Help us evaluate the improved design of the lab U-workspace in practice

29 August 2019

Will you help us evaluate the new and improved design of the lab U-workspaces? We have built two examples of the redesigned lab U-workspaces in the Research Tower (M850) on the 6th (south facade, lab Cell Biology) and 7th floor (north facade, lab Pharmacology-Toxicology). These so-called ‘mockups’ are experimental setups that enable all potential users to evaluate the re-design of the workspaces in practice. 

The mockups will be open for visitors on Thursday 5 September (morning) and Tuesday 10 September (afternoon). Please subscribe your planned visit in the schedule as to prevent overcrowding at the lab and minimize disturbance. This schedule can be found at bit.ly/mockuptest
 
Staff from Radboudumc’s Real Estate department will be present during these evaluation sessions to clarify the design and receive feedback.

Why a mockup test?

There is no better way to test the fit of the new design with the user than allowing them to experience the new design themselves. The feedback we will receive on the design will subsequently be taken into account in the final design. The final design will be the blueprint for the renovation of all U-workspaces in the Research Tower.

Reason to redesign

In 2017 an analysis by Radboudumc AMD concluded that the current setup of the U-workspace in het lab environment was not optimal. In line with this analysis, and with the valuable input of a user group, a design of the U-spaces has been made. The mockups are the result, ready to be tested by other users. 

Link with Housing plan Labs

The results of these mockup tests will also be taken into account in the Radboudumc-wide housing plans for the laboratories (‘Herhuisvesting laboratoria’). Also, the principles from the ‘Blueprint’ for the Radboudumc laboratories have been taken into account in the design of these U-spaces.  

Contact

For additional questions or information please contact Frank Goethals (Radboudumc Real Estate deparment).  

Main issues with current U-workspace as listed by AMD

• No adjustment possibility of workspace
• Hinderance by metal construction of desk
• Insufficient depth in deskspace
• Insufficient power supply sockets
• Suboptimal orientation of computer screen versus windows
• Suboptimal storage options
• Cluttered atmosphere, limited range of view in the lab
• Suboptimal daylight filter options
• Insufficient deskworkspace availability

Key points of the Housing Plan Labs are summarized below:

• The aim is to centralise patient- & research labs on the campus to Buildings P, Q and Research tower
• Smarter sharing of facilities (e.g. storage, cleanrooms, labs)
• Clustering of research groups by theme
• Enhancing the link between research and care
• Stimulate the interaction between research groups
• Activity-based design of space, instead of design tailored for specific groups or individuals. This will allow for more flexible use of spaces. This is called the concept of ‘Radboud Laboratory Environment’
• Improved conditions in light, climate, atmosphere