10 ways to transform your lab

A tremendous amount of investment went into the construction of science facilities during the 1950s through the 1970s. And, because huge sums of money went into building up many of these laboratories, which still stand today, they can't just be bulldozed and rebuilt—it would be terribly wasteful. Yet these labs often seem ill suited for modern research. Researchers' complaints range from cluttered countertops to distracting noise to overcrowded work spaces, just to name a few. These problems create stress and drag on productivity. Others say they have simply outgrown their space, or their work has developed beyond their lab's current technical capabilities. What happens when a scientist would like to take her research in a certain direction, but her assigned space doesn't allow it? Remodeling could be the answer. There's a growing industry in rehabilitating and modernizing research facilities. Architectural experts say a few strategic changes can bring much needed relief while boosting productivity. James Hudspeth, director of the F.M. Kirby Center for Sensory Neuroscience at the Rockefeller University in New York, knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of remodeling a lab. As his interdisciplinary research into the biophysical aspects of hearing has expanded over the years, Hudspeth has had to undertake major lab renovations three times during his career. The most recent remodeling of his lab, completed last year, involved revamping a workspace in an entirely different building. Hudspeth's move is a good example of creative problem-solving that employed a team of architects, engineers, his lab manager and an unflappable project manager. On the following pages, leading architects offer suggestions on how you, too, can update your lab space.