Lunch and Learn With KlingStubbins Architecture and Design Team
T3 team members had an opportunity this past week to sit with the KlingStubbins architecture and design team where the discussion focused primarily on trends being seen in the planning and design for lab space today versus what can be expected in the foreseeable future. There was general consensus among the group on what continues to be important to lab users of all sizes and a sharing of observations as to how life science companies are factoring the overall sector business climate and corporate strategy into how real estate deals are structured and how space is built and managed.
Several key discussion points:
Larger companies are no longer owning and managing property on their own, impacting how they are thinking about and building out space. Where building fit-ups for owner-occupied buildings were once designed to cater specifically to the operational functions of the company, negotiating for space improvements in lease situations, where Landlords must factor in long-term and residual value of building infrastructure, is prompting a shift in mentality for real estate and operations personnel accustomed to owning and managing company buildings.
Collaboration continues to be critical to success of company, particularly those with significant discovery functions. As companies seek ways to design more efficient space to decrease the rentable footprint, planning for smaller individual space and shifting toward more “sit-down”, collaborative areas will continue.
Planning and designing for company culture:
The importance of branding and designing a space that reflects a company’s business and cultural objectives can have a dramatic impact on the end result of the space. Whether a company sought to promote themselves as stable and attractive for potential partnership opportunities or wanted to reinforce their core values to foster morale and innovation, companies benefit when they take the time to think qualitatively, even when expense and functionality are critical factors.
Sustainability, as one can imagine, more and more is a factor when designing labs. For instance, KS designers are working with clients to concentrate large ventilation requirements so that whole floors are not subject to lab area needs. Overall, companies are becoming more concerned about how they can reduce resource loads, increase resource efficiency and improve the work environment.
You can learn more about KlingStubbins's perspectives in their book: Sustainable Design of Research Laboratories >
Handbooks: Winning Real Estate and Facilities Strategies for Life Science Companies
