Firms like Gensler and Woolpert are reimagining data center architecture|@gensler_design|X
Several tech giants are looking for high-end architectural makeovers for their data centers to tackle their reputation as neighborhood eyesores. The move comes amid growing public resistance to the AI infrastructure boom.
Semafor reports that firms like Gensler and Woolpert are reimagining these facilities with vertical gardens, museum-style facades, and community parks.
For example, new data center projects in Phoenix and the Netherlands aim to blend into their surroundings or offer public amenities, moving away from the traditional windowless warehouse aesthetic.
The trend has become lucrative for architectural firms. Gensler reported tripling its revenue in this sector to $127 million since 2023.
However, critics argue that better design does not address the deeper environmental and economic concerns surrounding data centers. Experts note that energy demands from these projects could hike up residents’ electricity bills by an extra $450 per year by 2040.