Designing Neuroinclusive Laboratory Environments – Bulb Insights
Earlier in 2024, HOK and ARC, in collaboration with environmental psychologist Dr. Edward Edgerton, released a report on designing neuroinclusive laboratory environments. This research initiative adopts a multidisciplinary approach to address how built environments and sensory elements affect the individuals within scientific workplaces.
The full report can be found here
At Bulb Laboratories, we pride ourselves on our commitment to creating bespoke, compliant spaces for researchers. Our aim is to lead the field in laboratory design, following the latest trends, regulations, and health & safety standards. After reviewing the report, we fully support its findings and recommendations and summarize some key highlights below.
Report Insights & Bulb Thoughts
Visual Access
Report:Study participants expressed that lab spaces with full visibility often felt too exposed, contributing to discomfort or distraction, particularly when corridors were busy. Spaces with frosted or partially transparent glass (e.g., frosted glass at the bottom) received more positive feedback. Participants noted that these design choices seem tailored more for visitors’ benefit or to put “science on display.”
Bulb Thoughts:We agree that striking a balance between showcasing science and respecting researchers’ privacy is crucial. We find that frosted or half-glazed glass can help achieve this equilibrium. Adding biophilia to partially cover the glazing might serve a dual function of avoiding overexposure and bringing natural elements.
Ergonomics
Report:The importance of furniture size, adjustability, and colour was emphasized, along with a strong preference for accessible and adequate storage.
Bulb Thoughts:We fully support this and routinely prioritise adjustable furniture, introduction of colour where feasible, and ensure ample storage through mobile cabinets, shelving, and dedicated store rooms. Surprisingly, lack of storage is a recurring concern among researchers, and we address this need in our designs.
Breakout Spaces
Report:There was discussion on whether breakout spaces should be located inside or outside the lab area suggesting that transitioning between lab and other spaces can be overwhelming due to sensory overload.
Bulb Thoughts:To prevent cross-contamination and maintain clear divisions between lab and office areas, we recommend situating breakout spaces outside lab areas. We acknowledge, however, that the transition from lab to office spaces can be challenging e.g. due to PPE (personal protection equipment) change and would consider solutions to mitigate sensory overload during these transitions.
Ergonomics
Report:The importance of furniture size, adjustability, and colour was emphasized, along with a strong preference for accessible and adequate storage.
Bulb Thoughts:We fully support this and routinely prioritise adjustable furniture, introduction of colour where feasible, and ensure ample storage through mobile cabinets, shelving, and dedicated store rooms. Surprisingly, lack of storage is a recurring concern among researchers, and we address this need in our designs.
Alternative Spaces for Reset and Relaxation
Report:Participants expressed the need for alternative spaces within and outside labs for activities like resetting, relaxing, meetings, and note-taking, ideally in spaces that allow for privacy.
Bulb Thoughts:While space constraints in smaller labs often limit opportunities for dedicated reset spaces, we recognize the value of this concept.
We propose to create such spaces in different ways such as creating a nook for thinking or adding a clear bench facing a window or using an awkward angle to create some seating or installing a pull-out desk.
These solutions can address potential cross-contamination issues while providing some spaces inside laboratories for taking notes, thinking or planning/creative thinking/generating ideas.
Environmental Stimuli
Report:“Regardless of neurotype, certain environmental stimuli such as sounds and temperature can be challenging for most employees.”
Bulb Thoughts:We couldn’t agree more. We aim to create comfortable and pleasant work environments not only in labs but also in associated spaces like breakout areas, meeting rooms, and collaboration zones.
Environmental Stimuli
Report:Typical lab environments often face challenges, including:
- Limited access to natural light
- Sterile, impersonal white spaces for cleanliness
- Minimal biophilic elements
- Noisy equipment
- Cluttered spaces
- Restricted mobility as researchers often stay in one area
- Lack of variety, choice, and control
- No retreat spaces
Bulb Thoughts:We echo these observations and, drawing from our years of experience designing laboratories, advocate for the inclusion of appropriate colour, adequate storage, thoughtful workflow designs, and natural elements to enhance these environments.
Key Design Considerations
Report Recommendations
- Access to natural daylight
- Options for assigned, dedicated spaces
- Adjustable, ergonomic furniture
- Flexible workspace locations
- Workpoints in low-traffic areas
- Spaces for movement and fidgeting
- Dedicated quiet rooms
- Screens for noise and visual distractions
- Adjustable lighting
- Integration of natural elements
- Retreat spaces
- Display walls for information sharing
- Accessible storage
Bulb Thoughts:We endorse these recommendations and incorporate them into our design strategies. While maintaining a focus on the scientific objectives of each laboratory, we strive to integrate these elements to enhance functionality and user comfort.
Case Study: Speculative Laboratory Design in Oxfordshire
We are delighted to share that at Bulb, we are already implementing the majority, if not all, of the recommendations for our laboratory design, even before the official report was published.
Recently, we embarked on a unique project to convert an old office building into life sciences laboratories on the ground floor and open plan, modern offices on the first floor. We ingeniously utilized the building’s unusable feature of a light well in the lab area by creating an internal write-up space underneath. This space, along with the ‘science on display’ laboratory, forms a striking centrepiece between the write-up area and the inviting ground floor reception. The branded reception, complete with soft seating and a drinks station, serves as a welcoming space for researchers and visitors alike.
Our design also takes into account the researchers’ need for privacy. We created several functional labs along the external windows, with only half-glazed windows in the internal corridors. This design not only ensures privacy but also maximizes natural light in all the laboratories. Support rooms were strategically placed near the core for easy access.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist with your projects. Get in touch at or call 0118 988 9200.
Bulb Laboratories, part of Unispace Life Sciences, are the UK’s leading laboratory specialists providing design, consultancy, construction, and compliance services. With in-house expertise in science (end-user), laboratory design, engineering, and construction, we have unique credentials to cater to the complex needs of laboratory fit-out and refurbishment.
