The global demand for digital infrastructure is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driven by the explosive growth of AI workloads, cloud computing, and high‑density data processing environments. As data centers scale rapidly to meet these demands, designers, engineers, and owners face a new set of challenges—ranging from power and cooling requirements to community integration, regulatory pressures, and future‑proofing strategies. This webinar examines the forces behind the current data center construction boom and explores practical design approaches to help mitigate emerging risks while positioning facilities for long‑term resilience.

Participants will gain insights into the rapidly shifting construction economy and the performance considerations shaping next‑generation facilities. With AI‑driven workloads increasing power density and thermal output, airflow management and the transition from air‑cooled to hybrid liquid‑cooled systems have become mission‑critical. This session will discuss how these demands are reshaping equipment layouts, mechanical yard configurations, water resource planning, and the acoustical strategies required to maintain compliance in community‑adjacent environments.

Because many data centers are expanding into regions with unique climate and regulatory constraints, the webinar will also address site‑specific environmental considerations—from snow and debris ingestion to sand and wind‑borne projectiles—that drive customized louver and screen solutions. Additionally, participants will learn how the industry is leveraging prefabrication, modularity, and accelerated construction methodologies to keep pace with aggressive project timelines without compromising safety or performance.

Looking ahead, we’ll explore how evolving technologies continue to increase energy usage, strain utility grids, and elevate the need for efficient cooling infrastructure. As facilities adapt to these shifts, investment in R&D, resilient design strategies, and long‑term planning will be essential to staying competitive in an environment where delays can result in significant financial and operational impacts. By the end of this webinar, attendees will have a clearer understanding of what is driving the data center boom, why specific design challenges are intensifying, and how practical mitigation strategies can improve performance, safety, community acceptance, and future readiness in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the key factors contributing to the rapid growth of the data center market and its impact on design and construction demands.
• Analyze airflow and cooling challenges associated with both air- and liquid-cooled facilities, and describe strategies to ensure effective thermal performance.
• Evaluate compliance and mitigation approaches for community-adjacent concerns, including acoustics, sightlines and aesthetics, mechanical yard visibility, and water usage.
• Identify forward-looking trends shaping the future of data center design, including prefabrication, labor-saving practices, and emerging technologies.