Dezeen · Creativity & design

Rethinking Data Centre Design Amidst Growing Demand

Data centres, essential for cloud computing and AI, face backlash for environmental impact. Architects are increasingly needed to improve their design and community integration.

Data centres draw criticism for land, water, and energy use. Despite public opposition, US data centre building is set to double for AI demand, with global spending reaching $800 billion annually by 2026.

Architects have been largely absent from data centre design, which focused on efficiency. This led to "poor design" lacking environmental and community consideration.

Developers see a need for better design. Architects are influencing aesthetics through facades and landscaping to harmonize with surroundings.

There's a push for integrating data centres into mixed-use developments and using waste heat. However, security often leads to remote locations.

Vertical construction is explored, but faces cost and maintenance challenges. Some use older structures or sustainable materials.

A future vision sees data centres as public "repositories" of knowledge, moving beyond "closed-off boxes or bunkers."

Thoughtful architectural design could transform data centres into less intrusive environmental components.

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