What Should Universities Consider Before Investing in New Laboratory Facilities?
By HATZ Education Team | Latest update October 2026
Laboratory facilities are among the most complex and expensive environments found on education campuses. They must support specialised equipment, evolving research methodologies, stringent safety requirements, technical infrastructure and the needs of diverse user groups, all while remaining adaptable for future change.
As universities continue to invest in research capability and innovation, the decision to create a new laboratory facility represents a significant strategic commitment.
Before proceeding with a major capital investment, institutions should ask a broader question than simply what facility is required today:
How can this investment continue to support research, teaching and innovation for decades to come?
The most successful laboratory projects are defined not only by their technical performance, but by how effectively they support institutional goals and future research opportunities.
Start With Research Objectives
A laboratory project should begin with a clear understanding of what the institution is trying to achieve.
Questions may include:
- What research priorities is the facility intended to support?
- Which disciplines will be accommodated?
- What future growth is anticipated?
- How will the facility strengthen research capability?
- What role will it play within the broader campus strategy?
When laboratory planning is driven by research objectives, design decisions can be evaluated against clear institutional outcomes rather than short-term needs.
Understand Who Will Use the Facility
Research facilities often serve a broad range of stakeholders.
These may include:
- Academic researchers
- Research students
- Technical staff
- Industry partners
- Teaching programs
- Visiting collaborators
Each user group may have different space, equipment and operational requirements.
Understanding these needs early helps ensure facilities are fit for purpose and capable of supporting both current and future users.
Consider Whether a New Facility Is Necessary
A new building is not always the only solution.
Many universities already possess laboratory buildings that can be upgraded, expanded or repurposed to support contemporary research.
Before committing to new construction, institutions should consider:
- Existing laboratory capacity
- Building renewal opportunities
- Adaptive reuse potential
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Shared facility models
A feasibility study can often identify alternatives that improve value while reducing cost and environmental impact.
Plan for Flexibility
Research changes rapidly.
Equipment evolves, funding priorities shift and interdisciplinary collaboration continues to grow.
Laboratories that are designed around highly specific current requirements may become difficult to adapt in the future.
Flexible facilities often include:
- Modular planning principles
- Adaptable laboratory layouts
- Expandable services infrastructure
- Reconfigurable workspaces
- Shared support environments
Flexibility can significantly increase the useful life of a facility and improve long-term return on investment.
Think Beyond Laboratory Space
It is easy to focus primarily on laboratory benches and research equipment.
However, successful research environments include a range of supporting spaces.
These may include:
- Collaboration areas
- Meeting rooms
- Write-up spaces
- Student research areas
- Informal interaction zones
- Seminar environments
- Research support facilities
Research increasingly relies on collaboration and knowledge sharing. The spaces that support these activities can be just as important as the laboratories themselves.
Plan for Technology and Infrastructure
Laboratories depend on sophisticated infrastructure.
Institutions should carefully consider:
- Mechanical services
- Electrical capacity
- Specialist gases
- Communications infrastructure
- Data requirements
- Equipment integration
- Future technological upgrades
Infrastructure planning should account not only for current requirements but also future expansion and emerging technologies.
The most successful facilities provide capacity for growth rather than operating at their limits from day one.
Consider Operational Costs
Capital expenditure is only one component of laboratory investment.
Over the life of a facility, operational costs may significantly exceed initial construction costs.
Factors that should be considered include:
- Energy consumption
- Equipment maintenance
- Building management
- Technical staffing
- Replacement cycles
- Lifecycle upgrades
Understanding these long-term operational demands helps institutions make more informed investment decisions.
Support Interdisciplinary Research
Many of today's research challenges require expertise from multiple disciplines.
Laboratory facilities should increasingly be viewed as platforms for collaboration rather than isolated departmental spaces.
Shared environments can encourage interaction between:
- Science
- Engineering
- Health
- Medicine
- Technology
- Industry
Facilities that support interdisciplinary engagement are often better positioned to respond to future research opportunities.
Align With Sustainability Goals
Universities are increasingly expected to demonstrate environmental leadership.
Laboratory facilities can be resource-intensive environments, making sustainability an important planning consideration.
Potential strategies include:
- Energy-efficient systems
- Flexible infrastructure
- Adaptable building design
- Water conservation strategies
- Material selection
- Long-life planning
Investing in sustainability from the outset can improve both environmental performance and long-term operational efficiency.
Think Long-Term
Laboratory projects typically remain in service for decades.
The most successful facilities are designed with a long-term horizon, recognising that research priorities, technologies and educational models will continue to evolve.
Rather than attempting to predict every future requirement, institutions should focus on creating environments capable of accommodating change.
Future adaptability is often the greatest measure of a successful laboratory investment.
Conclusion
Building a new laboratory facility is ultimately an investment in research capability, academic excellence and future discovery.
The strongest projects begin with clear institutional objectives, carefully consider operational and user requirements, and prioritise flexibility over specialisation.
By taking a long-term view, universities can create research environments that support innovation, collaboration and growth for many years to come.
The most successful facilities are not designed solely for today's research.
They are designed for the research that has not yet been imagined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do universities always need a new laboratory building?
Not necessarily. Existing facilities may sometimes be upgraded, expanded or adapted to support future research needs while offering better value and sustainability outcomes.
Why is flexibility important in laboratory design?
Research priorities, technologies and equipment requirements change over time. Flexible facilities can adapt more easily to future needs and help protect long-term investment.
What should be considered before selecting laboratory equipment?
Equipment decisions should align with research objectives, operational requirements, infrastructure capacity and future adaptability rather than immediate needs alone.
How can laboratory projects support interdisciplinary research?
Shared facilities, collaborative spaces and adaptable planning can encourage interaction between different disciplines and research groups.
What is the biggest mistake institutions make when planning new laboratories?
Focusing exclusively on current requirements without considering future growth, technological change and evolving research priorities.
Related Reading
- How Do Universities Future-Proof Laboratory and Research Facilities?
- What Makes a Successful Research Environment?
- How Can Universities Upgrade Research Facilities Without Interrupting Research?
- How Do Universities Plan Laboratory Projects for Future Research Needs?
- How Do Adaptive Reuse Projects Support Campus Sustainability Goals?
Planning a Laboratory or Research Facility?
Whether you are considering a new laboratory building, upgrading existing facilities or planning future research infrastructure, HATZ can help align research objectives, technical requirements and long-term institutional goals to create environments that support discovery, innovation and education.