What is a physics lab?
Good physics laboratory design needs a strong understanding of the experiments that take place in a physics lab. Unlike chemistry and biology, which typically involve fluids and biological specimens, physics concerns energy transfer between bodies.
As such, experiments carried out in a physics lab are more likely to involve motion, heat, light, and electrical power. Each of these poses its own safety concerns and demands the use of different equipment and instrumentation.
Drawing on more than 50 years of past projects in the physics research and teaching space, S+B is perfectly positioned to advise on the elements of a physics lab and ensure that nothing is missed when creating the ideal laboratory space for all of our clients.
What needs to be considered when designing a physics lab?
Applying some international principles can benefit physics laboratory design. At S+B, we uphold several certification schemes, including Achilles and Safecontractor, BSI and ISO, and procurement via Constructionline.
School and college physics labs
For education clients, we are certified by FOBISIA, BSME, CEESA and COBIS, confirming the quality of our work in Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and globally.
We’re proud of our certifications – you can find them listed on our website or ask us for more details – as they highlight our commitment to the best standards in education lab design for schools, colleges and universities around the world.
Industry physics labs
For private businesses, our in-depth consultation process will ensure that you get a flexible workspace that can be reconfigured to continue meeting your needs in the years ahead.
Modular lab furniture built using performance materials is just one way we achieve this. All of our furniture is built by ourselves at our facility in Manchester, UK.
What equipment is required in a physics lab?
There are some common elements of physics lab design and equipment likely to be installed as standard.
Electricity and services
In terms of provision of services, it’s normal to have more electrical outlets in a physics lab, allowing for the use of more countertop instrumentation and other plug-in electricals.
However, we can also ensure that there are plenty of gas taps and mains water faucets if required, especially in teaching labs that may be used for other sciences.
Lighting and blackout blinds
Lighting can be especially important in physics labs, as many experiments will likely involve lasers and other light sources.
We can design-in task lighting, with the ability to control the brightness of your lighting, along with blackout blinds to minimise the amount of natural light entering the lab.
Equipment and storage
We can design convenient storage under worktops and along walls for all of your standalone equipment.
If you need to store specific sizes of equipment, let us know, and we can provide cupboards that perfectly accommodate those sizes for the most efficient use of space.