A Unique Specialty

Data center design is based on a network of computing and storage resources that enable the delivery of shared applications and data. It’s complex from many angles and consists of critical components where owners must weigh cost vs. schedule priorities. Early-stage planning is fundamental to ensure specific design parameters meet expected building resiliency for future adaptability and coordination with tenant needs.

Let us start with the basics: What is a data center? At its simplest, a data center is a physical facility that organizations use to house their critical applications and data. Designing a data center is based on a network of computing and storage resources that enable the delivery of shared applications and data. A data center’s design consists of critical components, including routers, switches, firewalls, storage systems, servers, and application delivery controllers. Hyperscale data centers are not just one building, but multiple buildings, including new structures and expansion of existing buildings. Data center design is complex from many angles. Owners need to weigh cost vs. schedule priorities in early-stage planning to be certain design parameters ensure the expected building resiliency for future adaptability coordination with tenant needs.

What We Know

Our data center design team understands the complex work and attention to detail that goes into data centers’ design. From the surface, the structural components of a data center appear simple enough. However, we’re quick to point out that what the naked eye does not see is unique and detailed. With a significant electrical infrastructure to accommodate the amount of power used, underground routing of electrical conduits is a critical aspect of foundation design and coordination.

Placement of electrical conduit and mechanical systems hanging from the roof with their significant weight from chilled water-cooling systems requires major coordination to avoid life safety issues. Concentrated coordination between the design team and the contractors during construction to adjust to unexpected changes is vital, as specialized equipment often arrives with different needs and placement than what was initially designed. Our design team’s strong communication and quick adaptability provide solutions that minimize cost and schedule impacts and ensure these elements come together.

The demand for data centers has ramped up significantly in recent years. Our experience in structural data center design and the expertise of our team have positioned us to meet these demands by providing unique specializations and solutions for our clients.