It would be nice to be able to build a typical laboratory and command that “thou shall conduct nanoscale research here.” However, as nanoscale research evolves so must the architecture and building technologies.

Nanotechnology is not the new emerging science that the mainstream media would have us believe. In fact, nanotechnology has been present on scientists’ radar for over two decades. Over the past decade, and particularly the past five years, there have been amazing strides in nanotechnology research and product development. Many of these accomplishments are due in large part to the facilities built to meet the stringent requirements presented by many nanometer scale research programs. Existing design and construction guidelines do not fully address the requirements of this new facility type. This article will address the state of emerging guidelines and recommended practices and discuss the array of technical and human criteria that emerge in the design of laboratories and cleanrooms supporting nanoscale science and technology laboratories. Subsequent articles in this series will focus on individual topics and building case studies.

LOOK FOR THE NEW IEST GUIDELINES
During the past few years, a number of nanotech facilities have been constructed and are now fully operational. During this time, the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) has derived important practical information from these nanotech facilities.

I have been involved in the design of nanotech facilities for the past eighteen years, and I currently co-chair IEST’s Working Group NANO-200 dedicated to publishing the first set of guidelines that will address nanotech research and production facilities. These guidelines will be published within the next few months and will address planning, design, construction, and operational considerations for facilities engaged in research or production at the nanometer scale.

ESTABLISHING TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROJECT
Establishing technical requirements is the important first-step to designing a building that will not become prematurely obsolete. Nanoscale research is a vast and complicated field of study that can engage a wide range of disciplines from both basic and applied science. Inherent in the nature of emerging areas of research, of program,and of a specific location are requirements that make each project unique: there is no standard design solution. In reality, many types of nanoscale research require specialized laboratories designed to meet an array of special criteria. It is not unusual for conflicts to arise in the technical criteria as spaces are integrated. For example, some spaces may need an environment clear of airborne particulates; others require severely limited vibration and noise; while temperature and humidity control must be maintained in other areas. The need for large air handling equipment used to control temperature and humidity in one area will affect the stringent vibration and noise limits required in other areas.