In thinking about the future use of lab buildings, count on instrument proliferation – instruments (research tools) will become the focus of future lab planning and use. For most research environments, what we used to call lab benches have become instrument platforms. The new idea of lab equipment is the use of small environmentally controlled interior enclosures in which equipment is racked and stacked to free up lab space and pinpoint environmental control at the equipment level. Lab renovations and new lab construction are about the higher quality of scientific equipment, which is what scientists care most about. Vibration, EMF shielding, clean environments, containment & bench-top electronics, then, are major project drivers.

- From Tradeline's Research Buildings 2006 Conference