Innovative Lab Design Trends: From Collaborative Spaces to AI-Driven Efficiency

Glendale Community College New Science Building shows interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching area in the lab. Image: Danny Sandler

New trends and innovations continue to shape the design of life science laboratories, from the impact of AI and automation on lab layouts to the growing emphasis on sustainability and smart technologies. Lab Design News spoke to Scott Strom, life sciences account manager, and Gavin Keith, NW Region Life Sciences leader, both at DPR Construction, about how these advancements are transforming laboratory environments to better support cutting-edge research and collaboration. 

Q: What are the key design features that are currently trending in life science laboratories?

Scott Strom: Several key design and construction features are evolving to accommodate new science discoveries and technologies. The growth of computational science and AI has necessitated the development and re-orientation of new laboratory spaces—easily reconfigurable benches/rooms, specialty-controlled environments, robotics and automation technologies. Additionally, building systems designs are focusing on decarbonization (electrification) and building codes are evolving to allow for greater chemical inventories.  

Q: Can you discuss the role of digitalization and smart technology in modern laboratory design?

Gavin Keith: Digitalization and smart technologies have allowed us to greatly accelerate and improve the quality of design and construction activities. Employing sophisticated laser scanning equipment to accurately capture as-built existing conditions and accelerate the creation of the base BIM model; utilizing manufacturing-focused design software programs to create fabrication-ready design deliverables; employing robotic machines for construction layout and construction activities (drywall taping). Lastly, incorporating reality capture technologies (real-time digital photography) to track job progress and improve productivity, quality and schedule progress throughout the life of the construction project.

 Q: How is the trend toward collaborative and interdisciplinary research impacting laboratory layouts?

Gavin Keith: The interdisciplinary research approach drives new kinds of science programs and different functional space requirements. Collaboration and workflow efficiency is improved by clustering multiple functions within more flexible and dynamic workspaces. Layouts and building utility services can be modified more quickly to accommodate changing science needs.  

Q: What role does user experience play in the current design of life science laboratories?

Gavin Keith: Much of the previous user activities, wet bench science and manual screening, is now accomplished by robotics and AI, requiring less time in the lab and more time in a workplace environment analyzing and interpreting data. Facilities will therefore need more space for dry lab functions and automated/robotic specialty areas and that may reduce FTE /user counts. 

Q: What emerging technologies do you anticipate will have the greatest impact on laboratory design in the next 10 years?

Scott Strom: Automation and AI/bioinformatics. Driving more attention towards the quality of the fiber at the site. Onsite data centers at research hubs are also expected to increase. Additionally, electrification and other sustainability best practices will be in demand.  

New flexible lab spaces allow 10x Genomics to restructure their labs to meet researchers’ needs. Image: Bruce Damonte

Q: How might future laboratory design better support remote and virtual collaboration?

Gavin Keith: Current lab design is focused on improving in-person collaboration and encouraging staying/returning to workplace by incorporating high value building amenities and creating a warm and inviting “sense of place.” Remote and virtual collaboration will continue to expand as AI and automated equipment replace traditional wet bench experimentation and screening. 

Q: In what ways do you think future laboratory designs will further enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship?

Scott Strom: Laboratory facilities are heavy consumers of utilities and energy. Emerging laboratory design is focusing on improving energy efficiency and decarbonization through electrification and environmental controls. The emerging AI and automation demands are increasing heat and electrical load requirements, but at the same time, reducing the ventilation/exhaust requirements needed for occupant safety and environmental conditions.