Building Type Basics for Research Laboratories

Building Type Basics for Research Laboratories is a one-stop source for the essential information architects need to fast-start the design process. In this book, renowned architect and laboratory planner Daniel Watch shares his knowledge and expertise on a broad scope of issues that are essential to the design of government, private sector, and academic research laboratories. The book addresses the shift from individual research to team-based research, the impact of computer technology on laboratory design, "flexible" buildings, renovation guidelines, and safety issues. It provides critical information on the process, potential problems, design concerns, and recent trends in research laboratory design, along with complete coverage of energy issues and mechanical systems, structural concerns, lighting, internal traffic, security, ADA issues, and much more. This indispensable guide:

• Asks and answers twenty questions that frequently arise in the early phases of a project commission
• Provides project photographs, diagrams, floor plans, sections, and details
• Includes guidelines for private, academic, and government research labs

This conveniently organized quick reference is an invaluable guide for busy, dedicated professionals who want to get moving quickly as they embark on a new project. Like every Building Type Basics book, it provides authoritative, up-to-date information instantly and saves architects countless hours of research. Engineering consultants will also find in this volume a wealth of information to help them tackle laboratory commissions of all kinds.

Booknews

Watch's guide incorporates the new model of laboratory design for labs that use team- based research, with attention to environmental issues. The guide, which is illustrated with numerous b&w photos, defines the main types of labs—private industry, academic, and government—including space guidelines for each. Various aspects of the architectural and engineering design are described, including planning the lab module, key adjacencies, casework, ergonomics, fume hoods, security, communications, and renovation. Cost guidelines are included. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Daniel D. Watch, AIA, is an architect and laboratory planner with the renowned architectural firm Perkins + Will (recipient of the American Institute of Architects' 1999 National Architecture Firm Award). He has personally coordinated the design of nearly twenty major research laboratory facilities.

Stephen A. Kliment, FAIA (Series Founder and Editor), is an architectural journalist and an adjunct professor at the City College of New York. He was chief editor of Architectural Record from 1990 to 1996.