A prefabricated, self-contained, standardised working environment that combines transport-useful physical standards for overall dimensions (a shipping container/cargo container) together with functional standards (such as specified clean air or biological containment standards) related to specific types of work to be carried out, and takes advantage of volume production at an assembly site with appropriate materials and expertise. Optionally, users are provided with “no-touch” control of items like doors or taps, and with management of supplies, event logging, instrument control, communications and the like through a network of computer peripherals and a control unit.