required. Dry and liquid chemi-cal and waste storage with radioactive shielding may be re-quired

B.2.3 Cell Biology Equipment includes refrigerators and freezers. Access to BSCs with high/low C02 incubators, autoclave, cold room, and bottled liquid nitrogen is required.

B.2.4 Organic Chemistry A chemical fume hood for each investigator is highly desirable. Cleanup sinks and acid-resistant waste piping are required. Areas for storage and distribution of gas cylinders easily acces-sible to the laboratory through a central or manifolded system are required.

Standby electric power for critical HVAC systems and con-tainment equipment shall be provided

Piped services may include steam and other gases Provision should be made for storage and distribution of cylin-

der gases within the laboratory or from outside the laboratory Corrosion-resistant waste piping and materials for laboratory

furnishings should be used Flammable liquid storage is required

Space Descriptions

B.2.5 Physical Chemistry The quantity and range of services and electrical power distin-guish chemistry laboratories. Due to instrumentation, heavy struc-tural loading and high ceiling clearance may be required.

Services may include cooling water, steam, nitrogen, other gases, and high-pressure compressed air

Space should be provided for large equipment with special elec-tric and HVAC requirements

Vibration control may be required

Dry Laboratories Dry laboratories involve work with electronics and large instruments with few piped services. These laboratories are analytical laboratories that utilize and house sophisticated equipment: highly calibrated electronic apparatus in spaces that require accurate temperature and humidity control, stable structure and vibra-tion control, shielded space, clean power, and filtered chilled water. These labo-ratories do not require extensive piped services and built-in casework. Floor loading and ceiling heights are also a consideration. Access must be planned for routine maintenance, repair, or calibration of equipment.

B.3.1 Electrophysiology/Biophysics Laboratories require a large number of electronic racks and very little fixed bench space.

Services may include nitrogen, other gases, and high-pressure compressed air

Electric power may require isolation transformers for clean power and special grounding

B.3.2 Electron Microscope Electron microscope suites may include imaging, a darkroom, a print darkroom, a graphics layout room, and a sample prepara-tion area with a chemical fume hood. A stable, vibration-free structure is required. Use of vibration-damping tables, variable room lighting, and humidity control may also be required.

Note: Air distribution around the microscope column is critical to equipment performance. Laminar air flow is preferred; other methods may be used as long as air is not directed toward the column.


Cooling water supply and return for equipment may be required Low-impedance clean ground power supply to microscope

should be provided Provision should be made for storage and distribution of cylin-

der gases within the laboratory or from outside the laboratory High-voltage electric services may be needed

B.3.3 Laser The laser suites must be isolated from vibration and be light-tight, with a sample preparation space and chemical fume hood. Fil-tered chilled water for lasers and heavy floor loads are also a consideration. Specialty gases may be needed.

Provision should be made for storage and distribution of cylin-der gases within the laboratory or from outside the laboratory

High-voltage electric services may be needed

B.3.4 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The MRI suites may include cold rooms, computer work areas, storage for gas cylinders, and a sample preparation space. Ac-cess and clearance, both vertical and horizontal, around the MRI must be carefully planned for both equipment requirements and delivery. Electromagnetic fields must also be considered.

Logistics of equipment assembly, installation, and weight shall be evaluated. Analysis of existing building structure and el-evator capability is required

Specialized exhaust venting should be considered Electrical filters are required on all electrical conductors, in-

cluding data that penetrate shield. Filters are usually supplied with shield

Safe clearances around the electromagnetic fields should be maintained within the room

B.3.5 X-Ray Crystallography The X-ray crystallography suites must be isolated from vibration and have light, temperature, and humidity controls. A darkroom, computer graphic/modeling rooms, a purification and crystal growing room, tape storage, and computer work areas may be required for these laboratories.

Cooling water supply and return to specialty equipment may be required

22 Space Descriptions

Electrical low impedance and clean ground should be provided Vibration isolation may be required

B.3.6 Mass Spectrometry (MS) The mass spectrometry suites must be isolated from vibration. Computers and data collection workstations may be located ad-jacent to the major mass spectrometry equipment. Heavy struc-tural loads are major considerations for MS laboratories. Point-of-use exhaust over equipment may be required.

Note that a sample preparation area is required that may require a small fume hood. Also note that cylinder storage is required for pure specialty gases and should be located in close proximity. Consideration should also be given to any associated vacuum pumps or chillers dependent on the selected equipment. Noise associated with the equipment also needs to be addressed.

Cooling water supply and return to specialty equipment may be required Clean electrical ground should be provided. Stray magnetic fields may affect equipment performance Stray magnetic fields may affect mass-specified equipment per-formance High noise levels are generated in these labs Provision should be made for storage and distribution of cylin-der gases within the laboratory or from outside the laboratory Noise reduction and isolation methods should be provided wherever possible Local exhaust at equipment may be required

B.4 Laboratory Support Laboratory support space should be on the same planning module as the laboratory. It shall provide for activities that are not housed directly in the laboratory but are critical to the efficient operation of the laboratory. This space is often shared by multiple laboratories. Such areas include autoclave rooms, constant-temperature rooms, cold rooms, computer rooms, darkrooms, developing rooms, equipment areas, glasswash, bench support, radioactive work areas, storage, and tissue culture laboratories.

B.4.1 Autoclave Room a. An autoclave is an industrial appliance that uses pressur-ized steam to sterilize laboratory instruments, glassware, other


hard materials, and infectious waste. The autoclave area requires overhead exhaust, floor drains, electricity, hot/cold water, steam, HVAC, and drain, waste, and vent (DWV). All finishes must be moisture resistant. Doors to the room must accommodate large equipment sizes.

b. Unlike the autoclaves in Biosafety 1 and Biosafety 2 ar-eas, Biosafety 3 and Biosafety 4 autoclaves are designed as a through-wall industrial appliance with double-doored entry and exit located in a controlled area isolated from other areas of the building.

Wet exhaust ductwork shall be provided for canopy hoods Ethylene oxide sterilizer (EtO) requires gas safety monitoring

alarms

B.4.2 Glasswash The glasswash provides space for glasswashing, drying appli-ances, and carts, and has counters on legs, a sink, and overhead exhaust. All areas in the room shall be thoroughly caulked and sealed, and have a fixed ceiling, epoxy floors, and cleanable walls to withstand moisture and prevent pest infestation. Space must be provided for staging clean and dirty glassware. Utilities in-clude HVAC with supplemental cooling, electricity, cold water, purified water, DWV, vacuum, telecommunications, and equip-ment alarm system.

Sound attenuation shall be provided in partitions Wet exhaust ductwork shall be provided for canopy hoods over

equipment and/or washer doors to remove heat and steam when equipment is in use

Weather-proof ground fault interrupter electric outlets shall be provided

B.4.3 Constant Temperature Rooms A cold room is an environmentally controlled prefabricated unit usually operated at 4C (39F). Rooms at other than 4C (39F) are sometimes required. The room has stainless steel counters on legs, wire shelves, and a sink. Utilities include electricity, vacuum, and mechanical ventilation and filtered water. Cold rooms shall be lockable, and all mechanical components shall be accessible and serviceable from outside the room. A high- and low-temperature alarm system may be connected to the central


equipment alarm. Cold rooms that are used for storage only do not have sinks and require minimal air changes compared with cold labs.

A warm room is an environmentally controlled prefabricated unit used for growing cultures at a constant temperature. The warm room has counters, wire shelves, and sink. Electricity, HVAC, filtered water, plumbing, and vacuum are required.

Cold room condenser shall be located in a serviceable loca-tion without disruption of cold room internal functions

Alarm temperature sensor shall be provided within room Weather-proof electric outlets and lighting fixtures shall be

provided

B.4.4 Computer Mainframe/Server Area This area supports computer mainframes, servers, or processors. Access flooring may be required. HVAC, electricity, special power, standby power, uninterruptable power, and telecommuni-cations/LAN systems will be required. Supplemental cooling may also be required.

B.4.5 Darkroom This area will have casework, counters, work tables, and sink. All doors, walls, ceilings, and penetrations must be light-tight. Utilities include HVAC, electricity, hot/cold and chilled water, DWV, compressed air, gas, vacuum, spot exhaust, telecommuni-cations, and purified water. Requirements for compressed air, gas, silver recovery system, and vacuum shall be verified during pro-gramming. Darkroom-in-use indicators must be provided out-side of this space.

Darkrooms may be required for autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy, and other instruments requiring a dark environ-ment

Water, special electric services, and direct exhaust should be provided for photographic processors used for X-ray and stan-dard film and photo developing

Provide silver recovery unit and neutralizer for processor drain

B.4.6 Freestanding Equipment Areas Freestanding equipment areas will provide space for shared equip-ment that may have high heat loads, such as large freezers (-70C)


(_94F), ultra-centrifuges, high-speed centrifuges, etc. Utilities include HVAC with supplemental cooling, electric, cold water, DWV, vacuum, telecommunications, and equipment alarm system.

B.4.7 Bench Lab Support High-bench lab support rooms provide space for common or spe-cialized equipment such as DNA sequencers and synthesizers, spectrophotometers, isotope counters, etc. Low-bench lab sup-port rooms provide shared space for microscopes and other low-bench work. Benchwork can be fixed, modular, or movable consistent with functional usage. These rooms will have a sink, eyewash, emergency shower, and high benches. In addition to the standard provision of utilities, compressed air, gas, spot ex-haust, nitrogen, purified water, and telecommunications/LAN are typically supplied. High- and low-bench features may be com-bined into a single room.

B.4.8 Radioisotope Laboratory This area provides space for isolated radiation work. It will have a dedicated radioisotope fume hood, sink, eyewash, emergency shower, and flammable solvent storage cabinet. Utilities needed include HVAC, normal and standby power, vacuum, compressed air, gas, hot/cold water, DWV, nitrogen, telecommunications, and purified water.

Surfaces should be easily decontaminated Radioisotope fume hood exhaust shall be individually dis-

charged and filtered Drain at sink must be connected to a separate liquid waste hold-

ing container Storage of radioactive sources shall be provided per Nuclear

Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements

B.4.9 Standard Ice Support Room This area has ice machines, dry ice boxes, liquid nitrogen freez-ers, and liquid nitrogen cylinders. This room shall be located near a freight elevator and be provided with HVAC, supplemental cool-ing, electricity, floor drain, and cold water.

Moisture-resistant and washable finishes are required


B.4.10 General Storage Room This room has shelving or lockable storage cubicles with wire-bar type, easily cleanable shelving. Special utilities are not required.

B.4.11 Tissue Culture Equipment includes biosafety cabinets (BSCs) with high/low carbon dioxide incubators. Access to refrigerators and freezers, autoclave, sink, cold room, and bottled liquid nitrogen is required. Low-bench kneeholes for microscopes and drawers for pipettes near the BSCs are required. Shelving for storage of plastic ware is required.

Each Class II, type B, BSC shall be hard duct connected to the laboratory exhaust system through an individual independent terminal unit

Provision should be made for secure storage of cylinders and distribution of carbon dioxide gas within the laboratory or from outside the laboratory

B.4.12 Biotech Room Equipment is typically extensive and sophisticated. It often re-quires conditioned or standby power. Shelving is generally re-quired to store cassettes and reagents as well as instrumentation, documentation, and software.

B.4.13 PCR Clean Room This room should be designed to minimize specimen contamina-tion. This may be achieved by providing either a separate space or an isolated zone within the room.

B.4.14 Chemical and Flammable Liquid Storage See the discussion in section C. 14.3, Hazardous Substances Stor-age. General considerations for chemical and flammable liquid storage are as follows:

A dedicated exhaust system shall be provided Separate appropriate chemical storage cabinets for corrosives,

toxic, and water-reactive chemicals shall be provided Spill containment curb around base of walls and at door shall

be provided


Appropriate shelving with raised lips and restraint bars should be provided as required for earthquake protection. Chemical storage cabinets should be fastened to walls and structural ele-ments to prevent movement and tipping in earthquake zones

B.5 Offices and Shared Use Areas B.5.1 Offices

Offices should be positioned to achieve close proximity to the occupant's laboratory work space. Ergonomic furniture should be used in the office. If feasible, offices will be provided with natural light. Consideration may be given to clustering offices in order to have potential for sharing support staff. Storage require-ments must be considered for records/files, copiers, and mail ar-eas. The growth of automated procedures within the laboratory highlights the need for high-bandwidth data connectivity to each office.

B.5.2 Work Areas

Work areas with computers require HVAC, supplemental cool-ing, electricity, standby or uninterruptable power, telecommuni-cations/LAN, and space for computer equipment.

B.5.3 Collaboration Areas a. Interaction Areas: In addition to scheduled formal meet-ing rooms, lab buildings need a variety of informal interaction areas distributed on every floor and every research wing to fa-cilitate connectivity between researchers. These spaces can be small and may have some accommodations for coffee/tea breaks and physical relaxation. Convenient locations of interaction ar-eas are critical to their success.

b. Conference Rooms: Conference rooms should be pro-vided for meetings of the laboratory staff. All conference facili-ties will be shared. Requirements for each space, such as whiteboards, audiovisual and projection equipment (35 mm and overhead), light control, and blackout, as well as telecommuni-cations/LAN capabilities, shall be verified during programming.

B.5.4 Break Rooms

Break rooms shall permit the safe consumption of food and bev-


erages outside the laboratory while creating an inviting area for interaction. These areas serve as lounges for the employees and shall be equipped with white board, tack board, chairs, tables, bookcases, counters, microwave ovens, sink, and perhaps a kitch-enette with sink and refrigerator. Furnishings used in a break room must be cleanable and promote good sanitation. A library or re-source center could be combined with a conference or break room or be in a separate entity.

B.5.5 Personal Effects Storage An area shall be provided for the secure storage of personal ef-fects.

Building Operational Areas Building operational areas consist of space that enables the scientific activi-ties of the laboratory facility. These spaces or areas are required for a func-tional and well-designed laboratory facility. Building operational areas in-clude circulation, toilets, security, storage, shipping and receiving areas, mechanical and electrical rooms, hazardous waste holding room, and utility distribution areas, which strongly influence the design of the laboratory.

B.6.1 Materials Management For laboratory facilities, the issue of materials management con-cerns the storage of laboratory materials and supplies and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemical and biohazardous waste. Material handling zones should be designed adjacent to dedicated service elevators for purposes of staging, dispensing, and disposal of laboratory materials and supplies. Within each building zone, separate areas for chemical and hazardous waste storage must be provided that meet Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards, codes, and other ap-propriate regulations.

B.6.2 Shipping and Receiving Area Space should be provided for shipping and receiving adjacent to a loading dock. The receiving area should provide adequate space for the storage and staging of material. A small office should be provided for personnel who will be responsible for logging in and distributing material. The loading dock should be covered and provided with truck height adjusters. Separate spaces shall


be provided for securing and manifolding laboratory gases. In a multistory facility, consideration should be given to material han-dling zones and storage at each floor. Space should be provided for animal receiving and carcass disposal if the laboratory has animal facilities. If the laboratory building has a kitchen and caf-eteria or animal facility, separate receiving docks must be pro-vided to meet Department of Health sanitary standards for the former use and to meet security requirements for the latter.

B.6.3 Materials Handling Movement of materials from loading dock facilities to multiple points of use must be carefully considered and evaluated in de-velopment of the overall building circulation system. Materials movement from loading dock to various points of use should be provided in separate corridors to dedicated service elevators. Once in the laboratory research areas, materials movement will occur in common public corridors with limited and controlled move-ment. Material handling zones should be designed adjacent to dedicated service elevators for purposes of staging, dispensing, and disposing of laboratory materials, supplies, and equipment.

B.6.4 Movement of Laboratory Animals

Movement of laboratory animals is usually restricted to the con-fines of the animal facility. Researchers requiring immediate ac-cess to their animal populations for assessment studies and other specialized programs are generally provided laboratories adja-cent to the animal facility with controlled access through limited points of entry. The designer must work with the veterinarian and the facility safety personnel with regard to movement of ani-mals to and through the laboratory.

B.6.5 Circulation

Circulation shall promote separate flows of people and materi-als. Vertical circulation must be simple and direct without being restrictive. Stairways and transition ramps shall be studied at con-nections between buildings with different floor-to-floor heights. A freight elevator will be located and sized to handle the trans-portation of materials from the loading dock to the point of use. Freight elevators require floor containment to prevent contami-nation of the elevator shaft in the event of a chemical spill. A heavy-duty passenger elevator shall be accessible as a backup to the freight elevator. Both shall be readily accessible to the load-ing dock.


C DESIGN CRITERIA The following paragraphs describe the architectural and engineering design criteria that are important in planning a laboratory building.

C.1 Equivalent Linear Measurement (ELM) a. ELM is a measurement of the work space required to safely conduct biomedical research. ELM for laboratories includes the length of the labora-tory bench, laboratory equipment (including storage), desk space, chemical fume hoods, and BSCs. The following criteria provide general guidelines for the required ELM per laboratory occupant:

Bench and Equipment (including storage) 5,000-7,000 mm (16'4"-23'0") ELM Chemical Fume Hood and BSC to be determined based on fume hood

or BSC requirements

Desk Space 1,000-2,000 mm (3*4"-6*8M) ELM Lab Support to be determined based on specific lab

requirements

b. These values are only guidelines and are not absolute. Specific user programming is required to verify actual requirements.

c. Current trends in laboratory design are toward the use of a volumet-ric measure rather than linear measures for work space. This trend derives from the use of stacked instrumentation.

C.2 Area Allowances Gross Area Allowance: The gross building area, which includes circula-tion, building core, wall thickness, and utility space, will exceed the net assignable area by a grossing factor. Based on the AIA methods of calculat-ing net assignable and gross areas, a grossing factor of 1.7 to 2.2 is typical for research laboratories depending on internal circulation patterns and util-ity distribution choices. By taking the net assignable area and multiplying by the grossing factor, a projected gross area is established. This gross area must be verified when actual plans are developed.

Design Criteria 31

C.3 The Laboratory Module The size of the laboratory module is determined by the considerations ad-dressed in section A.4.1.

C.4 Laboratory Furniture and Equipment C.4.1 Casework

a. Choice of casework system directly relates to the func-tion and the budget assigned for the laboratory. Fixed casework shall be sealed to walls and floors during installation. Racked equipment, mobile casework on "wheels," or other options which minimize costs and maximize flexibility shall be considered due to the tremendous changes in research requirements. Wherever possible, casework should be designed such that plumbing ser-vices can be installed prior to casework installation utilizing wall-mounted racks or other means.

b. Countertops materials will vary depending upon usage of the laboratory. Typically, chemical-resistant plastic laminates will be used. Epoxy resin will apply for most applications where cor-rosive chemicals are used or where sinks or heavy water usage occurs. (Do not use epoxy resin in a laboratory that uses dry ice.) Stainless steel is usually used for radioisotopes, perchloric acid, glassware washing, cold rooms, and solvent usage. Several other materials can be used, based on the functions of the lab and the budget of the project.

C.4.2 Chemical Fume Hoods and Biological Safety Cabinets a. These containment devices constitute, with proper labo-ratory technique, the first line of defense against researcher and facility contamination. As such, the criteria for the use and per-formance of these containment devices are an issue of safety, and the facility safety personnel, or a registered industrial hy-gienist, must work with the researchers and designers to estab-lish these critical parameters, including face velocities of airflows at openings, locations within the laboratory, etc. Code references for the use of these devices exist in a variety of agencies and societies, including OSHA, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASTM, the American College of Governmen-tal and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the American Soci-

32 Design Criteria

ety of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Containment devices should be selected to comply with these requirements and should be located in the laboratory to minimize disruption of airflow to the device and avoid entrap-ment, blocking of egress, and creation of any safety hazard to the laboratory occupant.

b. Chemical fume hood systems may be constant-volume or variable-volume types depending on user and facility man-agement considerations of function, first cost, and life cycle cost issues. The exhaust of the hood should be provided with a pressure-independent flow-monitoring device connected to a lo-cal audiovisual alarm within the laboratory. A variety of hood sash types are available. Since the researcher is most familiar with the laboratory operations and will be actually using the hoods, it is recommended that researchers be consulted, along with the facility safety personnel, regarding the selection of hood sashes and configurations. Installed hoods should comply with the re-quirements of the latest edition of ASHRAE Standard 110. Ex-hausts from special hoods such as those for perchloric acid or radioisotopes must be individually exhausted.

c. Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) for biomedical research applications are available in several configurations, including Class II, Type A and Class II, Types Bl, B2, and B3. Class II, Type A BSCs are suitable for work with microbiological research in the absence of volatile or toxic chemicals, and are designed to recirculate high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) processed air back into the laboratory. Class II, Type Bl BSCs exhaust 70 percent of the recirculated air to the outside; Class II, Type B2 BSCs exhaust all air to the outside; and Class II, Type B3 BSCs exhaust 30 percent of the recirculated air to the outside. No thimble connections are allowed for Class II, Type B BSCs per NSF. All installed hoods must be in accord with the requirements estab-lished by the facility's safety personnel and in compliance with the latest edition of ANSI-ASHRAE Standard 110.

Equipment a. Equipment Within a Lab: A wide variety of equipment is used in laboratories. The goal is to create adaptability in laboratory space so that instruments can be relocated without altering the space, or the attendant supportive utility systems, or without compromis-ing the operation of the instruments, or safety of the users.

Design Criteria 33

b. Common Equipment Rooms: Some instrumentation rooms, electron microscopy suites, MRI, mass spectroscopy suites, X-ray crystallography suites, and mass spectrometry rooms require special utilities and environmental controls.

c. Noise: Noise levels in laboratories can become extreme for a number of reasons, including mechanical systems, fume hoods, pumps, compressors, non-sound-absorbing surfaces, etc. Consideration should be given to designing common equipment rooms to house most commonly used equipment. This would con-centrate high noise-generating equipment into one space to be shared by a number of labs where it could be controlled.

Architectural Finishes and Materials Materials selected for the construction of laboratories should be durable and cleanable, and contribute to the creation of a comfortable and safe work environment. Design features shall promote cleaning, maintenance, and bet-ter storage while minimizing pest access. Selection of materials and pen-etrations through walls, floors, and ceilings shall be coordinated with facil-ity safety personnel.

C.5.1 Floors Floor materials must be nonabsorbent, skidproof, resistant to wear, and resistant to the adverse effects of acids, solvents, and deter-gents. Materials may be monolithic (sheet flooring) or have a minimal number of joints such as vinyl composition tile (VCT) or rubber tile. The base may be vinyl or rubber material (if readily cleanable) with an integral cove base when sheet vinyl flooring is used. Material selection relates directly to the biosafety level of the laboratory and the level of cleanliness required for the functions performed within the space.

C.5.2 Walls

Wall surfaces shall be free from cracks, unsealed penetrations, and imperfect junctions with ceiling and floors. Materials must be capable of withstanding washing with strong detergents and disinfectants and be capable of withstanding the impact of nor-mal traffic. Corner guards and bumper rails shall be provided to protect wall surfaces in high traffic/impact areas.

Design Criteria

C.5.3 Ceilings Ceilings such as washable lay-in acoustical tiles shall be provided for most laboratory spaces. Ceiling heights in a laboratory and labo-ratory support shall accommodate biosafety cabinet and fume hood installation. Gypsum board with epoxy paint and equipped with ac-cess panels is usually provided in glassware washing and autoclave rooms, where the potential for high moisture exists.

C.5.4 Windows and Window Treatment Windows shall be nonoperable and must be sealed and caulked. Treatments shall meet all functional and aesthetic needs and stan-dards. Light-tight treatments may be required in spaces which need to be darkened. Window systems shall use energy-efficient glass.

C.5.5 Doors The choice of door for laboratories varies from a minimum 1,070 mm (3' 6") to doors 1,200 mm (4' 0") wide with 900 mm (3' 0") active leaf and 300 mm (V 0") inactive leaf. Doors shall be at least 2,100 mm (6' 8") high. In laboratories where the use of larger equipment is anticipated, wider/higher doors or removable tran-soms shall be considered to allow for entry and exit of larger equipment. Laboratory doors shall be recessed and swing out-ward in the direction of egress. They shall be provided with locks and closers for security/safety.

Structural C.6.1 Vibration

a. Because vibration can interfere significantly with sensi-tive laboratory instruments, designers must take appropriate op-portunities to control vibration and to locate vibration sources away from activities sensitive to vibration. Steel structures are feasible subject to the results of the vibration analysis. A thor-ough vibration analysis is suggested prior to selection of a steel structure system.

b. An analysis of vibration response of the structure should be made. Consideration must be given to vibration of floor-framing systems as well as slab-on-grade and ground transmission caused

Design Criteria 35

by mechanical and electrical equipment such as pumps, chillers, fans, standby generators, and transformers. Other sources such as foot traffic, parking garage traffic, elevators, and movement of heavy equipment shall also be carefully considered.

c. To control vibration transmitted into laboratory space, the architect/engineer shall consider the following items during the early design phases.

The structural system shall be relatively stiff so that any vibra-tion that is transmitted occurs at high frequencies. Vibrations occurring at higher frequencies are more easily dampened with instrumentation vibration dampening systems and isolation tables than vibrations occurring at lower frequencies

The structural system shall have relatively short column spacing

Laboratory spaces shall be isolated from sources of vibration Vibration-sensitive equipment shall be located on

grade-supported slabs On framed floors, vibration-sensitive equipment shall be lo-

cated near columns On framed floors, the combining of corridors and laboratory

spans in the same structural bay shall be avoided

See the appendix for a chart of vibration criteria.

C.6.2 Module/Bay Size a. The dimension of the structural bay, both vertical and hori-zontal, must be carefully evaluated with respect to the laboratory planning module, utility distribution, vibration criteria, and fu-ture expansion plans. Due to the importance of the laboratory planning module to functional and safety issues, the laboratory planning module shall be considered as the primary building module in multi-use facilities.

b. The horizontal dimension of the structural bay should be a multiple of the laboratory-planning module dimension to pro-vide for flexibility and regular fenestration, and to allow uniform points of connection for laboratory services with respect to the laboratory planning module.

c. Columns should not fall within the laboratory planning module to prevent interference with laboratory layouts and inef-ficient use of valuable laboratory space.

36 Design Criteria

d. Close coordination between structural and mechanical dis-ciplines is critical to minimize interference of piping and venti-lating systems with the structural framing.

C.6.3 Floor Slab Depressions Floor depressions and/or topping slabs will be evaluated for use in special-finish areas or areas exposed to materials that may de-teriorate the structural floor slab. Floor depressions shall be re-viewed for equipment requirements to allow for ease of move-ment of equipment.

C.6.4 Equipment Pathway The potential routing or pathway for the addition or relocation of heavy equipment shall be reviewed and identified during the sche-matic design phase.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning a. HVAC systems must be responsive to research laboratory demands. Temperature and humidity must be carefully controlled. Systems must have adequate ventilation capacity to control fumes, odors, and airborne contami-nants, permit safe operation of fume hoods, and cool the significant heat loads that can be generated in the lab.

b. HVAC systems must be both reliable and redundant as required by the research. HVAC systems must be designed to maintain relative pressure differentials between spaces and be efficient to operate, both in terms of energy consumption and from a maintenance perspective. Applicable en-ergy standards must be achieved as required.

c. The typical maximum noise coefficient (NC) level generated by HVAC systems in a labor

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