Functionality, efficiency, logic, and—perhaps for some—boredom. These have been the core design principles of data centers since their inception. The boxy concrete structures conceal storage infrastructure, server rooms, switches, routers, firewalls, cabling, and racks that power our modern lives.
In the past, these construction projects focused on functionality and efficiency. They were merely a means to an end, with little consideration given to architecture, aesthetics, and sustainability.
With the continued growth in data volumes, over $350 billion is projected to be invested in data center construction between 2022 and 2027 to keep pace with the explosive growth in usage. This presents an extraordinary opportunity for today’s data center designers to build more environmentally friendly, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing facilities of the future. We are already seeing a shift in how data centers are built, driven by today’s data demands and the increasing motivation of businesses to respond seriously to sustainability initiatives. The data centers of the future will be tasked with meeting increasingly complex factors and demands. From top-level security to sustainability, these expansions are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
While most might see this as a challenge or obstacle, it also presents a tremendous opportunity to design facilities using improved architectural elements, creating a functional, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing space for employees while also meeting their data needs. For operators, managing spaces through conscious design offers immense value, enabling them to meet all functional requirements such as scalability, cooling, power, space, sustainability, and security needs, while also incorporating accessibility, renewable energy, sophisticated design styles, and proprietary technology.
Data Center
Arguably the most compelling and emerging trend in data center design is the focus on sustainability, and more broadly on environmental, social, and governance (ESG). In recent years, efficient operation has transformed from a perceived “benefit” into a global standard expected of facilities, leading to a significant shift in the industry that begins as early as the site selection process.
Growing public awareness of climate change means many people want to partner only with organizations and suppliers who share a commitment to sustainable development, and leaders are eager to innovate in this area. PwC data shows that 83% of consumers believe businesses should shape ESG best practices; 86% of employees prefer to work for companies that share their concerns; and 91% of business leaders believe their companies should take action on ESG issues. If there was ever a concept of voting with money, this is it now—conscious data center design can win customers in this space.