Louis Fantis, Regional Director at Chetwoods Architects, explores the impact of AI on the design, development, and management of data centres from an architectural perspective.

As digital technologies advance and data consumption soars, the need for new data centres is growing exponentially. Architects are tasked with designing data centres that blend seamlessly into their environments while also contributing positively to urban settings.  

 

The collaboration between human creativity and AI-driven analytics also allows architects to explore innovative initial concept designs that consider the unique challenges of this evolving market. AI-produced concept images are the result of a combination of sketches, technical drawings and detailed descriptive text, which together are tuned and carefully edited to create the desired pictorial result. AI interprets the creative thinking of our designers as closely as is currently possible, adding an extra dimension to our preliminary concepts before further detailed design is considered.  
 

Data Centres as Good Neighbours 

As urban development has become more community-focused over the years, data centres have the potential to be delivered as vibrant developments that contribute to local regeneration. AI plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision by enabling data-driven analysis of community needs and opportunities for integration.  

 

Architects can use AI to evaluate how data centres can give back to the community. For example, AI can potentially identify opportunities for industrial symbiosis, such as redirecting waste heat to nearby production and neighbourhood uses. AI can also help match energy requirements to renewable sources, ensuring that these schemes are both efficient and environmentally responsible. 

 

While experienced data centre architects and sustainability specialists are still required to analyse and interpret AI’s findings and ensure clever decision making, the introduction of this technology in recent years has aided in streamlining processes.  

 

Prioritising Wellbeing 

Data centres are not just high-tech hubs, they are also workplaces. In applying the knowledge of our in-house WELL Accredited Professionals, we create hybrid office and data environments that are not only functional but also incorporate indoor and outdoor areas for respite to support the wellbeing of employees in such a high-tech mechanised environment.  

 

Collaborating with leading universities, including researchers from the University of Cambridge, we use innovative technologies to help us assess the emotional and behavioural impacts of different architectural designs, leading to spaces that promote comfort and productivity. 

 

Reimagining Active Frontages 

Through creative design these large structures can be transformed, becoming focal points of cities and communities. The architectural design of data centres can draw inspiration from a number of other building typologies, including iconic museums, where the exterior both protects and celebrates what is inside.  

 

AI-driven initial concept material considerations and façade designs can ensure that these buildings are both sustainable and visually appealing. Active frontages, complemented by public realm landscaping, can enhance community engagement, making data centres integral parts of the urban fabric. 

 

Designing for Future Adaptability 

Given the rapid evolution of technology, data centres need to be designed with flexibility in mind.  

AI aids architects in anticipating future trends, which then allows us to design and build in flexibility to accommodate future expansions or technological shifts. This can include designing to allow for additional floors or integrating modular components that can be reconfigured as needed. 

 

Integration of AI and Architectural Design  

The emergence of AI is aiding architectural designers in the development of data centres that are smarter, more adaptable buildings that contribute positively to their communities. By prioritising sustainability, human wellbeing, and adaptability, data centre specialists are currently shaping the future of data centre design in new creative ways, aided at every stage by new technologies.  

 

Our Work  

At Chetwoods, we are currently working on over three million sqft of data centre space in key urban locations.  

 

With people’s fast-evolving habit of needing information quickly, it is no wonder that the data centre market is booming. Yet, the sector also faces many challenges, from energy demand, suitability solutions and security, to finding viable urban sites with enough connectivity. With these problems, the industry lead time for delivering a data centre is only increasing. 

  

This is why clever and innovative design solutions are more important than ever to reduce the time it takes to achieve planning consent and deliver schemes.  

  

The data centre project featured incorporates the three elements of our philosophy: Studio, innovative design; Thrive, leading sustainability and wellbeing; Works, advanced technological solutions.