This blog has been written by by Liam Serridge – International Sales Manager at COBIS Supporting Associate S+B UK Ltd.

There is an ongoing debate over multi-purpose labs versus subject-specific labs in secondary schools, both sides of the argument have merit, but is there a middle ground? We believe Lady Eleanor Holles School may have found it…

The flexibility of being able to teach all 3 Sciences in the same laboratory, as well as the ease of adapting to curriculum changes, new teachers, timetabling challenges, and constantly evolving teaching trends are just a few of the benefits of multipurpose labs over subject-specific spaces.

However, due to the different subject-specific needs, each discipline can demand very different furniture designs and room provisions. But can all boxes be ticked to facilitate all requirements in the same room with minimal compromise to the purists? Let’s start by breaking down the basic individual requirements for each discipline.

Chemistry

Chemistry labs have a greater need for chemical-resistant surfaces, fume cupboards, gas outlets and sinks, safe chemical storage, emergency showers, and sometimes even local extraction systems. Storage for glassware and Bunsen burners is essential.

Biology

Biology labs need a different type of storage space for microscopes and other awkward-shaped instrumentation, the worksurfaces will need to be resistant to repeated cleaning and there is a growing desire to house living walls, greenhouses, vivariums or terrariums, which all need worksurface space and adequate sunlight. 

Physics

In Physics labs there is a bigger demand for large, dry and clear work surfaces with a premium on electric sockets. Sinks and gas are rarely used in Physics experiments, so tables can often be movable to create larger surfaces for long pieces of equipment or to test out student projects such as robots and rockets.
Given the unique requirements for each subject, we ask if it is possible to create a multipurpose lab or suite of labs that incorporates all of the above, making each room equally suitable for teaching Chemistry, Biology and Physics? Multipurpose but subject-specific at the same time? 

The Lady Eleanor Holles Vision…

The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Foshan, China has brilliantly demonstrated that learning environments with the flexibility of teaching Chemistry, Biology, and Physics in the same space are not only possible but can be achieved with little to no compromise.

Following the British curriculum, LEH Foshan places a strong focus on high-quality science education. When designing their science labs, prior to their opening in 2020, the team had a clear vision of teaching science through hands-on practical activities, aiming to “develop a sense of curiosity and wonder in their students, along with a respect for logical thinking and the scientific process”.

They wanted labs that emphasised this teaching philosophy but also presented a “WOW factor” to spark a greater interest in learning the Sciences. They were keen to facilitate collaborative group work while being equally practical and fit for purpose. Most importantly, they wanted labs that would facilitate each individual Science discipline but offer the flexibility for future change.

Here’s how they did it…

Firstly, they had 4 laboratories with 3 different furniture designs, each design is purposely multifunctional and suits all disciplines under one roof, but at the same time, each subtly lends itself in favour of one of the disciplines. You could be forgiven for not distinguishing which lab suits which subject best.

They opted for a small number of large student workbenches in each lab, meaning fewer gangways, resulting in greater worksurface area per student and better room circulation. This allowed sinks, gas and electric to be incorporated into the benches to facilitate Chemistry and Biology, but without taking up too much of the worksurface space so desperately needed for Physics. 

Flush fitting sink lids were utilised to further increase the uninterrupted flat surfaces better suited to Physics.

Eye showers were fitted in all labs, meaning if a Chemistry experiment was being carried out in any of the rooms, there would be no safety concerns as to where the nearest emergency eye shower was located.

360-degree viewing mobile fume cupboards were chosen, rather than fitting one fixed fume cupboard in a designated Chemistry lab as per the traditional norm. They opted to have mobile fume cupboards that could be moved around and plugged into any of the labs, therefore not restricting Chemistry experiments to one lab only. When not in use, they can be wheeled away to a storage area, meaning the premium classroom space isn’t being permanently used.

Fold-up worktop extensions were incorporated into heavy-duty moveable tables so that worksurfaces could be increased when needed, electrical sockets fitted to the sides of the benches kept the surfaces clear, and strategically positioned sinks around the perimeter of the room meant that the benches could be joined to the perimeter to quickly switch from a Physics lab to a fully functioning Biology lab.

Finally, they installed high-quality Corian worksurfaces throughout, this meant any stains caused during Biology classes can be removed with mild abrasive cleaners, deeper chemical/heat burns caused by Chemistry experiments can be repaired by sanding the surface, and any major cracks caused by heavy-duty Physics activity can be repaired to look brand new on-site with minimal disruption. So, one surface fits all.

According to LEH Foshan, “the labs have gathered a lot of attention locally and are helping to reimagine science teaching in the city”.

Visit the LEH Website here for the school case study.

Visit the S+B Website here for the lab furniture designers case study.