Data center – ME/8
Mexico
The work carried out by IDOM consists of two components. The first part is the schematic design (SD), which was completed in 2023 within a two-month timeframe. The disciplines involved were:
- Architecture
- Structures
- HVAC
- Electrical
- CCTV, CA, Structured Cabling, BMS
- Fire Protection, Fire Alarma
The next stages are Development Design (DD) and Construction Design (CD), during which the base project is modified to meet the end client’s requirements for their cloud. In addition to complying with Tier III Concurrently Maintainable standards, the design must meet other requirements.
IT capacity: 4 MW
The biggest design challenges are structural, electrical, environmental, and acoustic as there are residential buildings on both sides of the plot.
To mitigate the challenges of building a data center in a built up area, it is essential to apply advanced acoustic design that reduces the impact of noise generated by cooling and power systems. In addition, architectural integration that respects the urban environment helps the facility blend in visually with neighboring buildings.
Adhering to Tier III standards for data center design presents several technical and operational challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring the complete redundancy of critical systems, such as power, cooling, and connectivity. This requires duplicate infrastructure and precise planning to avoid single points of failure. Additionally, the design must allow for concurrent maintainability, meaning any component can be serviced without interrupting service. This requires complex architecture with dual distribution paths and automatic switching systems.
