Maximizing the Lab Module

HDR provided laboratory planning and design for the University of New South Wales Science and Engineering Building, with labs comprising approximately 70% of the building. At 7 stories, SEB includes chemical engineering teaching and research laboratories, a shared research floor for biology laboratories partly managed by the Marc Wainwright Analytical Centre, chemistry research laboratories, a precinct store, and associated teaching and learning spaces designed to enhance interaction between staff and students.

The laboratory module is proportioned to suit the requirements of chemical engineering, chemistry, and the ability to work in a flexible, fume cupboard-intensive research environment. A shared services corridor allows for separate specialist support equipment and services for individual labs. The lab zone is sandwiched by services risers, escape stairs and the goods lift, and enveloped by offices, meeting rooms and breakout spaces. This lab planning approach creates a maximixed contiguous zone providing the highest possible degree of serviceability in a rational, modular structure. The project was completed in association with Grimshaw Architects.