April 6, 2009—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) [NEEL: LINK TO http://www.i2sl.org/ ] recently signed an agreement for both organizations to leverage their resources and expertise toward the creation of a comprehensive laboratory facilities guideline for planning and design. These new guidelines will build on the 1999 AIA Guidelines for Planning and Design of Biomedical Research Laboratories.
AIA and I2SL agree that laboratories must be a major focal point in enhancing human health and the built and natural environment. The organizations believe that comprehensive guidelines for laboratories are necessary, as these facility types form a large part of the research infrastructure and are the foundation supporting successful societies throughout academia, industry and government, worldwide. The long-term investments required to build laboratories and their high cost of operation provide more reason for the organizations to work together to develop a set of guidelines on how to properly plan for and build these facilities.
The guidelines will define integrated building strategies that will offer a sustainable approach to global building challenges. While the 1999 AIA guideline did provide guidance on biomedical research laboratories, there currently is no document that provides a comprehensive planning and design guidelines for various types of research facilities, notes AIA. Without a comprehensive guideline document, laboratory designers, engineers, owners, operators, and other professionals reportedly do not have a comprehensive guide to refer to in their efforts to deliver these specialized facilities.
