The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed the first edition of the ASHRAE Laboratory Design Guide. It has the distinct purpose of providing designers with the required tools to properly design and integrate laboratory mechanical systems into their complete building heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigerating (HVAC&R) projects. This includes interaction with other professionals, owners, and system operators to resolve space and use problems early in the design process.

This paper outlines the key steps of the design process that are presented in the Guide. Each step shall be discussed to give an understanding of the significant factors to consider in the procurement of a laboratory facility that is safe, functional, and meets or exceeds the needs of the owner and occupants. However, individual chapters of the Guide expand the subject matter of each design step in greater detail as they pertain to several different types of laboratories such as teaching, research, biological, chemical, and clean rooms.

Units: Dual