Building Adaptations and Laboratory Safety Concerns: A Case Study of High-Rise Academic Laboratories in a Thai University

Abstract

Academic laboratory buildings face unique challenges due to the dynamic nature of laboratory tasks, technological advancements, and the utmost importance of maintaining safety. While flexible design strategies are recommended for laboratory facilities, there is a need to explore the empirical evidence of building adaptations and their impact on safety in real-world cases. This study employs a case study approach to investigate how academic laboratory buildings have been adapted to changing requirements and the resulting implications for laboratory safety. Four high-rise academic laboratories on a university campus were selected as case studies, and data were collected through as-built and updated architectural drawings, on-site walk-through surveys, and laboratory safety inspection reports. The findings reveal that adaptable design strategies, specifically those related to "long life" and "loose fit," have been implemented and are commonly used. However, building adaptations often occur independently, and without a proper understanding of the original design strategies, leading to laboratory safety problems caused by inappropriate adaptations. The proposed conceptual model aims to elaborate on the relationship between building adaptations and laboratory safety concerns. Further research should focus on investigating the patterns of adaptations of building layers using a time-series approach, and developing facility management strategies to effectively address dynamic safety conditions.