A*STAR Infectious Diseases Laboratory 

The Challenge

A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs is a research center that was established in 2021 in response to the COVID pandemic to advance pandemic preparedness and bring together a world-class team of scientists with strong expertise in infectious diseases.

The lab was designed to accelerate infectious disease research through interdisciplinary collaboration. What began in a repurposed laboratory culminated in a comprehensive renovation completed in 2024, transforming the space into a state-of-the-art research hub created with the users in mind. The design retrofitted most of the existing space by reusing many existing laboratory benches while installing new HVAC system, floor, wall and ceiling finishes.

A key challenge was the original layout, where poor zoning between laboratory and office functions created issues with safety and workflow for employees. The facility needed several upgrades, including improvement to its HVAC and mechanical systems, to meet current biosafety, comfort and energy-efficient standards.

The Design Solution

The A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs is a Bio-Safety Level 2 rated lab, which must implement specific safety protocols, features and equipment to handle biological material. The lab’s capabilities include vaccine development, disease studies, microscopy facilities, imaging and tissue culture rooms designed to be able to cater micro-organism study like fungi, bacteria and viruses. The new facility also introduces an animal procedures room, a fish lab and an ACL-2 rated insect lab to support the study as well as dedicated, Ministry of Health certified BSL-2 enhanced for virus works.

The reorganization established a clear, logical zoning strategy for expanding and relocating the laboratory. For wayfinding, each laboratory section was assigned a distinct color hue to help staff navigate and reduce cognitive load during a busy operation. The updated research zone created a defined containment area that created workflow efficiency and focus. The redesign of the research zone added natural light into the workspace – a significant enhancement for both comfort and visibility.

The designers reorganized functions and spaces within the lab; for example, office spaces were consolidated into a larger, more cohesive workspace. To reinforce a shared sense of purpose and foster a cohesive organizational culture, the designers integrated A*STAR’s mission and values into displays on the walls and windows.

To support the comfort of researchers and staff, the redesign adopted an acoustic conscious design strategy across office and laboratory areas. This strategy included installing floors that will dampen noise, incorporating partitions for privacy and adding acoustic panels to minimize reverberation.

Aging air-handling units were replaced with new, higher-efficiency units with an upgraded building management system (BMS) that aims to deliver a more stable and controlled interior environment, improved filtration and reliable pressure essential for infectious disease research.

The Design Impact

The layout reorganization created a safer, more intuitive and efficient environment while promoting the interaction of the staff. The center was designed with long-term adaptability in mind, ensuring it can evolve alongside emerging scientific needs and technological advancements. The flexible lab zones support effortless equipment relocation and reconfiguration. This enables the research team to respond quickly to new projects, workflows or technology upgrades without disruptive re-construction.

A comprehensive staff survey revealed valuable insights into user satisfaction and workplace experience. It showed strong performance outcomes with safety receiving the highest satisfaction score among all categories, followed by flexibility due to the open-plan office environment.

Environmental features received high scores from employees who appreciated the natural light, seating areas, modern aesthetics, plants and wayfinding color coding.

Architect of record : FOMA Architects LLP