Hazardous chemicals are better known and identified, and allowable quantities of these materials have been set, relevant to construction type. At the same time, science is trending towards miniaturization for much of its experiments, reducing the quantities of contaminants. The analytical process can be cleaner, using devices with more electronics and robotics. The net result is a reduction of the hazards in the lab which can lead to greater freedom in planning the building. Achieving the goal of scientific interaction Despite these constraints, the trend planning labs today is toward greater openness, removing the walls and barriers and letting in sunlight and outside awareness.
Open labs foster better communication and better teamwork.
In planning for more open labs and better interaction among scientists, one of MBT Architecture's goals has been the elimination of the one-hour corridor. Activities and equipment and meeting alcoves are allowed in these spaces, and this is often where people stop to exchange ideas or read the bulletin board. K Wing Biomedical Sciences Research Building at the U of W Health Sciences campus, whose bright, daylit corridors are a welcome change from much of the adjacent Medical Center. Outside awareness and a view of the gardens is a feature of nearly all of the labs and offices. In the lab wings, the one-hour corridor is gone, in favor of open offices and team activity spaces which are immediately next to the labs.