Beyond
the Lab
Redesigning Life Sciences Workplaces to Fuel Innovation + Adapt to Change “Scientists are asked to do more—often in environments that haven’t kept pace with their demands.
They need spaces that solve practical issues but also inspire them to
drive innovation forward.” Keith Bujak

WorkSpace Futures Researcher
Life sciences professionals are at the forefront of some of the world’s most impactful innovations, from life-saving treatments to breakthroughs in understanding biology.  The industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by digital technology, the rise of AI, and the ever-accelerating pace of research. These changes are redefining not only how scientists work but also what their workspaces must provide to support innovation, adaptability, and well-being.

Our researchers conducted a study to better understand the challenges and needs of life sciences professionals. The research goes beyond physical spaces to focus on the people who use them and emphasize the dual nature of their workspaces: laboratories for experimentation and surrounding areas for data analysis, collaboration, and rejuvenation.
10%

Competition for Top Talent

Rising Demand for Real Estate AI Accelerating the Pace of Research

0.2%

90%

employment growth over
the past 21 months of speculative lab/R&D space is prelease as of Q2 2024 of biopharma and medtech respondents expect generative AI to impact their organizations 7x more data science job postings than 5 years ago of construction projects are build-to-suit and fully leased 22%

More Data Than Ever
  • Insufficient space for data analytics and visualization makes managing massive datasets more challenging.
  • Workspaces are often not equipped to support long-duration, data-intensive tasks for both individual and team efforts.
  • Disconnected Teams
  • Frequent transitions between lab and office spaces create workflow disruptions and reduce efficiency.
  • Few spaces are designed to facilitate informal collaboration, spontaneous interactions, or interdisciplinary idea-sharing.
  • There are limited technology-enabled environments for seamless communication with dispersed teams and remote collaborators.
  • Barriers to Innovation Lack of Flexibility
  • Rigid layouts make it difficult to adjust quickly for changing team sizes, equipment needs, or research priorities.
  • A lack of modular, scalable workspaces hinders smooth transitions between focus work, collaboration, and hybrid workflows.
  • Durable, functional designs often fail to account for the diverse work styles and preferences of employees.
  • More Data Than Ever
  • Insufficient space for data analytics and visualization makes managing massive datasets more challenging.
  • Workspaces are often not equipped to support long-duration, data-intensive tasks for both individual and team efforts.


  • Disconnected Teams
  • Frequent transitions between lab and office spaces create workflow disruptions and reduce efficiency.
  • Few spaces are designed to facilitate informal collaboration, spontaneous interactions, or interdisciplinary idea-sharing.
  • There are limited technology-enabled environments for seamless communication with dispersed teams and remote collaborators.


  • Lack of Flexibility
  • Rigid layouts make it difficult to adjust quickly for changing team sizes, equipment needs, or research priorities.
  • A lack of modular, scalable workspaces hinders smooth transitions between focus work, collaboration, and hybrid workflows.
  • Durable, functional designs often fail to account for the diverse work styles and preferences of employees.
  • For more information about the changing Life Sciences industry, read the full research article: Where Discovery Happens
    Data & AI Transformation
    The rapid growth of automation and AI has dramatically increased data generation, requiring scientists to manage and interpret unprecedented volumes of complex information.
    Workplace Trends Driving Transformation Connected Discovery
    Collaboration across disciplines and locations is essential, but coordinating efforts and fostering informal yet valuable interactions is a persistent challenge.
    How Companies are Solving
  • Efficient furniture, intuitive technology, and access to refreshments
to foster knowledge sharing.
  • Markerboards, displays, and tracking systems to provide clear visibility of equipment, projects, and team progress.
  • Writable surfaces to make work and ideas visible for easy collaboration.
  • Hybrid-equipped huddle rooms, pods, and video booths to enable effective in-person and remote collaboration.

  • How Companies are Solving
  • Ergonomic workstations with multiple displays and dedicated computer labs to handle data-intensive tasks efficiently.
  • Ancillary areas equipped with power and laptop-friendly setups to support diverse work styles and spontaneous problem-solving.
  • Open and enclosed meeting spaces, equipped with visualization technology and markerboards, to foster real-time collaboration and idea sharing.
  • Spatial Adaptability
    Constantly evolving research priorities and experiments demand spaces that can expand, contract, or reconfigure to align with shifting scientific workflows.
    How Companies are Solving
  • Increased dry lab spaces for data analysis as automation and cloud labs reduce reliance on in-house labs.
  • Modular designs with demountable walls and reconfigurable furniture to accommodate expanding projects and diverse workflows.
  • Integrated storage solutions, including mobile carts, lockers, and shelving, to optimize organization and equipment accessibility.
  • Workstations strategically placed near lab benches to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
  • Innovation Commons

    As the ‘heart of the company,’ it serves as a central hub for connection, community, and belonging. With inclusive, multi-purpose settings, it enables socializing, casual work, and celebrates research, while offering amenities that attract and retain top scientific talent.

    Collaborative Huddle

    Laboratories generate large volumes of complex data and need collaborative space that adapts to variable work needs—supporting data analysis, collaboration, and sharing insights with digital and analog tools. Hybrid conferencing enables seamless collaboration with remote teams.

    Data Analytics Workstations

    This space fosters the Life Sciences industry’s drive for innovation by offering areas for deep focus, meaningful collaboration, and rejuvenation. Ergonomic furniture and flexible layouts support complex, long-duration focus work and paired analysis, while nearby privacy options, knowledge-sharing spaces, and wellbeing features foster connection and attract and retain top talent.

    Close-to-Lab Workstations

    Supporting fast-paced research with seamless transitions, this space reduces travel time and provides access to a range of space types, resources, personal items, and refreshments. Individual workstations enable focus, while nearby spaces foster quick collaboration and information exchange, enhancing team efficiency.

    Private Office

    This private office offers a quiet, multi-functional space for deep focus, mentoring, and small-group collaboration. It provides areas for individual work, confidential meetings, and knowledge sharing, with outdoor access to support wellness and productivity.

    Respite Node

    This Respite Node offers a quiet space for rest or active rejuvenation, supporting wellbeing with flexible postures, privacy, lighting controls, and access to power. Biophilic design enhances health, focus, and relaxation in a fast-paced Life Sciences environment.
    Through our experience partnering with leading life sciences companies and our Steelcase led research to identify trends and barriers, we’ve created solutions to meet the evolving needs of life sciences professionals. We put these insights to work across the spaces researchers use throughout their day. Insights in Action
    Download the Design Guide Download the Life Sciences Design Guide to discover key design elements, applications, and solutions that help create adaptable, collaborative, and human-centered workspaces tailored to the evolving needs of life sciences professionals. GET YOUR COPY

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