Inside South San Francisco’s Newest Lab Spaces
When you think of photographing labs, the first thing that comes to mind might be a purely functional space filled with sterile white walls and industrial equipment. However, the new lab spaces in South San Francisco prove that design and functionality can work hand in hand. These spaces, constructed by Landmark Builders and equipped by Genie Scientific, are not just workspaces—they're a statement.
For photographers interested in architectural photography, capturing these types of spaces presents unique challenges and creative opportunities. Let’s dive into what made this project stand out and how the process unfolded.
A New Perspective on Lab Design
South San Francisco is a bustling hub for bioscience, but this project stands apart. With expansive glass walls connecting offices to labs, the space feels open and collaborative, while still meeting the stringent hygiene standards of a laboratory. This innovative feature gives photographers an unusual canvas to work with—balancing transparency, reflection, and clean lines.
Challenges in Capturing the Vision
Photographing this space was no ordinary task. Glass walls are notoriously tricky, with reflections and lighting posing a constant challenge. The solution? Shooting multiple exposures to capture the full dynamic range and blending them during post-processing. This technique ensured that the final images accurately represented what the eye naturally perceives, from the bright lighting in the labs to the more subtle tones of the connected office areas.
Beyond lighting, showing the space in use was crucial to bring the design’s functionality to life. Using my assistant as a model added scale and context, making the images feel approachable and relatable for potential tenants.
Blending Function and Aesthetics
One of the standout elements in these South San Francisco lab spaces is their thoughtful design. Landmark Builders and Genie Scientific didn’t just create labs—they built a space that fosters innovation and collaboration. The large glass walls act as a bridge between the office and laboratory areas, letting in natural light and maintaining visual openness without compromising cleanliness.
As photographers, capturing this balance requires strategic planning. For instance, to emphasize the transparency and connectivity of the space, I shot from angles that showed how the labs and offices interacted. Wide-angle lenses allowed me to frame the layout while keeping distortion minimal.
Another important aspect was focusing on the textures and materials used. The clean lines of the workstations, the gleaming surfaces of the fume hoods, and the polished glass panels all spoke to the high-tech vibe of the environment. These details help tell a cohesive story about the purpose and usability of the space.
The Role of Equipment and Setup
Photographing labs isn’t just about pointing the camera and clicking the shutter. The right tools make all the difference. For this project, I relied on:
A tripod for consistent framing, especially during multiple-exposure shots.
A polarizing filter to minimize glare on glass surfaces.
Tilt-Shift lenses, to control the vertical and horizontal lines of each shot.
Using natural and artificial light was key to highlighting the labs’ features. By shooting during the day, I took advantage of the abundant natural light coming through the exterior windows. However, careful attention to color balance ensured that the artificial lighting inside didn’t clash with the bluish color cast from the windows.
Telling the Story Through Photography
A well-designed lab deserves photography that tells its story, and that’s exactly what these South San Francisco spaces called for. By focusing on both the functional and aesthetic aspects, the images highlighted the value of these labs to prospective tenants.
The photography didn’t just showcase the labs—it created a narrative. Shots featuring the glass wall emphasized the connection between offices and labs, while close-ups of the lab equipment added detail and context. Wide shots, on the other hand, captured the overall layout, showing how the design flows seamlessly from one area to the next.
The Final Touch: Post-Processing
Editing played a critical role in ensuring that the final images captured the true essence of the space. By blending multiple exposures, I was able to achieve a balanced look, preserving the bright highlights and deep shadows that make the labs visually striking. Adjustments to reflections on the glass walls ensured clarity without distraction.
As a photographer, post-processing is where you can perfect your story. For this project, I focused on:
Through layering exposures, balancing darker office spaces with the brightly lit labs.
Adjusting white balance to ensure consistent tones across the labs and offices.
Fine-tuning contrast to emphasize the clean lines and textures of the space.
Why This Matters for Architectural Photographers
This project was more than a photoshoot—it was a lesson in storytelling through design. For photographers looking to work with spaces like this, the key takeaway is to think beyond functionality. Ask yourself: How does the design impact the user experience? How can I highlight this through composition, lighting, and editing?
Final Thoughts
The South San Francisco lab spaces are a testament to how thoughtful design can redefine expectations. For photographers, they present a rewarding challenge—a chance to push creative boundaries while mastering technical skills.
As photographer Dorothea Lange once said, "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." These labs, with their blend of innovation and aesthetic, are a perfect example of spaces that deserve to be seen—and captured.
Key Takeaways
Design Enhances Functionality: The South San Francisco lab spaces combine clean, functional elements with visually striking features like glass walls that connect offices and labs.
Glass Walls Create Opportunities: Photographers can use reflections and transparency creatively while addressing challenges like glare and lighting balance.
Technical Preparation is Key: Tools like tripods, polarizing filters, and remote shutter releases are essential for high-quality architectural lab photography.
Post-Processing Elevates Results: Blending multiple exposures and adjusting white balance ensures the final images accurately represent the space.
Human Elements Add Context: Including people in shots helps illustrate scale and usability, making the photos relatable and engaging.