Author: Archana Salil

It is so exciting to be a woman. I cannot imagine what it would have been, had I been born as a man. My, it would have been so boring, doing same activities every day. Right from her birth, she plays so many roles that she does not need a stage. She is a princess to her father- a cute daughter, a supporting sister, a compassionate friend, a queen to her husband, a nurturer and loving mother, a cool aunt, a responsible daughter in law, a kind grandmother, a tough boss at work when it comes to and most important a go-getter.

Life to her is full of variety and happenings. From kitchen to war rooms, women have demonstrated their assertiveness, skills and competencies. Hey, I should say something new now.

And the new thing is, SHE has now accepted her identity as an independent woman and her importance in her own life. The realization of being a woman and knowing her strength has made her stronger, with a head on desire to fulfill her dreams. She has now started living ‘her’ life and has realized that she is no-more lame. She has realized that she has a voice that cannot go unheard if challenged. Little joys matter to her. She is elusive yet aggressive as situation comes to her. She is gentle yet fierce when it is a matter of survival. She is an inspiration…..

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again……

I am woman

I am invincible

I am strong

I am woman

Women, we cannot be equated!

Laboratory facilities have a very different and peculiar working environment. New discoveries, developments and inventions take place here. The outcome is a ‘creation’ which eventually benefits mankind. The background of this creativity is huge knowledge base, persistence and the ability to work in an unknown and sometimes in unsafe environment too.

Given this scenario, imagine the situation where the surroundings are drab, shabby, un-organized and demotivating. It is quite often assumed that these work places are pure functional places and the people too are expected to work like machines. But has anyone realized that like machines/ equipment’s humans too require specific room or comfort conditions to perform. They too require sufficient light intensity and space where they can work without any operational fear. The environment has to be conducive for research activity.

Laboratories share lot of functional similarities with a kitchen. Things have to be in the right place, with proper & easy accessibility and safe to use. It has to be understood that lab spaces are dynamic and hence they should not be planned for exclusive purpose or with permanent outline or research activity. The design of a laboratory is an outcome based on four major challenges: flexibility, safety, quality of environment and cost efficiency.

Having said so, who else than an architect, can understand these functional aspects and design it in a manner that they blend with engineering concepts. Architects are associated with aesthetics and creativity. Adding colour in right proportion to different types of spaces makes the environment vibrant and happening. Multiple materials, vibrant colours and forms, add visual interest and encourage conversations. Placing artwork at specific locations doubles as a communication tool. Compartmentalization that allows for visual communication enhances lab space and volume. Flexibility to accommodate future requirements comes with modularity and standardization.

If you have read this, then you know whom to approach, to design your lab.

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