What Makes School Laboratory Furniture So Special?

A school laboratory is unlike any other place in the institution. It is a unique learning environment that caters to practical, flexible and engaging learning. It is a place for trials, errors and experimentation. A school lab is where all theories are put into perspective to provide better clarity of conceptual understanding.

It is imperative that school laboratory furniture design complements the utilization of the lab space. It should facilitate a safe area for both students and staff because a lab houses innumerable paraphernalia that can be dangerous and valuable. Lab furniture must also be versatile in design so that it creates the perfect multipurpose environment that can be used for all science-related subjects.

School lab table with switch boxes and amp sockets manufactured by Inspace school furniture
Long stools can be used by shorter students. Chairs, stools and storage spaces should be easy to handle by the students. It should be flexible as well as durable. Role of a laboratory is important for a student as it helps them understand the practical aspects of the theory they study in class.

Choosing lab furniture can be a daunting process if schools are not clear about what they really want. We aim to simplify the process by listing the criteria that must be noted while purchasing furniture for school labs.

Skillfully Fabricated School Furniture Collections From Inspace, Chennai

Unlike classroom furniture, lab furniture requires a lot more research and planning, because it is a considerable investment. Furthermore, the choice will also have considerable ramifications for a long time. Here are some of the main factors that really matter:

Type of laboratory

The term “laboratory” is a generic term. There are so many fields of science that are dealt with right from schools. Most schools would prefer to have a separate space for each science-related subject, which actually calls for explicitly designed furniture. Some of the labs in schools include;

  • Biology lab
  • Physics lab
  • Chemistry lab
  • Electronics lab

While these are the most common types of laboratories, schools may have to provide separate spaces to accommodate:

  • Computer rooms
  • Multimedia rooms
  • Fine arts room
  • Music rooms

While these are not necessarily called labs, they are learning areas that are new additions to the constantly changing curriculum.

Wet or dry laboratories

A “wet lab’ is where synthetic liquids and substances are used and stored. These labs will also require a constant supply of running water. Labs that cater to chemical and biological research experiments come under the “wet lab” category. Wet labs will require:

  • Built-in sinks
  • Corrosion-resistant worktops
  • Safe storage cupboards
  • Eyewash stations
  • Built-in showers

A “dry lab” is the exact opposite of a wet lab. But that does not mean the supplies stored here are any less expensive. Physics and electronics labs have costly equipment that needs to be stored in large, spacious places. Dry labs require:

  • Wooden table tops with 3-pin electrical outlets on the side and on the table.
  • Insulated electrical wiring

Layout of laboratory space

A laboratory, before it is set up, is nothing but a large rectangular or square room. How it is transformed into an effective practical lab depends on how intelligently space is used. A lab is the one place which facilitates the seamless integration of theoretical and practical learning. The layout has to complement these factors while leveraging collaboration and safety.
  • A pod layout is a great way to encourage teamwork.
  • Gas connections, sinks, water supply and electrical supplies can be configured around the pod to facilitate group work.
  • Installing mobile workbenches that can be used in times of need.

Lab storage facilities

Storage is one of the factors that must never be overlooked in a laboratory. Skimping on storage facilities is a big no-no because it can lead to unwanted hazards of epic proportions. It is the responsibility of schools to mitigate the risk factors inside the lab space. Safety of the students and staff is paramount. Effective storage is a must for all lab paraphernalia such as:
  • Glass devices
  • Measuring devices
  • Electrical equipment
  • Acids and chemicals
  • Specimen bottles
  • Computer paraphernalia
  • Modems and routers

Storage ideas include:

Cabinets and shelves around the perimeter of the labs
Built-in cabinets on service islands
File cabinets
Drawer space for charts and specimens
Glass door cupboards for microscopes
Cupboards with built-in electrical sockets for laptops and computers.

Durability and efficiency of design

School laboratory furniture is a long-term investment. It is something that should serve generations of students without having to make major alterations or entire replacements.

Here’s how one can ensure the durability of lab furniture:

Choosing worktops with a chemical and water-resistant finish.
Using laminated worktop tables that are easy to clean and maintain.
Choosing materials that conform to international safety standards.

Wet or dry laboratories

A “wet lab’ is where synthetic liquids and substances are used and stored. These labs will also require a constant supply of running water. Labs that cater to chemical and biological research experiments come under the “wet lab” category. Wet labs will require:

  • Built-in sinks
  • Corrosion-resistant worktops
  • Safe storage cupboards
  • Eyewash stations
  • Built-in showers

A “dry lab” is the exact opposite of a wet lab. But that does not mean the supplies stored here are any less expensive. Physics and electronics labs have costly equipment that needs to be stored in large, spacious places. Dry labs require:

  • Wooden table tops with 3-pin electrical outlets on the side and on the table.
  • Insulated electrical wiring

Inspace, Chennai: Leading suppliers of school furniture in India

At Inspace School Furniture, Chennai, we design, manufacture and supply a wide range of school laboratory furniture that accommodates all fields of science and beyond. Designed to facilitate collaborative conceptual learning, our products can be customized to your specifications and layout design. We are the leading name for all kinds of school furniture in India, with more than 30 years of industry experience.

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