Laboratory expertise and implementation experience – Infraserv architects support clients with laboratory rules of the game

Important guard rails for laboratory architects

The design of a laboratory differs significantly from other office spaces and regularly poses major challenges for planning and architectural offices as well as building owners. This is most evident in laboratories with a higher safety level, as clear legal regulations apply. If these are not met, the laboratory will not receive the relevant approval and certain materials may not be used and certain work may not be carried out.

But even without a safety level, there are extensive requirements that a laboratory should or must meet. For example, the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or the Ordinances on Hazardous Substances and Biological Agents, to name just two.

For building owners and planning and architectural offices, this raises many questions about the specific design of the laboratory space, e.g.

• Which rooms must be available and how must they be separated from each other?
• What ceiling heights and space reserves must be available for technology and support areas?
• Which surfaces must be easy to clean and which materials can be used?
• What needs to be considered in terms of lighting and workplace design?

Successful laboratory design and implementation therefore requires extensive detailed knowledge. This is because the requirements define the framework within which every architectural solution must operate. However, it takes a lot of time to familiarize yourself with the respective areas of this confusing set of regulations and to keep up to date with the issues.

Infraserv assists clients with orientation and implementation

Because of these special features of designing and implementing a laboratory, Infraserv employs its own planners and architects with extensive experience in all aspects of laboratories. But Infraserv also provides expertise and advice in cases where the client wants to use an architectural firm of its own choosing for the planning. This means that clients and their architects are not confronted with unpleasant surprises late in the laboratory construction project.

As laboratory design experts, we know the relevant details about the special features of laboratory technology and also know how to implement them. For example, certain areas in a laboratory may need to be separated from each other, e.g. to avoid cross-contamination. In this case, large glass windows may be a solution in order to create an open working area with a lounge and workstations.

In addition to such special laboratory features, Infraserv is also familiar with many other topics from its experience as the owner and operator of environmental and analytical laboratories at Industriepark Höchst: Occupational safety, environmental protection, sustainability, employee health and much more.

In the joint project, this knowledge benefits the client by setting important boundary conditions and serving as a touchstone for the proposed ideas. In this way, the client receives a laboratory that meets his expectations and at the same time fulfills all relevant specifications and laboratory requirements.

Our Infraserv website provides a good overview of applicable guidelines, for example on environment, health and safety in modern-day laboratories .

And if you would like more laboratory expertise for your new lab construction or lab modernization project, please contact us. We're sure to find a way to provide the best possible support.