Beyond the Benchtop: A New Era of R&D Lab Design

In recent years, R&D laboratory renovation projects have increasingly shifted toward new planning layouts designed to accommodate advanced equipment, enabling researchers to process more samples and data with greater speed and efficiency.

This trend is particularly evident in biologics R&D laboratories, where the standard benchtop is giving way to floor-mounted equipment supported with proper clearances on all sides and infrastructure delivered from either above or below. These systems are often paired with adjacent computer stations that aid in simulation and accelerate data analysis. Examples of such equipment include automated liquid handling workstations, high-speed cell sorters, and mass spectrometry carts.

At the same time, biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are replacing general benchtop space for specific evaluation processes, as required by research teams. BSCs—clean air enclosures designed to protect the user, the product, and the environment—are becoming more prominent as safety and contamination controls take priority. Selecting the correct BSC classification is a critical step in design and must be evaluated alongside end users and their Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) representatives. These choices can significantly influence the required utilities and infrastructure for laboratory renovation. The increasing presence of BSCs not only reduces reliance on general bench space but also raises the overall safety profile of R&D laboratories.

Another shift is the removal of write-up desk space within laboratories. While researchers have historically preferred to stay embedded in their lab environment, many organizations now encourage a cultural shift: conduct experiments in the lab, then transition to nearby office areas for data analysis and reporting. This approach supports collaboration, reduces first costs, and lowers long-term operating and maintenance expenses. The move is also reinforced by the prevalence of floor-mounted, high-throughput equipment, which integrates data collection directly into computerized systems.

Ultimately, the success of an R&D laboratory renovation hinges on early and proactive engagement with end users. Involving researchers, ES&H staff, and facilities teams ensures that current and future equipment needs, workflows, and safety considerations are fully addressed. A well-developed equipment matrix, detailing specifications, utility requirements, and infrastructure needs serves as both a design tool and a communication framework for aligning project goals.

Equally important is clear documentation and communication throughout design and construction. This is especially critical in occupied R&D buildings, where isolating systems for future modifications, improving existing infrastructure, and maintaining accurate as-built documentation all contribute to flexible, adaptable spaces. With this approach, renovation projects not only meet today’s research demands but also prepare laboratories to evolve with the science of tomorrow.