Lab Matters Winter 2025 | Page 11

INDUSTRY MATTERS

By Thomas Knittel, director, Sustainability Design, HDR, Inc. and Michael Mottet, principal laboratory planner, Architecture, HDR, Inc.

paramount to the success, efficiency and comfort of laboratory environments. As advancements in automation and robotic technology for molecular tests and systems are integrated, designers are encouraged to respond with modular, adaptable solutions. For example, while maintaining an overall laboratory module from 10’ 6” to 11’ 0” is best practice for future flexibility, the new LAPHL addition will employ a 10-foot planning grid to accommodate a 70-foot-long automated molecular assay line and modular benches, allowing for future reconfiguration and integration of additional robotic lines.

Construction progress photo. Open laboratory environment with mass timber technologies. Photo: HDR, Inc.

In today’ s rapidly evolving testing environment, public health laboratories must be responsive to immediate public health events and flexible enough to manage unknowns of tomorrow. With renewed emphasis on collaboration and sustainability in modern laboratory environments, new construction technologies and material innovations can support a“ One Health” goal by design. For example, hybrid mass timber structures, all-electric systems and prefabrication can work in concert to achieve interconnected initiatives related to environmental stewardship, improved project delivery schedule, agency resiliency and staff recruitment.

Dr. Nicole Green, director of the Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory, emphasizes,“ The term‘ making a space for everyone’ was a result of not only talking to LAPHL leadership, but also to the people who use it every day.”

Facilitating Transformation

In an era of constant shifts within testing and technology, flexibility is

The vertical distribution of a laboratory’ s mechanical system and penthouse, referred to as a“ side core,” is also crucial for adaptability. At LAPHL, the side core is offset, freeing the laboratory space of stairs and exit corridors and further maximizing the current space. This planning approach also results in opportunities for expansion, allowing the laboratory areas to be mirrored around the central core and doubled in size without having to build new cores.

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While designing a new addition for the Los Angeles Public Health Laboratory( LAPHL), these initiatives were valued, prioritized and viewed through a holistic, whole systems thinking design approach. Preserved green space, bringing nature inside with a mass timber structure, welcoming natural light with high glass and designing for future expansion support occupant well-being and anticipate new technologies with automation.

A rendering of LA PHL’ s automated molecular assay line and modular benches. Photo: HDR, Inc.