Unveiling the 7th A - Activity
Laboratories are facing increasing pressure to deliver results faster and operate more efficiently. In this environment, the need for intelligent, operationally informed design has never been greater. That is why we have developed a 7th A to add to The Six As of Lab Design
“While the original Six As remain foundational, Activity is the element that connects and strengthens them. It transforms laboratory design from a technical exercise into a strategic advantage. One that enables clients to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Kieron McGrath, Principal Architect and Lab SME, PM Group.
Traditional design frameworks often miss the practical realities of laboratory operations. They often do not fully account for how everyday activity is carried out – e.g. how assays, are performed, how equipment is used or how workflows function in practice.
This principle is about ‘beginning with the end in mind’. It enables a deeper understanding of laboratory operations. It allows for more accurate layout planning, reduced equipment redundancy and improved energy efficiency. By analysing how equipment is used across processes, we can predict utilisation patterns, eliminate waste and optimise space.
We can now take a fully integrated team approach to Laboratory Design. By bringing together specialists in Automation and Robotics, HVAC, Sustainability and Lab Operations, we strengthen our laboratory innovation and delivery.
The impact is tangible with:
“While the original Six As remain foundational, Activity is the element that connects and strengthens them. It transforms laboratory design from a technical exercise into a strategic advantage. One that enables clients to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Kieron McGrath, Principal Architect and Lab SME, PM Group.
Considering everyday activity in the design phase
Traditional design frameworks often miss the practical realities of laboratory operations. They often do not fully account for how everyday activity is carried out – e.g. how assays, are performed, how equipment is used or how workflows function in practice.
The 7th A - Activity
This principle is about ‘beginning with the end in mind’. It enables a deeper understanding of laboratory operations. It allows for more accurate layout planning, reduced equipment redundancy and improved energy efficiency. By analysing how equipment is used across processes, we can predict utilisation patterns, eliminate waste and optimise space. We can now take a fully integrated team approach to Laboratory Design. By bringing together specialists in Automation and Robotics, HVAC, Sustainability and Lab Operations, we strengthen our laboratory innovation and delivery.
The impact is tangible with:
- reduced capital expenditure
- lower energy consumption
- enhanced adaptability to future demands
