MARKET SECTORS | SCIENCE THE LAB ON YOUR STREET While hybrid working is seeing the demand for offices and retail go into retreat, the buoyant science sector is providing new potential tenants for building owners. Arups Tim Fry looks at how the demand for laboratories is bringing discovery back into city centres A new generation of scientific buildings is emerging in the heart of our towns and cities biomedical research institute under one roof in Europe. Demand for new laboratory space within walking distance of the Francis Crick Institute is so strong that many office to laboratory conversions are being brought forward, as is the development of new-build laboratory-enabled office space. However, unity is not the only driver. The pandemic has fundamentally altered how we live and work. Researchers and scientists are turning their backs on the out of town era, shunning the commute in favour of the urban experience that a city centre location offers. Businesses must respond to this demand, or risk losing out on hiring and retaining skilled employees. Considerations when converting W hen asked to picture a standard laboratory or research facility, the image that generally comes to mind is one of large, pristine, white buildings set in rolling hills, or dedicated knowledge parks, conveniently located right by a motorway. However, a combination of creative post-pandemic repurposing and considerable commercial property opportunity, coupled with the need to drive effective recruitment and retention, is beginning to challenge this concept. The result is a new generation of scientific buildings emerging right in the heart of our towns and cities, creating new ecosystems through good connections with research hospitals and universities. Uniting clusters of like-minded individuals As the technology sector did before, the knowledge quarter of science is spreading beyond traditional boundaries. It makes sense that these highly skilled, highly motivated and collaborative people are located near other science and healthcare researchers and investors, with social opportunities and access to good transport links. Furthermore, the city itself adds prestige and brand value. A case in point is Londons Francis Crick Institute, the MEP design that the team here at Arup delivered. Located in the centre of the Kings Cross Knowledge Quarter, it boasts easy access to national and international railways. Having opened in 2016, it is now the largest Empty offices are a common sight in city centres, so it makes sense for landlords to capitalise on the rich territory of science labs. However, there are a range of factors to consider, when looking to absorb science into the existing fabric of a city. While overcoming the technical, engineering and planning constraints may seem insurmountable, a dedicated multidisciplinary framework is often the key to successful retrofit assessments. The process begins with an evaluation of the likely tenant profile, including the number of people who will use the facility, the division between offices and laboratories, type of science research and the potential mix of laboratory types (wet, dry, digital) on a typical floor. Historically, the laboratory sector has used an informal set of criteria for design, including elements such as typical air change rate, additional services and the split between office and laboratory spaces. At Arup, we are currently exploring ways to conduct classification of the various levels of possible facility for different tenancy types. Operating a life science facility is completely different from operating an office. There is an additional requirement for clinical (gases, cryogenics, and so on) deliveries and waste removal as well as associated delivery routes throughout the building. The requirement for an external delivery access point and a dedicated goods lift is critical. Early identification of the limits of an office to pass this type of inspection will be a deciding factor to the repurposing of any building. Another crucial component is the space for services in any one building. Higher air change rates and internal heat gains give rise to an increased demand on the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Specific laboratory services, including fume hood extract systems and storage (cold rooms, freezers, chemicals, solvents, consumables), could result in previously lettable 84 November 2022 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Nov 22 pp84-85 Lab on the street.indd 84 21/10/2022 16:50