Laboratory Design
MJMC Architects has the knowledge and experience in the design and classification of Laboratories for both the wet and dry sciences and for both the public and the private sectors. Wet sciences include Life Sciences, or Biotech, industry and may include Research and Development, Pharmaceutical / Nutraceutical Production, Validation and / or Test. Dry sciences include Electrical Engineering, Microelectronic Fabrication Test, Research and Development facilities among others. There are both commonalities and differences between all laboratories; a university teaching laboratory for example differs from an incubation lab based on protocols and desires established by the Primary Investigator and/or Lab Manager.
Laboratories for Life Sciences are designed to align with “Good Laboratory Practices” (GLP) and, depending on the type of Pathogens or Pharmaceutical Process, will be classified based on the Bio Safety Level (BSL 1-4), which is determined by the Pathogen (or Protection) level (P 1-4). A BSL / PSL 1 carrying the lowest hazard level while a BSL / PSL 4 has the highest threat. A BSL 4 laboratory handles pathogens known to be highly contagious and extremely disabling or lethal, such as the Ebola or Small Pox viruses. Depending upon programmatic requirements a laboratory may be a Cleanroom or require Cleanroom adjacency with clean pass through. Lower BSL / PSL can usually accommodate “Clean” requirements by use of glove boxes or mini-environments.
