By Julia Cooper, Tim O’Connell and Rob Williamson
As scientific research evolves, laboratory and workplace environments must adapt to support it. Based on our recent planning and design work for corporations, commercial developers and academia, here are several trends to watch.
Offloading Non-Lab Functions
Most non-research activities have already transitioned from the lab bench to workspaces better suited for computational work, data analysis, writing and collaboration. Some companies, including AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, collocate scientists with operational departments such as legal, marketing and sales to promote knowledge sharing and capitalize on synergies among them. At AstraZeneca’s Lab and Office Facility (above) in South San Francisco, central gathering spaces, stairways, and conference and lounge areas encourage social interaction and…
