Changes in the nature of work will impact future lab design, according to a new Arup report, as science labs and research facilities become technology enabled, with flexible spaces allowing for collaborative, data-centric research.
As the creative and technical heart of science, research facilities will undergo a shift to become more adaptable, interdisciplinary environments that align with changes in the workplace. The report identifies a move towards greater work-life balance, the changing demographics of the workforce, and increasing competition among institutions and companies to attract and retain talent as some of the key drivers behind this shift.
Placemaking will become increasingly important as part of this transition, with research facilities forming part of a wider community designed to enrich and enable the lives of the researchers.