Below is an excerpt from a published course advising on space requirements for laboratory design and what factors to include in your decision-making when planning science classrooms.
Of primary concern to educators should be the safety of the students, faculty and other occupants of the facilities in which they teach. As hands-on science holds the possibility of being significantly more dangerous than a lecture-type history class, the planning, design and equipping of science facilities should concentrate on safety first.
Space: The most important factor in science classroom safety is the amount of space provided per student. Recent research confirms that the “mishap” rate in science classrooms increases as both the total amount of space and the space per student decreases. This should be intuitive since physical interaction among students increases as the space becomes smaller. Further, with the inclusion of students with disabilities in the mainstream classroom, clearances between fixed objects must be greater.
For example, the ADA Accessibility Guidelinesfor Buildings indicates that the minimum clear aisle width that a person in a wheelchair can successfully negotiate is 32″; many existing science labs have fixed lab benches that are 24″ to 30″ apart. The NSTA Guide to Planning School Science Facilities recommends minimum areas per student in a science facility. For dedicated, stand-alone science classrooms for elementary (K-5) schools, the recommended minimum is 40 square feet per student; for middle (6-8) and high school, the recommended minimum for a combined lab/classroom is 60 square feet per student.
Number of students: Research indicates that 24 students is about the maximum number that can safely be supervised in a science lab/classroom. As class size increases beyond 24 students, the “mishap” rate increases dramatically.
Thus, for a dedicated elementary science space, the appropriate minimum size is 960 square feet; and for middle and high school combined lab/classrooms, the appropriate minimum size is 1,440 square feet. Space for storage and prep rooms is in addition to these minimums.
Means of egress: All science lab/classrooms should have two means of egress, although some building codes may require only one. One means of egress should be an out-swinging door which leads directly to a fire-rated corridor; the second means of egress should be a second door, located at least one-half the diagonal dimension of the lab/classroom away from the first door, leading either directly outdoors (at ground level) or to a fire-rated corridor leading directly to the outdoors. In some locales, operable windows may legally serve as a second means of egress; practically speaking, a second, remote door provides the safest response to an emergency within the room.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to school laboratory planning, science furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo info@longoinc.com. To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
At Longo, we’ve been providing superior laboratory and educational solutions for 40 years. We design and build state-of-the-art teaching labs for any discipline, any educational level, virtually anywhere in the country.
We understand that the same lab equipment is not conductive to all teaching goals, so our knowledgeable specialists work closely with you to identify specific needs and recommend appropriate products and materials. We also offer turnkey services-from consultation and concept to construction and completion.
Whether you’re planning a new lab space or upgrading an existing one, use our experience to your advantage. Call us today for a free consultation (800-635-6646), or email info@longoinc.com. Because planning and building an educational laboratory is a complicated and costly undertaking – and we can help you get it right the first time.
Longo – from elementary school through higher education, laboratories are our business!
For over 40 years, Longo Associates has been proudly distributing Sheldon Laboratory Systems, the forefront leader in educational laboratory design & products. Our clients believe in the “Sheldon Advantage” and value Sheldon’s efforts to manufacture a superior quality product. If you value a high quality product at a tremendous value, on-time & complete delivery and lack of installation issues, the Longo/Sheldon team is for you!
Vertical, Match Grain Veneer Fronts Option Available
Oak & Plastic Laminate Fronts Offered
Full Extension Drawer Slides Available
Please direct all inquiries with regards to school laboratory planning, science furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo info@longoinc.com. To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
Science Lab Projects with Sheldon’s Laboratory Casework (short list):
School Name – City/Town, State
Academic High School – Jersey City, NJ
Academy of Holy Angels – Demarest, NJ
Albertus Magnus High School – Bardonia, NY
Alloway Elementary School – Alloway, NJ
Ardsley High School – Ardsley, NY
Arts High School – Newark, NJ
Bergenfield High School – Bergenfield, NJ
Bi-Cultural Day School – Stamford, CT
Boonton Middle School – Boonton, NJ
Butler High School – Butler, NJ
Camden County VoTech School – Sicklerville, NJ
Camden High School – Camden, NJ
Carlstadt ES & MS, Carlstadt, NJ
Cedar Grove High School – Cedar Grove, NJ
Convent of the Sacred Heart School – Greenwich, CT
Cranford High School – Cranford, NJ
Cresskill High School – Cresskill, NJ
Dwight Morrow High School – Englewood, NJ
E.C. Goodwin Reg. VoTech School – New Britain, CT
Eastern Christian High School – North Haledon, NJ
Edison High School – Edison, NJ
Franklin Lakes Middle School – Franklin Lakes, NJ
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ
George White Middle School – Hillsdale, NJ
Great Path Academy – Manchester, CT
Greenwich Country Day School – Greenwich, CT
Harrison High School – Harrison, NY
Hastings High School – Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Hillsdale Middle School – Hillsdale, NJ
Indian Hills High School – Oakland, NJ
Iona Prep School – New Rochelle, NY
Irvington High School – Irvington, NY
Jackson Memorial High School – Jackson, NJ
JFK High School – Newark, NJ
Keyport High School – Keyport, NJ
Litchfield MS/HS – Litchfield, CT
Louis E. Dieruff High School – Allentown, PA
Mercy High School – Middletown, CT
Metropolitan Business Academy – New Haven, CT
Midland Park High School – Midland Park, NJ
Milton Hershey High School – Hershey, PA
Montville Twp. High School – Montville, NJ
Morris County VoTech School – Denville, NJ
Norfolk County Agricultural HS – Walpole, MA
North Branford Intermediate School – North Branford, CT
North Haven High School – North Haven, CT
North Hunterdon Reg. HS – Annandale, NJ
Northern Highlands HS – Allendale, NJ
Norwich Technical HS – Norwich, CT
Oak Hill Academy – Lincroft, NJ
Paramus High School – Paramus, NJ
Pascack Hills High School – Montvale, NJ
Pascack Valley High School – Hillsdale, NJ
Peekskill High School – Peekskill, NY
Pompton Lakes HS – Pompton Lakes, NJ
Purnell School – Pottersville, NJ
Ramsey High School – Ramsey, NJ
Ridgewood High School – Ridgewood, NJ
Rogers Park Middle School – Danbury, CT
Rye Country Day School – Rye, NY
Sacred Heart Academy – Hamden, CT
Sayreville War Memorial HS – Parlin, NJ
St. Anthony’s School – Hawthorne, NJ
St. Catherine’s School – Spring Lake, NJ
St. Dominic’s School – Brick, NJ
St. Joseph’s High School – Trumbull, CT
St. Luke’s School – New Canaan, CT
Stamford 9th Grade Center – Stamford, CT
Sussex County VoTech School – Sparta, NJ
Tamaqua High School – Tamaqua, PA
Tenafly MS/HS – Tenafly, NJ
Trenton High School – Trenton, NJ
Union Catholic High School – Scotch Plains, NJ
Union City Demonstration High School – Union City, NJ
W.F. Kaynor Regional VoTech School – Waterbury, CT
Longo is pleased to announce the availability of Sheldon Laboratory Systems on SW BOCES Contract. Sheldon’s complete line of science lab furniture is available to school districts participating in the cooperative. In addition, Longo provides FREE laboratory planning and design assistance to those school districts interested in purchasing on BOCES.
Contract Details:
Period: June 1, 2011 – May 31, 2012
Delivery Time Frame: 120 Days
Category B: Casework
Includes the following Sheldon Laboratory Products:
The following school districts below are available to purchase Sheldon laboratory furniture off of the Southern Westchester BOCES contract:
Abbott UFSD Haldane Pearl River
Ardsley Harrison Peekskill
Bedford Hastings Pelham
Blind Brook Haverstraw Pleasantville
Brewster Hawthorne Cedar Knolls PNW BOCES
Briarcliff Manor Hendrick Hudson Pocantico
Byram Hills Irvington Port Chester/Rye
Carmel Katonah Lewisboro Putnam Valley
Clarkstown Lakeland Ramapo Central
Chappaqua Longwood Rockland BOCES
Dobbs Ferry Mahopac Rye City
East Ramapo Mamaroneck Rye Neck
Eastchester Mt. Pleasant Cottage Scarsdale
Edgemont Mt. Vernon Somers
Elmsford Nanuet South Orangetown
Garrison New Rochelle Tarrytown
Greenburgh 11 North Rockland Tuckahoe
Greenburgh 7 North Salem White Plains
Greenburgh Graham Nyack Yorktown
Greenburgh N. Castle Ossining
Longo over the past 10 years has completed major science lab projects at Irvington High School, Tuckahoe High School, Harrison High School, Peekskill High School, Ardsley High School, and Hastings High School.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to school laboratory planning, science furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo info@longoinc.com. To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
Longo assisted with the science lab design and furnishings at the Sacred Heart Academy. Longo offers FREE laboratory design and construction planning to private schools in Connecticut interested in building new science lab facilities and those renovating their current science classrooms into modern lab spaces.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to school laboratory planning, science furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo info@longoinc.com. To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
Longo offers a comprehensive learning series for architects and interior designers interested in science facilities in education. Below is an except from the presentation.
Longo is the dealer for Sheldon Laboratory Systems Furniture & Equipment – if you are located in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York (Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam Counties), New Jersey, and/or eastern Pennsylvania, please do hesitate to call our offices for assistance.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
In addition, Longo’s laboratory design team is involved with the space planning of science classrooms at John Hill Middle School in Booton (NJ), new chemistry classrooms for Blue Hills Regional Tech School in Canton (MA), and the Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole (MA).
ORDER TODAY. Most school administrators do not realize that laboratory furniture has a long lead time. Meaning that after receipt of purchase order it usually is 8 weeks before furniture is delivered. And that does not take into account that lab furniture, unless selecting out of catalog, can only be ordered after approved shop drawings and/or equipment lists. Or the fact that your project may require architectural drawings and engineering plans for submission to municipal contacts for approval.
Let one of Longo’s laboratory consultants advise on the design of science space, selection of cabinets, counter tops and fume hoods and then manage the installation as your new modern laboratory classroom takes shape. Take a look at some of the school laboratory spaces by Longo:
If you are just planning a minor laboratory renovation with little plumbing & waster service improvements, the Stevens Industries Science Furniture Catalog and Labscape School Laboratory Furniture catalog offerings can assist you (see below):
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
School districts belonging to Southern Westchester BOCES may purchase Labscape Industrial Casework and Fume Hoods off of contract.
Period: June 1, 2010 – May 31, 2011
Delivery Time Frame: 120 Days
Category: Casework
Manufacturer: Labscape
Sometimes school budgets do not allow for new laboratory construction or complete science classroom renovations – Longo can still help you update your lab with new laboratory furniture to upgrade the appearance (and safety) of your science classrooms. Please view the photos below of laboratory furniture available from Labscape:
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com). Nat Longo has been building school science labs and commercial laboratories for over 25 years. Project lists are available from Longo if you wish to see where we have worked in NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA & RI.
Newly redesigned Science Center opened in time for the 2010-2011 school year. An innovative and versatile design by DiCara-Rubino Architects helps Purnell’s Science Center lead the way for 21st century teaching and learning, with a fully equipped engineering design lab, and state-of-the-art chemistry and biology labs, that even include adjustable-height tables so students can perform labs and take class notes without changing locations.
Longo recently completed science lab renovations at Purnell School – I thought it was interesting the thinking behind the donation from James S. McDonnell:
The gift, part of the McDonnell Family Fund for the Research and Advancement of Neuro-Developmental Instruction at Purnell School, came about as the McDonnell family reflected on what made Purnell such a significant learning experience for their daughter. “Teachers and students develop genuine relationships which inform teaching and learning at Purnell,” said McDonnell, “it is a comprehensive program that involves all faculty and a curriculum which engages every student in self-discovery, helping girls leverage confidence and awareness to build on their successes.” That’s why supporting the redesign of the science lab became a significant draw for McDonnell. “The focus on real world problem solving and cooperative effort in a science classroom is great training for all sorts of jobs and for life generally,” added McDonnell.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Nat Longo (nlongo@longoinc.com).
Longo Laboratory Planning & Design Contact Phone Number for New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania: 201-825-1500
Longo Laboratory Planning & Design Contact Phone Number for New England: 508-635-4354
Private schools considering a science lab renovation may want to check out the Sheldon Laboratory Systems Catalog. Sheldon’s wood laboratory casework and science equipment catalog provides detailed information regarding lab design for chemistry and biology classrooms, along with information on cabinet sizes, counter top varietes, fume hood characteristics…A great start to school institutions beginning their research.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Anthony Stellatos (anthonys@longoinc.com).
Longo offers laboratory planning, budget and full turnkey services to industrial/commercial clients and private schools in New Jersey (Bergen-Passaic-Essex-Hudson-Morris Counties), New York (Westchester-Rockland-Dutchess-Putnam-Orange Counties) and Connecticut (Fairfield County). Please contact us for your laboratory planning and furniture requirements (info@longoinc.com).
Design Scenario #2: Decide which safety features should be incorporated into your laboratory space considering the needs of your lab.
a. Determine the appropriate square footage and shape of your room, the number of laboratory stations needed and the desired organization. Select appropriate laboratory furniture. (Is the laboratory space a separate room? Is the laboratory space along the perimeter or circular? What is the ideal classroom size?)
b. Produce a scale floor drawing of your laboratory design along with a description of the safety features and references to applicable safety codes and regulations.
c. Test your design by producing an outline of a full-scale lab station to evaluate the actual use of space. Outline the lab station on the floor using masking tape or chalk.
Evaluate your design using the following questions as a guide:
1) Is there enough space between lab groups?
2) Is the safety equipment located in an area that is easily accessible from all areas of the room?
3) Is there flexibility in the lab design to provide for class size increases?
4) Does the design provide flexibility for increased technology (locations away from sinks, ample outlets and computer drops)?
Nat Longo comments on an upcoming science lab renovation that is to be started where he happens to find asbestos wrapping of plumbing pipes after checking underneath the flooring…very common in labs built in the 1950s through the 1960s. So, while on this project the crawlspace provides Nat with an opportunity to avoid having to saw-cut through concrete, he will have to be dealing with the abatement of asbestos.
Have a science lab renovation upcoming? Looking for laboratory planning assistance? Need new science lab furniture? Longo can help!
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). To request a consultant & laboratory space evaluation, email Anthony Stellatos (anthonys@longoinc.com).
Longo offers laboratory planning, budget and full turnkey services to industrial/commercial clients and private schools in New Jersey (Bergen-Passaic-Essex-Hudson-Morris Counties), New York (Westchester-Rockland-Dutchess-Putnam-Orange Counties) and Connecticut (Fairfield County). Please contact us for your laboratory design and furniture requirements (info@longoinc.com).
Eddie’s article here is a great find for those educational institutions actively considering laboratory construction projects, or those that have unexpectedly had one thrust upon them…The hard truth is that science lab planning expertise should be sought out by school officials. Building a science lab is not like a general classroom. There is a level of coordination and planning required that far exceeds any other “classroom” in a typical K-12 private school building. Plumbing…Mechanical…Electrical…all of these trades come into play in your lab classroom. And all must flow together correctly in order to create a safe and educationally sound learning space!
Laboratory construction should not be viewed as just another classroom – the cost and safety factors dictate a greater attention to detail than a novice can imagine. I would be highly suspicious of a dimissive attitude by an architect I was contracting with for design services, or the general contractor I was soliciting for construction services…
Architects, interior designers, and school officials looking for assistance designing their laboratory spaces, and then purchasing the lab furniture specified for their projects should email (info@longoinc.com) for a free consultation.
Please direct all inquiries with regards to laboratory planning, furniture and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com).
Longo offers laboratory planning, budget and full turnkey services to industrial/commercial clients and private schools in New Jersey (Bergen-Passaic-Essex-Hudson-Morris Counties), New York (Westchester-Rockland-Dutchess-Putnam-Orange Counties) and Connecticut (Fairfield County). Please contact us for your laboratory design and furniture requirements (info@longoinc.com).
Iona Prep selected Longo because of our committment to delivering a high quality laboratory environment on-time and within budget. Longo had previously completed the biology & chemistry labs at the school in 2007.
To learn more about the programs offered at Iona Preparatory School, please visit http://www.ionaprep.org/
Please direct all inquiries with regards to the Iona Prep School construction project to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com). Longo offers full turnkey services to all private schools in the Westchester-Rockland-Dutchess-Putnam-Orange area, along with Fairfield County in Connecticut.
Longo’s laboratory consultants have been frequently asked to deal with space constraints, ADA accessibility questions and lab classroom flexibility. We have found a NSTA inspired product that has exceeded expectations of both end users and designers – The Axis Infinity Table by Sheldon Laboratory Systems.
C. Typical Science Lab Utilizing Pier Tables: http://www.sheldonlabs.com/img/typical_lab_piertables.jpg - please notice that this science room layout does present concerns for parents & educators (school officials looking to avoid lawsuites, negative publicity) because the students, the the critical time of performing experiments, may have their back towards the instructor.
Longo’s design services are made available to both end users (private school officials, science department chairs, school business managers, principals, etc.) and architect firms. We look forward to speaking to you about your current labs and how they might be improved upon by layout options, products available, renovation ideas and new construction.
Want to learn more about sciencs labs and the options available? Please direct all inquiries regarding laboratory planning and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com).
Purchasing By General Contractor – public/competitively bid project.
Installation photos coming soon – project is multi-phased with the last Sheldon lab furniture to be installed in April 2010. The two previous phases took place in July 2009 & December 2009.
Longo’s laboratory consulting team works with school district officials, architects and construction managers to professionally design lab space for optimum saftey and functionality. Please direct all inquiries with regards to the laboratory planning and construction projects to the marketing department at Longo (info@longoinc.com)
