Lab furniture, standardized and customized, has been improving working conditions inside laboratories for ages. They symbolize the progress and relevance of scientific research, standard workplace protocols, and design.
Let’s take a look at the most up-to-date lab trends to see how their evolution has created an impact throughout the years.
Laboratory Furniture in a Nutshell
Whether you’re building a laboratory or redesigning a lab space for future needs, having the right furniture is critical. And it’s not just about durability, but also about design. The ergonomics, accessories, and frames add to their visual and decluttering appeal.
Upgraded features made by lab designers are also a reflection of a lab’s modern capabilities and professionalism. Science lab designs have transformed over the years with furniture leading the change. Innovations in materials, features, and add-ons are implemented to lower risk levels, ease of use, and reliability.
Lab Furniture Design Trends 2022
The changes the world has gone through in recent years have paved the way for modern laboratory design trends, enhancing already existing features and improving working conditions for personnel.
Open Lab Spaces for Collaboration
Many research organizations have adopted the open lab design to build facilities that encourage collaborative, multi-disciplinary work among researchers and scientists. This model contrasts greatly with the closed lab concept, which was built to provide individual workspaces. It’s also simpler and cheaper to customize.
Personnel in an open laboratory share work equipment and facilities making it a cost-efficient choice. Since the 1990s, the open lab design has been used in wet labs, engineering labs, and dry computer science facilities.
Durable Furniture and Design
Because of the heavy price and customizability of lab furniture, the materials used in its construction must be robust and adjustable. While most lab furniture remains durable for more than a decade, it is important to pick the correct furniture and surface materials.
This is why quality considerations like chemical and bio-resistant coatings have become crucial. The most common materials for modern lab fixtures include:
- Plastic laminate
- Phenolic resin
- Epoxy resin
- Stainless steel
- Polypropylene
- Wood
- Wielded fiber
Flexible Amenities
You can easily move lab furniture and workstations where and when you need them by employing a flexible furniture system. For modern labs with distinct operating needs, freestanding flexible laboratory systems are a space-saving and cost-effective solution.
Additionally, a flexible laboratory design can make a lab space adaptable enough to support changing business and operation models. As technology advances at an increasing rate, the workspaces and lab environments where professionals and students conduct their discoveries and learning must be able to keep up.
Enhanced Group Setting and More Discussion Rooms
Modern lab designs have adapted a more interactive setup. Gone are the days of front-facing discussions in academic or professional labs. Pieces of furniture like tables and chairs are not fixed and are completely movable.
Dynamic group activities are encouraged through sophisticated audio-visual equipment. There is full wireless support for virtual discussions and learning. Even room divisions can come and go with the use of sliding or rolling dividers.
In the technological era, laboratories have collaborative spaces that can be used as conference and discussion halls.
More Focus on Safety
Modern science lab designs place great importance on safety standards. Sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fume hoods are typical requirements in building codes. Safety showers and eyewash units should be present in facilities where hazardous chemicals that fume are frequently handled.
Proper signages, especially for slip hazards and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be put up and easily visible to all users. Lab tables with adjustable height and locking compartments are also highly encouraged.
Sustainable Space and Energy-Efficiency
The rising energy, operational costs, and interest in sustainable research lab designs have also put the spotlight on space-saving and easily customized furniture and layout. Tables, cabinets, and divisions must be fully adjustable and movable to accommodate changes, i.e., potential operational expansion, later on.
High-performance fume hoods have become the standard. Examples are ductless chemical hoods that use high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) and activated charcoal filters. Modern workbenches can also come with built-in vertical-rising or horizontal-sliding chemical hoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
From listing common lab furniture materials to briefly explaining how to build a lab space that follows standard protocols, we answer modern lab design FAQs.
What is laboratory furniture made of?
High-pressure laminate, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and solid epoxy resin are the most commonly used materials for lab furniture. This is because they are highly durable and are not damaged by extreme temperatures and chemical reactions.
What are laboratory fittings in modern laboratory design?
Lab fittings or pipings prevent liquid or gas from leaking out and hold the tubing in when opposing pressure. They should be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure safe functioning.
What basic safety procedures are important in a chemistry lab design?
All chemistry laboratories follow general rules like:
- Avoiding skin and eye contact with all chemicals
- Considering all chemicals of unknown toxicity extremely toxic
- Using equipment and tools only for their designated purpose
- Wearing complete personal protective gear
- Covering all containers with lids
- Knowing the locations of wash areas, exits, and fire extinguishers
- Immediately cleaning up spills
What are the factors to be considered in modern lab design?
Modern laboratory design must consider space constraints with open or closed lab design. Linear workflow processes efficiency when walking around and using equipment and dynamics are needed for specialized features.
How do you build a lab room?
Building a lab room requires the input of all stakeholders, especially professionals who will be utilizing the facility. It is also crucial to create a plan that considers both safety and efficiency, e.g., the location of the HVAC system and chemical and glass storage.
Choose Only the Best Lab Design by LabTech Supply Company, Inc.
The modernity of a science facility is evidenced by the design of its lab furniture. High-quality and well-constructed fixtures allow for complete work efficiency and usage longevity.
If you’re one needing professional advice on how to plan and design a modern laboratory, look no further than LabTech Supply Company, Inc.
We have over 30 years of history showcased in our portfolio and website. Do check out our blog for tips and guides on everything laboratory. To speak to a lab design expert, contact us at 800-476-5228 at LabTech Supply Company, Inc. today!
