8.3 The servicing strategy
From a merely practical point of view, the servicing strategy is the most important aspect of the design of the laboratories as it is the key to the practical success of the building. Not only is it the most expensive component of the construction process, with up to 48% of the budget being spent on it, but it also has a direct impact on the serviceability and flexibility of the building.
This in turn has ramifications on the short and long term feasibility of the building.
There are four main types of distribution. Interstitial service floors offer the greatest flexibility, but due to their great initial cost, are no longer favoured. Vertical service distribution allows for a lower initial cost, but their reduced flexibility and the fire hazard they pose leads it to be unsuitable. Continuous end-wall service corridors create an enclosed zone, and thus create a barrier between the laboratory and an outside wall. Horizontal distribution has service lines running along the ceiling and tapped off where required. This system is highly flexible and simple and offers the lowest life cycle costs; it is therefore most suited to be implemented in the design.
In addition to the service reticulation system, service plants should be decentralised. Not only does this allow for the impact of an off-line plant to be reduced, but also reduces costs as runs are reduced and individual plants are only operated when required.
8.4 Flexibility
The research environment is a constantly changing one.
Research programs have a limited lifespan and technology is rapidly evolving. The requirements in a laboratory quickly become outdated, whether it is the service provision or layout.
A key component for future feasibility of the institution is the ability of the building to easily be modified. Mobile casework within the laboratory environment and the implementation of the internationally used 1,5 meter module size allows for easy reconfiguration and equipment installation.
8.3 The servicing strategy
From a merely practical point of view, the servicing strategy is the most important aspect of the design of the laboratories as it is the key to the practical success of the building. Not only is it the most expensive component of the construction process, with up to 48% of the budget being spent on it, but it also has a direct impact on the serviceability and flexibility of the building.
This in turn has ramifications on the short and long term feasibility of the building.
There are four main types of distribution. Interstitial service floors offer the greatest flexibility, but due to their great initial cost, are no longer favoured. Vertical service distribution allows for a lower initial cost, but their reduced flexibility and the fire hazard they pose leads it to be unsuitable. Continuous end-wall service corridors create an enclosed zone, and thus create a barrier between the laboratory and an outside wall. Horizontal distribution has service lines running along the ceiling and tapped off where required. This system is highly flexible and simple and offers the lowest life cycle costs; it is therefore most suited to be implemented in the design.
In addition to the service reticulation system, service plants should be decentralised. Not only does this allow for the impact of an off-line plant to be reduced, but also reduces costs as runs are reduced and individual plants are only operated when required.
8.4 Flexibility
The research environment is a constantly changing one.
Research programs have a limited lifespan and technology is rapidly evolving. The requirements in a laboratory quickly become outdated, whether it is the service provision or layout.
A key component for future feasibility of the institution is the ability of the building to easily be modified. Mobile casework within the laboratory environment and the implementation of the internationally used 1,5 meter module size allows for easy reconfiguration and equipment installation.
8.5 Practical requirements
The laboratory environment itself has numerous and very specific requirements, mainly outlined in Chapter 7. Not only is supply of gas, liquid and solid consumables important, but also the disposal of the by-products. Specific attention also needs to be given to the materials in which the services are supplied, as any form of contamination is not permitted in this demanding environment.
There is an increasing awareness of safety of the staff within the laboratories and for the greater environment in which the laboratory is located. Potentially hazardous environments are restricted, hazardous processes contained and surveillance increased. Specific safety equipment need to be included and other safety requirements complied with.
8.6 Environmental impact reduction
Laboratory facilities, with their high service requirements, consume five times more energy and water than a typical office building. It is therefore of paramount importance to implement strategies that reduce the impact that the facility will have on the environment. This is typically achieved by two means; maximising the use of natural opportunities and minimising the use of consumables.
Simple opportunities such as correct orientation, harnessing natural daylight, shading and implementing an appropriate building skin should be implemented. The amount of resources consumed needs to be reduced, and strategies for efficient use of water and energy must also be implemented. Reducing the volume of intensely serviced spaces should also be implemented, such as limiting laboratory ceiling height. Energy recovery systems in air handling units and other systems and grey water harvesting should also be exploited.
8.5 Practical requirements
The laboratory environment itself has numerous and very specific requirements, mainly outlined in Chapter 7. Not only is supply of gas, liquid and solid consumables important, but also the disposal of the by-products. Specific attention also needs to be given to the materials in which the services are supplied, as any form of contamination is not permitted in this demanding environment.
There is an increasing awareness of safety of the staff within the laboratories and for the greater environment in which the laboratory is located. Potentially hazardous environments are restricted, hazardous processes contained and surveillance increased. Specific safety equipment need to be included and other safety requirements complied with.
8.6 Environmental impact reduction
Laboratory facilities, with their high service requirements, consume five times more energy and water than a typical office building. It is therefore of paramount importance to implement strategies that reduce the impact that the facility will have on the environment. This is typically achieved by two means; maximising the use of natural opportunities and minimising the use of consumables.
Simple opportunities such as correct orientation, harnessing natural daylight, shading and implementing an appropriate building skin should be implemented. The amount of resources consumed needs to be reduced, and strategies for efficient use of water and energy must also be implemented. Reducing the volume of intensely serviced spaces should also be implemented, such as limiting laboratory ceiling height. Energy recovery systems in air handling units and other systems and grey water harvesting should also be exploited.
8.7 Concluding remarks
The nature of the cancer research institute and laboratory lends itself to daunting service requirements, and these can become dominant in the design process. One must not forget that this, like any other building, is used by people. Scientists have physical requirements that services need to supply, but these services are subservient to people that occupy the facility, and these people are social by nature. Of all the case and precedent studies, Schlumberger Cambridge Ltd seems to be the most successful due to its simplicity of layout and the fundamental acknowledgement of the people that work there in the design.
8.7 Concluding remarks
The nature of the cancer research institute and laboratory lends itself to daunting service requirements, and these can become dominant in the design process. One must not forget that this, like any other building, is used by people. Scientists have physical requirements that services need to supply, but these services are subservient to people that occupy the facility, and these people are social by nature. Of all the case and precedent studies, Schlumberger Cambridge Ltd seems to be the most successful due to its simplicity of layout and the fundamental acknowledgement of the people that work there in the design.