Inter-Infra: On Data centers and Infrastructure

Abstract

Data centers stand as material structures of the digital world. Given the permeance and expanding necessity of digitalization, this thesis examines the notions of data centers as infrastructure and the contemplations required for such a definition. Despite being an emerging building typology, data centers are predominantly classified by their computing capacity, utility supply and business model. This project investigates data centers geospatially and the environmental and social complications of their presence. It analyzes five sites—(1) Mesa, Arizona, (2) The Dalles, Oregon, (3) Chantilly, Virginia, (4) Secaucus, New Jersey, and (5) New York, New York—based on site characteristics of environment, energy, land use, density, and economy. The endeavor (1) elaborates why data centers are infrastructure and the considerations required for such a paradigm and (2) posits design strategies that reimagine data centers as multifunctional infrastructure that serves beyond the cyber edifice and their futures post-decommission.