The biotechnology facility: Issues in architectural design

Abstract

Successful architectural design of the biotechnology facility depends on a clear understanding of many critical issues which face the newly emerging industry. Research indicates that insight can be gained through three major areas of study. First, understanding of the biotechnology industry itself is encouraged through examination of industrial application, biotechnology phases, production processes, obstacles in biotechnology, company developmental stages, methods of company survival, organization/labor force characteristics, locational issues and regulatory issues. Second, familiarization with the biotechnology facility as a building type is provided through exploration of functional areas and the spaces which they require, beginning with research and continuing through production to final distribution of the marketed product. Finally, awareness of current viewpoints and widespread concerns which relate to the design of the biotechnology facility is provided through the examination of safety, human, flexibility, functional, operational/maintenance, master planning, security, litigation and energy conservation issues.