Perspectives May 1, 2025

Scientists Speak Up!

By Bill Harris, Derek Johnson, and Steven Webster

What’s next for laboratory design? We recently had the opportunity to discuss this topic with a group of scientists in Boston and hear directly from the source: what they like in their current labs, what isn’t working, and what they’d like to see in the future.

We’ve organized the insights from this conversation into five key takeaways. A few solutions are already standard in the lab facilities we design, while others provide valuable perspective into how we’ll be reconsidering these spaces as technology and science advance.

A chart with five bubbles that introduce the five topics of the article

1. Human-Centered Design

Scientists desire more warmth, color, and comfort in the design and materiality of their labs. They requested more space for interaction, from collaborative work areas to building amenity spaces. It was noted that the standard lab bench hasn’t changed in 30 years—and that the predominant flexible table does not often get reconfigured for individual ergonomic support.

Many labs also lack privacy. Scientists are looking for areas to step away to regroup, or even sleep! While there was a strong desire for glass, transparency, and daylight, one scientist expressed dislike for the resulting “fishbowl” effect.

An enclosed lab space in a bright hallway

LabCentral BioProcess Center at MIT, Cambridge, MA

The design of this tenant fit-out incorporates color and soft seating for scientists, as well as artwork, transparency, and access to daylight.

Prime Medicine Headquarters, Cambridge, MA

A common complaint we heard was that workflows were interrupted by poor spatial connectivity. At Prime Medicine, a dedicated connecting stair makes the flow between labs seamless.

2. Functionality

Lab spaces that were working well had a high degree of flexibility and convenience, sufficient power in easy-to-access locations, ample and well-organized inventory storage, and were adjacent to offices. The ones that were not working lacked well-considered logistics and workflows, had poor connections between lab and non-lab spaces (horizontally and vertically), poor waste management, no sash control, and insufficient loading dock access. It’s clear that while aesthetics matter, functionality must remain paramount.

3. Technological Preparations

As AI continues to disrupt every industry, we should consider how the design of laboratory spaces is going to be impacted by robotics, automation, and increased technological integration. From digital interface accessibility to automated inventory management and infrastructure for android assistants, designing the lab of the future means preparing for more automation and increased AI presence.

4. Adopting New Models

In the U.S., we can look to established trends in European laboratory design to improve scientists’ experience. Traditionally, European lab benches have more features, tools, shelves and overall style than American models. Several European bench models integrate heating, cooling and lighting into their casework systems. Such features might address a concern among many people about a lack of temperature and lighting control as disruptive to their work.

An exterior high-rise laboratory building

Assembly Innovation Park, Somerville, MA

Sustainable technologies are integrated into every aspect of the LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certified building design, from triple-glazed curtain wall to high-efficiency mechanical systems.

A chart showing various wellness and sustainability features: Bike room, fitness center, WELL Gold, LEED Platinum, etc.

5. Sustainability

The scientists cared about sustainability and appreciated hearing that lab equipment is becoming smaller and more efficient, helping to reduce heat loads, space, and energy consumption. Eco-friendly labs can be achieved in a variety of ways and scales, with full-building LEED Platinum ratings, electrification, waste disposal, and other features becoming a typical requirement under building codes, especially in metro-Boston, New York, and California.

Conclusions

The most common complaints we heard were that labs should include more thoughtful lighting placement to avoid shadows, have more accessible furnishings, and better, more consistent temperature control.

Beyond the specific design solutions mentioned here, we are seeing some macro-trends in the industry that will continue to influence the way we approach laboratory projects in the future:

A convergence of commercial and institutional tenants in commercially developed facilities as markets mature and research requirements change.
The adaptive reuse of existing structures, coupled with advances in our ability to decarbonize science buildings, will lead to a reduction in embodied and operational carbon. This includes design strategies that will minimize renovations over the lifespan of a building, increase re-use opportunities, and as well as standardizing the use of healthy, sustainable materials in construction.
Advanced computing integration at the research level will require more infrastructure for more power, as well as designing for reduced vibration.

Anything else? We'd love to hear from you!

We hope to continue this conversation to enhance the working experience for scientists and do our part to support innovation. Reach out at the link below, we look forward to connecting with you.

Scientists Speak Up!

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