Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability at the 2025 Lab Design Conference
Michael Wesolowsky of Thornton Tomasetti and Ryan Velasco of ZGF discuss vibration control in lab design.
The second day of educational sessions at the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver delivered a diverse slate of educational sessions that reflected the complexity and innovation at the forefront of laboratory architecture, engineering, and sustainability. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings and modular construction techniques to user-centered design and energy-efficient systems, presenters shared actionable insights, compelling case studies, and visionary strategies for shaping the future of scientific environments. Experts from leading architecture, engineering, construction, and research institutions offered attendees a deeper understanding of how to address today’s design challenges while planning for long-term flexibility, inclusivity, and climate resilience.
From Old to High-Performing: Navigating the Complexities of Breathing New Life into Existing Buildings explored the benefits and challenges of retrofitting underutilized or abandoned buildings into high-performing, sustainable lab facilities. Dave Swanson and Nick Kreitler of DLR Group used case studies like NIST Building 1 and Biodesix Boulder to demonstrate how adaptive reuse can preserve historic character, reduce carbon impact, and foster innovation in the scientific community. Attendees learned about cost-effective design strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and overcoming regulatory and structural obstacles in lab renovation projects.
Marilee Lloyd of HED, Dr. Caryn Heldt of Michigan Technological University, and Tim VanAntwerp of Granger Construction delivered the session The Divergent Lab as a Catalyst for Change and Growth. This session highlighted Michigan Technological University’s new H-STEM facility, a transformative research space that unites health-focused STEM disciplines through a Divergent Lab concept. Designed through a collaborative architect/engineer approach, the adaptable, interdisciplinary labs support innovation, evolving research needs, and MTU’s future as a global research institution. Presenters shared insights into the facility’s design, construction challenges, and the impact of integrated teamwork on sustainability, flexibility, and user satisfaction.
External and internal vibrations can impact the functionality of vibration-sensitive laboratory spaces. In What’s Shaking?! Controlling External and Internal Vibrations in an Ultra-Sensitive Laboratory, Michael Wesolowsky of Thornton Tomasetti and Ryan Velasco of ZGF used the University of Colorado Boulder's new Chemistry and Applied Mathematics building as a case study in order to highlight how site-specific vibration testing and advanced modeling inform structural design choices—such as floor isolation for an NMR suite—to ensure research equipment performance and minimize unnecessary structural materials.
Hanbury’s Julia Janaro and Chris Small explored United Therapeutics’ Project Lightyear in cGMP and Fossil Fuel-Free—United Therapeutics Project Lightyear. This groundbreaking fossil fuel-free, site-net zero cGMP facility meets strict pharmaceutical regulations without compromising sustainability. Through innovative systems like microgrids, geothermal, and battery backup, the project sets a precedent for future energy-intensive healthcare facilities.
Scientia Architects’ Ardis Clinton and Robert Lawyer led a round table discussion on people-centered lab design.
Alicia Pandimos Maurer of Page Architecture and Roberto Morfin of CannonDesign presented Robotic Delivery: Where Robotic and Human Innovations Intertwine, which explored how advanced robotic delivery systems integrated with building automation can improve efficiency, reduce facility space needs, and enhance safety by minimizing human exposure and error. It also highlighted robotics' role in reducing gas-powered vehicles and supporting sustainable, streamlined operations across labs, manufacturing sites, and pilot plants.
A new feature to the Lab Design Conference was a roundtable discussion on Designing Labs for People: A User-Centered Approach to Laboratory Spaces. Ardis Clinton and Robert Lawyer of Scientia Architects led the group in an interactive chat about how user-centered design can improve lab environments by enhancing safety, comfort, and workflow efficiency for lab personnel. The session emphasized collaboration between designers, architects, and end-users to create more effective and satisfying lab environments.
Adaptive reuse offers a sustainable way to repurpose existing buildings for laboratory use, but it presents unique structural challenges, especially when supporting life sciences and advanced tech. Busting the Myth of Adaptive Reuse: Structural Challenges for Diverse Building Types, led by Harshda Prasad and Isabel Mandujano of LPA Design Studios along with Mark Seidl of DPR Construction, explored critical design considerations—such as vibration control, MEP integration, and structural systems—and debunks myths around retrofitting different building types. The speakers also presented innovative solutions tailored to various structural systems to ensure safe, functional, and sustainable lab environments.
Kieron McGrath of PM Group discussed different strategies to use when designing and constructing lab facilities.
Modularization and prefabrication are transforming lab construction by enabling off-site fabrication of components like façades, MEP systems, and cleanrooms, which enhances quality control, reduces construction time, improves safety, and minimizes environmental impact. These methods allow concurrent work streams and fewer on-site hazards, but challenges include higher upfront costs, design constraints, transportation logistics, and the need for regulatory alignment and workforce retraining. The Impact of Modularization and Prefabrication on Laboratory Design and Construction, featuring Ellen Sisle and Tejoon Jung of Jacobs, explored trends, trade-offs, and case studies to evaluate how these techniques impact lab design and project outcomes.
How the 6A's Will Generate Current and Future Innovative Laboratories explored the "6 A's" of laboratory design—adaptability, adjacencies, assembly, automation, aesthetics, and accountability—and how their interconnections drive innovative, sustainable, and future-ready lab environments. Speaker Kieron McGrath of PM Group examined current challenges in lab design, strategies for improving collaboration and sustainability, and features a case study showcasing a forward-thinking "lab of the future" concept that reimagines how labs are designed and operated.
In their presentation titled Too Much Water and Too Little—Protecting Vital Operations, Joss Hurford and Matt Harrison of Affiliated Engineers, Inc. focused on best practices for designing and operating critical research laboratories to ensure continuity during extreme climate and weather events that may disrupt utilities or require staff shelter-in-place. The presenters reviewed NIH design standards and case studies to highlight lessons learned from both higher education and private sector facilities, offering strategies for enhancing resilience and engaging the research community in emergency planning.
Flinders University's Health and Medical Research Building in South Australia integrates sustainability and innovation, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration through spaces designed for wellbeing and research excellence. The facility, aiming for Gold WELL and LEED certifications, operates on 100 percent renewable energy and is the first medical institution globally to earn a Platinum WiredScore rating for its advanced digital infrastructure. The presentation Enhancing Research Outcomes Through Sustainable and Innovative Lab Design, delivered by Andrew Schunke and Diana Rosenthal of Architectus, highlighted the successful application of sustainable design, biophilic principles, and the building’s connection to First Nations culture to enhance research outcomes and user wellbeing.
Mario Abanto of DLR Group | Tsoi Kobus Design, Dr. Elsa Flores of Moffitt Cancer Center, and Lloyd Fisk of RFD tell the Lab Design Conference audience about The Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center at Speros FL.
The session Hope Three Ways—Integrating Cancer Biology, Drug Discovery, and Bioengineering Research at Moffitt was presented by Mario Abanto of DLR Group | Tsoi Kobus Design, Dr. Elsa Flores of Moffitt Cancer Center, and Lloyd Fisk of RFD. They offered an overview of the design plans for The Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center at Speros, a 250,000 square foot cancer research laboratory designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and advance cancer research. The facility integrates flexible, modular spaces with labs, social amenities, and areas for collaboration, while also welcoming the public and industry partners. Situated on the Speros FL campus, it aims to create an ecosystem of global innovation focused on cancer research and bioengineering.
The presentation on Science for Everyone: Beyond ADA from Michele Pollio and Alan Massey of SmithGroup focused on expanding accessibility in laboratory environments to include non-visible disabilities such as mental, physical, and neurological differences. It addressed the challenges of creating universally accessible lab spaces while maintaining safety, and explores how to accommodate diverse needs in routine and emergency situations. The session provided valuable strategies for designing labs that are adaptable and accessible throughout their lifecycle.
Steve Hackman of The Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Tina Moore of Clayco Design & Engineering overviewed lab casework options and standards/regulations.
The sustainability theme continued with Colorado’s First Net Zero Energy & All-Electric Life Sciences Building, an overview of the Ridgeway Science & Technology building—designed to be Colorado's first net-zero energy and all-electric life sciences facility, achieving LEED Platinum and WELL Gold standards. The building features adaptable core services and specialized laboratory spaces such as cleanrooms and a vivarium, with a focus on energy efficiency through advanced systems like borehole thermal energy storage and hybrid solar. Speakers Brandon Fortier and Ken Urbanek of IMEG Corp. discussed the importance of early modeling, collaboration across design teams, and sustainable strategies to meet energy and tenant flexibility goals.
The success of laboratory design relies on solid planning principles that integrate key engineering concepts, especially when selecting casework solutions. Lab casework choices should be coordinated with infrastructure needs, considering factors like scientific requirements, utility services, future adaptability, and installation speed. Integrating Lab Infrastructure—Casework Solutions with Steve Hackman of The Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Tina Moore of Clayco Design & Engineering emphasized an integrated approach to lab design, focusing on the importance of selecting appropriate casework systems to enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term operational efficiency.
Rachel Romero and Tanna Tennyson of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory discuss the Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) Smart Labs initiative.
Lab Design Conference attendees came together again for the closing general session, Advancing Efficiency in Laboratory Design: A Comprehensive Overview of Smart Labs, featuring Rachel Romero and Tanna Tennyson of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO. Their presentation explored the Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) Smart Labs initiative, focusing on energy efficiency strategies and collaboration among stakeholders to optimize laboratory operations. It covered principles for Smart Labs design, featuring advanced technologies, efficient HVAC systems, and real-world case studies demonstrating successful energy reductions. Attendees gained practical insights on implementing energy-efficient measures and learn about regulatory considerations, funding opportunities, and strategic frameworks for enhancing laboratory efficiency and safety.
The future of laboratory design hinges on interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainable innovation, and a deeper understanding of user needs. From adaptive reuse projects that balance history and performance, to advanced technologies that boost energy efficiency and accessibility, the sessions underscored the evolving expectations placed on lab environments. Attendees left with new tools, ideas, and partnerships to guide their next projects—whether building from the ground up or transforming existing spaces into cutting-edge research facilities.
Be sure to join us for the 25th annual Lab Design Conference in Orlando, Florida next year! We will be meeting at the Caribe Royale Orlando on May 11-14, 2026. Sign up here for updates!
