Integrated Design Group(ID) completed construction at the North Hall Data Center located at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). Integral to the university’s computing operations, the data center, which contained enterprise computing capabilities and all campus network connections, was fully operational during the project, allowing the university community to access the servers normally and not cause disruption to the institution’s computing.
A major client goal was for the new research data center to become flexible and scalable in order to provide the opportunity for future expansion as needed. Although the existing facility posed significant limitations on interior clearances, restricting both the depth of the raised floor and the overall height within the computer room, ID was able to nearly double the raised floor space by using innovative cooling technology. With updated mechanical and electrical systems, the research data center is now able to support the latest in high performance computing.
By utilizing the 415/240 V AC power distribution system, which is standard in most European and Asian countries, ID was able to implement efficiency gains within the data center, and provide monetary savings for the university. This application offers a significant amount of energy improvement over North America’s standard of 208/120 V. Delivering power to IT loads at 415/240 V instead of 208/120 V eliminates power distribution unit (PDU) transformers. This elimination not only offers energy efficiency gain, but also reduces copper costs and floor loading while freeing up additional space within the data center. +
Related Stories
Architects | May 8, 2018
WeWork names BIG’s Ingels as its Chief Architect
He’ll be plenty busy working with a company that has aggressive growth ambitions.
Architects | May 8, 2018
Illinois Office of Tourism unveils new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
The trail stretches from Rockford to Springfield.
Architects | May 3, 2018
Designing innovative solutions for chronic homelessness
What’s stopping us from creating more Permanent Supportive Housing?
Architects | Apr 27, 2018
4 reasons to pursue speaking engagements
We found speaking engagements were among the top ten marketing techniques that AEC firms employ.
Office Buildings | Apr 19, 2018
From fitness to bowling alleys: How commercial office buildings are differentiating themselves through amenities
Here are five ways that amenities can help developers and building owners attract and secure tenants by appealing to their inhabitants.
Architects | Apr 19, 2018
Perkins Eastman and Dougherty announce intent to merge
Combined practice will create expanded capabilities for K-12, higher education projects in California.
Architects | Apr 17, 2018
Cannon Design expects merger with gkkworks will help streamline its deliveries
The combined firm reinforces its presence in the western U.S.
Architects | Apr 16, 2018
Is the AEC industry ready to shake off its retrograde image?
Technology has been and always will be perceived as a source for wonder and worry.
Architects | Apr 10, 2018
HOK names a physician as its new Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Andrew Ibrahim will collaborate with the firm’s medical planning and design teams.
Architects | Apr 5, 2018
AIA grants $100,000 to four Upjohn Research Initiative projects
The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that will advance the design profession’s knowledge and practice.