Okay, I see lots of talk about building stuff, but every mad scientist should have a laboratory. I've been thinking of constructing a building in my backyard just for that purpose. I'm probably going to be limited by city code to a building of around 175 sq. feet. But I may be able to go as high as 250 sq. feet depending on how I can get it classified.

I've been toying with different building designs. I'm curious to know what other mad scientists have made, or would like to have. I'm looking for ideas both for external structure design as well as internal.

Obviously I want it to have efficient use of space. Besides workbenches, I'm probably going to want some kind of elevated bed. Elevated so it doesn't take up floor space. Sometimes I do my best thinking while napping or just laying there. A small bathroom would be nice, but I'm not sure the plumbing challenge is worth it. I know I want to put fluorescent or LED lights around the interior walls shining inwards rather than the usual single light in the middle of the room. Maybe old-style mad scientists worked in dark laboratories, but I need lots of light.

I've thought of crazy ideas for the external geometry. A pyramid would be cool and very strong, but the interior space is sacrificed. I could also do octagon or circular in shape.

The DIY Network had a short series about building different workshops, it was terribly interesting. First episode was building a generic building, then each subsequent one was finishing the same building for different tasks (auto shop, woodworking, etc), including how to set up everything for what equipment you plan to get, and you plan to do with it.

Wish I could remember the exact name, something like "Ultimate Workshop".