The ever-evolving technology has paved the way for changes in modern laboratory design trends, by upgrading the features to a new level and improving the work environment of the personnel. In short, modern labs are novel in approach, with high flexibility and durability. Innovations in materials used and add-ons are implemented to reduce risk levels, ease of use, and reliability.
Lab furniture of the modern age is customized to cater to the ever-growing demands of professionals, increase lab capabilities and add a touch of professionalism.
Here are some of the latest design trends of a modern lab.
Open Lab Space
The common lab furniture is built on the concept to provide a safe and secure enclosed workspace for individual working investigators The new model is in contrast with this idea. The open lab design is built to facilitate and encourage collaborative,multi-disciplinary team-based work among researchers and scientists. The open lab mechanism is simple and cost-effective. Many research organizations are adopting the new model. Since the 1990s, open lab designs have been widely adopted in wet labs, engineering labs, and dry computer science facilities.
Durable Furniture and Design
The lab furniture is designed using materials that are sturdy and resistant. While customized furniture may be costlier, it is considerably durable. The lab furniture remains durable for a decade and over, but one should pick the correct furniture and surface materials. The nature of the work carried out is the key factor in selecting furniture. Here quality considerations like chemical and bio-resistant coatings become crucial. The common materials for modern lab fixtures include
- Plastic laminate
- Phenolic resin
- Epoxy resin
- Stainless steel
- Polypropylene
- Wood
- Wielded fiber
Flexible Amenities
By employing a flexible furniture system, you can move the furniture and workstations to any location with ease and arrange them. The free-standing flexible laboratory systems are a space-saving and cost-effective solution. A flexible laboratory can make a lab space adapt to changing business and working models. A lab environment and workspace must be able to keep up with the growing needs of professionals and students in the coming era of research and development.
Facilitating Group Activities
Modern lab designs have adopted a more interactive setup. The pieces of furniture are not fixed and are entirely moveable. Group activities are encouraged through sophisticated audio-visual equipment. There is wireless support for virtual interactions. More specifically a cloud-based workstation opens a hybrid working culture and boosts productivity. Rooms could be added and removed using sliding or rolling dividers. In this technological era, laboratories have collaborative spaces to be used as conference and discussion halls.
Safety
Modern lab designs emphasize safety standards. Sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fume hoods are embedded in building codes. Safety showers and eyewash units are a must in chemical laboratories. Personal protective equipment and proper signage are put in the vicinity. Lab Tables with adjustable heights and locking compartments are enhanced features of modern lab furniture.
Sustainable Space and Energy Efficiency
The rising energy and operational costs have put the spotlight on space-saving and customized furniture and layout. Adjustable tables, moving cabinets, and divisions are designed keeping in mind the potential operational expansion. High-performing fume hoods have become the standard. For instance, ductless chemical hoods use high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) and activated charcoal filters. Modern workbenches come with built-in vertical-rising or horizontal sliding chemical hoods. Sustainable lab designers incorporate green business practices in the form of energy-efficient equipment, process water efficiency, and management of handling hazardous materials.