Challenge
A leading public R1 university faced a critical need for a new data center and high-performance computing facility to support its core systems, including academic, research, and business platforms, as well as select statewide systems. To remain at the forefront of innovation and meet the demands of artificial intelligence (AI), the university needed to significantly modernize its research computing infrastructure to secure cutting-edge research grants. This investment was also essential to strengthen its role in supporting all public institutions of higher learning across the state by providing the technology, training, and resources vital to faculty, staff, and students. With no existing campus buildings capable of meeting these needs, the university approved the construction of a new, purpose-built facility.
Approach
Leading Edge Design Group (LEDG) was engaged to design the data center and began the process by interviewing all stakeholders and understanding long-term technology requirements. The unique comprehensive approach enabled LEDG to develop a detailed set of data center requirements that accounted for growth expectations, risk mitigation, sustainability, and a future-proof high-performance computing environment. LEDG then delivered the University Owner Project Requirements for the data center space program, providing a blueprint for the next steps in the development process. Once approved, this documentation was published as an official construction reference.
LEDG then evaluated all existing data centers and server rooms on campus, analyzing technology infrastructure and equipment across various systems, including architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, telecommunications, and monitoring. After completing the review, the team developed a gap analysis comparing our findings to the Owner Project Requirements, industry best practices, and benchmarking data from higher education institutions. The work informed the conceptual design and cost analysis for approvals.
Results
Once the capital plan was approved, LEDG created a state-of-the-art data center and high-performance computing center design that is poised to accommodate higher learnings future growth across the entire state.