Building Technology Systems for Laboratories

WSP has been working with universities, industry and research institutions for over 30 years to develop tried and tested building technology systems designed to minimize risk in the critical laboratory environment. Our highly experienced teams work hard to understand our clients’ needs and to ensure the technology fully integrates with all aspects of the laboratory infrastructure and maintains all containment protocols.

“Security is paramount in the laboratory environment. We make sure we ask our clients the right questions and guide them through the myriad of rapidly advancing technology to deliver systems that include an integrated approach to video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, duress alarm, personnel and asset tracking and communications, which exactly meet their requirements and budgets.”

- Vicki Childs, Senior Technology Engineer, WSP USA

Electrical Engineering for Science Laboratories

In the critical laboratory environment, standby power and emergency backup are top priorities for WSP’s electrical engineers delivering projects ranging from R&D facilities in pharmaceuticals, to testing and diagnostics in healthcare, to academic institutions. Flexibility is also key in these dynamic workplaces, where regular equipment changes and upgrades may need to be supported by additional power capacity.  Aligning to the carbon agenda, WSP incorporates energy-saving technologies wherever possible; for example, our lighting systems are highly flexible and controllable right down to the individual fixture.

“Electrical systems in laboratory facilities have to be reliable, maintainable and flexible.  Reliability is critical to support the continuity of research projects.  Maintainability ensures that the electrical systems can be maintained and repaired without interrupting facility operations.  Flexibility is necessary to allow these facilities to adapt to changes in process and/or mission without requiring major modifications to the existing electrical systems.”

- Lee Roberson, Senior Lead Consultant, Electrical Engineer

Environment, Health and Safety Management and Compliance

WSP’s environment, health and safety (EHS) teams work with leading-edge research organizations to optimize risk management and help them seize opportunities for improvement. Our specialists are board-certified, licensed and experienced in responding to the demands of this fast-evolving sector. We work with small and large clients, taking a partnership approach to understanding their strategic goals, operational targets and compliance responsibilities, and developing flexible, bespoke solutions. We support them to identify, manage and mitigate risks and liabilities, both current and in the future, ensuring that they can adapt to wherever the science takes them.

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“Above all we are investigators. Every project is different, each takes a unique approach – we understand compliance and standards don’t always fit in R&D environments. We need to be agile and responsive and draw on knowledge from around the world to solve science’s unique challenges” 

- Nathan Redfern, EHS Technical Executive, WSP

Laboratory Planning

Laboratories bridge the worlds of science and research to advance the science of discovery. As the global experts in the planning and design of complex specialty laboratories, we have evolved lab design, creating specialized and unique facilities that are functional, meet stringent technical requirements and improve innovative sciences. Our expertise is focused in the Science and Technology market sector including Life Sciences, Academic, Healthcare Research, Engineering and Physical, Pharma & Biotech, and Microelectronics. 

Collaborative engagement with knowledgeable designers, planners, and engineers is essential to create innovative and customized solutions for these unique facilities. Balancing critical technical solutions with functional and design characteristics ensure the facilities will operate safely, effectively, and inspirationally.

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“These facilities absolutely have to work, but they also have to be great places to work. We never let the complexity get in the way of the science”

- Leslie Gartner, senior vice president, WSP USA

Mechanical Engineering

WSP’s mechanical engineers work on science projects of every size and type, from entire campuses for government or pharmaceutical research, to start-up incubator laboratories in repurposed office buildings, to spaces for specialist equipment such as lasers or MRI scanners. We design essential infrastructure to create the perfect conditions for research, and for researchers. We deliver systems that ensure the safety of those working with volatile substances and the functioning of sensitive devices, but also environments that enable people to flourish, while never constraining their progress. Our teams engage with clients to create solutions that balance cost, energy efficiency and flexibility, without compromising on safety, quality or reliability. 

“Laboratory mechanical systems are the first line of defense to protect laboratory occupants from harmful diseases that are being researched, and the last line of defense for the surrounding community against these same diseases.  Their effective design is of the utmost importance.”

- Jared Machala, Vice President, WSP USA