Once you’ve identified the problem you’re trying to solve and the value you’d like to achieve, it’s time to start evaluating processes.
This can range from old plant in need of an upgrade, to asbestos or structural defects.Office to lab conversions can make good economic sense, however risks and realistic cost and programme contingencies should be captured from day one to avoid future disappointment.
Early strip-out, surveys, and review of existing information including the Health and Safety File are all good practice.. 11.Sustainability..Existing offices may struggle to achieve the lab’s sustainability goals.. Reusing an existing building is one of the best ways to reduce carbon and achieve a project’s sustainability goals.
However, labs consume a lot more energy than an office and this can still make some conversions extremely expensive and carbon-intensive to run without significant upgrades, which may be an even bigger issue in the long-run..Sustainable labs are also more likely to attract environmentally-conscious staff and tenants, and life science businesses expecting to partner with larger companies (e.g.
as a CRO or CDMO) may one day find themselves at risk – with many of these companies already moving towards BREEAM, LEED, WELL, and other accreditations for their own facilities.
While demand for labs currently far outweighs supply, this probably won’t always be the case, and sustainability could in the future become a critical differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.. 12.Clearly, no prison design concept will inherently rehabilitate people.
‘Buildings don’t heal people; people heal people.’ However, design choices can support positive social interactions and preclude or reduce negative interactions..The design aspects that support this include:.
Facilitating contact with family and society.A normalising environment.
(Editor: Cordless Canopies)