grid. Alternatively, they can be rearranged
on the grid. Lighting and utility columns
also hang from the grid to bring air, gas
and power to the bench. As these utility
columns and lights can be moved anywhere
along the grid, users are unconstrained by
a linear layout. The two-dimensional plane
of utilities allows for maximum flexibility. A
recent project using this grid was priced at
approximately a 15 percent premium over
a traditional fit-out. While such cost may
not be feasible for certain projects, it can
successfully reduce future fit-out costs.
These five examples show the wide-ranging effects infrastructural layout can have
on lab flexibility. Given flexibility’s importance in today’s labs and the fact that lab
infrastructure is typically not very flexible,
designers must carefully address this tension.
Providing utility sources at specific point
locations, along a linear spine or within a
grid greatly impacts the usability of movable
casework. As ventilation and lighting must
be delivered from overhead, the ceiling
plane must be properly coordinated with
the bench configuration. A skillful design
team will allow the client to understand the
nuanced consequences of different infrastructural placements, and highlight the
advantages and disadvantages of each as the
institution determines what choices will best
meet their future needs.
REFERENCES
http://www.hermanmiller.com/solutions/
healthcare/applications/ laboratory.html
http://www.rdmag.com/article/2011/10/
better-times-better-labs
Lynn Petermann, AIA, LEED AP, Associate,
and Jenny Ratner, LEED AP, Design, are with
Payette in Boston. www.payette.com
Fig. 3: Clear zone above the bench free of utility whips.
Fig. 4: Overhead grid supports maximum layout flexibility.
Budgeting your renovation
Katherine M. Everett, PE, LEED AP
SMRT Architects and Engineers
Checklists are handy tools. When budgeting the costs of a renovation project, it’s important to consider total project costs, not only project
construction costs. Depending on the
complexity of your renovation, some or
all of the below costs may apply:
PROJECT PLANNING COSTS
1. Strategic planning
2. Master planning
3. Market research
4. Demographic analysis
5. Feasibility studies
6. Preliminary cost estimating
7. Program management and/or
industrial engineering
8. Project management (in-house)
Site/Permitting Costs
1. Finding and evaluating multiple sites
2. Land acquisition
3. Land survey and topographical
mapping
4. Wetlands identification and mapping
5. Geotechnical investigations
6. Filing fees which can include fire
marshal, local and state regulatory review,
EPA, FAA, plumbing, electrical and
building inspectors.
7. Air emissions surveys and design and
control devices for air emissions
BASIC ARCHITECTURAL/
ENGINEERING FEES
1. Architectural, structural,
mechanical, electrical, civil and land
planning design services including
schematic design, design development,
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