This is partly because we know the electricity grid is going to be decarbonised.
Regarding flexibility, science and technology are evolving rapidly, which means new processes, equipment, and requirements.Furthermore, the life science industry is very fast-moving, and businesses are routinely scaling-up or going bust.
Flexibility is therefore vital not just for businesses and tenants, but also for developers looking to ensure buildings remain occupied.In our experience, open plan offices with 7.2m grids and above are best suited to flexible lab conversions as these enable a wide range of bench configurations, larger equipment, subdivision into smaller rooms, as well as compliant installation of future MBSCs (microbiological safety cabinets) and fume cabinets.Some extra space for unexpected changes or new technology introductions will almost certainly be beneficial in the long-run, and consideration should also be given to areas outside the main lab, such as the impact of automation or remote working on write-up and meeting areas.
Rather than cater to all eventualities, a cost-benefit analysis will often drive an ’80:20’ approach towards future flexibility..While office to lab conversions may seem to make good economic sense, compromises around productivity and flexibility can impact the life science business, tenant, or developer in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
Many of these issues can be mitigated simply through good design, and, in our experience, layouts need to be detailed earlier than a new-build project.
Capacity modelling may also be necessary to better forecast the amount of equipment, benching, storage, desks, lockers, etc.The stripping away of title, structural power, pomposity, wealth, intellect and all the other aspects of human society that tries to set one person above others..
Psychological models demonstrate that true intimate relationships, those that bring people together with true and congruent openness only happen when each comes with humility.Stripping away their ranking stripes, whether in seniority, expertise, age, number of years’ experience and background; is pre-requisite.
When this happens the magic of creativity and the art of the possible thrive.It’s a tough thing to do, we all wear our own symbolic robes and masks, those which we hope will keep us safe by hiding our true selves.