Educating laboratory users: Ensuring a better building outcome

An important contributor to the ultimate success of any lab construction project is the individual who will occupy and use the facility for many years to come. It is also important to choose a builder that specializes in lab projects and has learned the importance of thinking like a user throughout the project process.Based on our extensive experience building numerous lab facilities throughout the US, we have recognized several core principles that support a user-centered approach to projects:1.Engage maintenance staff in the design process.2.Understand perceptions of cleanliness.3.Recognize the importance of ‘means and methods.’4.Leverage the value of Building Information Modeling (BIM).5.Support the concept of hoteling.6.Access/clearance to maintenance zones.7.Don’t abandon the client.8.Always look for new solutions.Regardless of how steep their expectations may be, the ultimate aspiration of any lab project, of course, is to satisfy and serve the needs and preferences of all of its constituents. While virtually impossible to garner a 100 percent positive response from everyone who will interact with a completed project, we have found that users who understand these core principles are most likely to be satisfied with the outcome.