Volume IV: What works, what matters, what lasts

Systems and Sustainability Questions

Basic Design Approach

• What is the appropriate balance between designing generic versus specialized and discipline specific labs?
• What are the tradeoffs between highly flexible spaces and maintenance challenges?
• How do we maximize aesthetic appeal and programmatic considerations?
• From a systems perspective, what are the tradeoffs for the way that offices, classrooms, teaching labs, and research labs are organized?
• What is the most valuable way to do value engineering?

Green Building

• What are realistic and appropriate LEED certification goals for a science building?
• What will green buildings look like in 10 years?
• Will currently innovative green concepts soon become standard?
• What is the future of green chemistry?
• What additional costs can be expected with green buildings?

Impact of Computers and other Technology on Lab Design

• What will connectivity look like in 10 years?
• Should labs be designed without wired connectivity?
• What will be the balance between wet labs and computer based labs in 10 years?
• How does computer use in the teaching lab impact plumbing, air handling, and benching design for labs?

Standards, Codes, and Control Systems

• How regionalized should HVAC, lighting, and temperature controls be throughout the building?
• What will the indoor air quality standards look like in 10 years?