STEAM labs are up and coming spaces appearing in education by merging science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics into hands-on, creative environments. Whether you are a school administrator, university planner, or corporate innovator, building a STEAM lab can equip students with invaluable skills for their future.
At OnePointe Solutions, we specialize in designing and furnishing laboratoores of various types, including STEAM labs that are flexible, durable, and custom to their specifications.
What is STEAM?
STEAM stands for:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Art
Mathematics
Incorporating art into STEM, STEAM education encourages creativity alongside technical skills. This approach prepares students for real-world problem solving beyond traditional schooling.
What is a STEAM Lab?
A STEAM lab is a specialized educational environment where students engage in more fluid and dynamic project-based learning. Unlike traditional classrooms, STEAM labs are designed for exploration, collaboration, and innovation.
Here, students might:
- Collaborate with one another to build robots
- Conduct scientific experiments on why leaves changes colors in different seasons
- Use problem solving skills to create digital art
Explore coding and virtual reality for a makeshift video game
A good lab is a place where creativity meets technology, and learning happens by doing and student involvement.
Why STEAM Labs Are Important?
Having a STEAM lab in your school offers many long-term benefits:
Career Preparation: STEAM education helps students build skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability—skills that employers in all industries value.
Innovation and Creativity: The integration of art encourages students to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
Hands-On Learning: Students are more engaged when they can physically create and test projects.
Interdisciplinary Thinking: STEAM labs break down traditional subject barriers, helping students connect different fields in meaningful ways.
Competitive Edge: Having this curriculum sets you apart from other schools. These labs that not only are attractive to incoming students and their parents but also improves academic performance, increase funding opportunities and also boosts school reptation and rankings as well.
A study done by Brouillette, L., & Graham, N. J. (2016) showed that students who received nine house of STEAM instruction made improvements in their science achievement. And with having a well training teacher, students exposed to this learning when from 50th percentile to 63rd percentile in a district science assessment.
Key Features of a STEAM Lab
When designing a STEAM lab, it’s important to include:
Modular Laboratory Furniture: Mobile lab workstations, adjustable worktables, and modular casework make it easy to reconfigure the space for different projects and move as the curriculum does.
Advanced Technology: 3D printers, robotics kits, laser cutters, and VR tools are essential for a modern STEAM lab.
Durable Materials: Chemical-resistant surfaces (epoxy resin phenolic resin or solicor-CR), heavy-duty lab benches, and high-quality commercial casework and cabinets equip your lab can handle tough activities.
Collaborative Spaces: Design the lab to encourage group work, brainstorming, and team-based projects.
Safety First: Proper ventilation, storage for hazardous materials like acid (corrosion) and flammable lab cabinets, and safety signage protect students and staff.
At OnePointe Solutions, we manufacture custom lab furniture and can help to design full laboratory layouts to meet your specific needs.
How to Design a STEAM Lab
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Identify what subjects, age groups, and project the lab will support. Before you can go on to other steps, this one needs to be outlined extensively.
Step 2: Plan Your Space
Know your room size and plan for flexible zones: workstations, storage, equipment areas, tech hubs, and presentation areas.
Step 3: Choose the Right Furniture and Equipment
Invest in high-quality lab benches, lab cabinet storage solutions, durable work surfaces, and the latest technology tools.
Step 4: Consult with Experts
Partnering with experienced lab designers like OnePointe Solutions ensures you get a lab that’s safe, efficient, and inspiring.
We provide full-service laboratory design services—from 3D room canning and shop drawings to manufacturing and installation.
Ready to Facilitate Learning?
Are you ready to design your STEAM lab or need some help?
Contact us today for a consultation to go over your needs to see how we can best assist. To learn more about how to design educational labs and the importance of science in them check out some of blogs below:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a STEAM lab look like?
A STEAM lab should have features like flexible workstations, collaborative spaces, advanced technology, and durable furniture designed for hands-on learning.
How do you set up a STEAM lab?
Start by defining your educational goals, planning the space layout, selecting the right furniture and equipment, and consulting with lab design experts.
What equipment is used in a STEAM lab?
Common STEAM lab equipment includes 3D printers, robotics kits, VR headsets, laser cutters, and computers with design software.