Lab flexibility decisions always come down eventually to HVAC capacity and distribution. A key flexibility idea is separate the ceiling utility distribution system from what goes on at the lab floor level. A new idea being implemented in some laboratories is a pre-manufactured, above-the-ceiling (13 metres long) primary utility service module. There are also examples of locatable ceiling pods to provide drop-down primary utilities from the ceiling.

- From: Tradeline's Research Buildings 2005 Conference