经验之谈：如何将现有建筑改造为现代数据中心？

What to Know About Converting Buildings into Modern Data Centers

译 者 说

现有建筑的情况相对复杂且限制较多, 根据实际情况改造设计过程中会遇到许多与新建建筑不同的问题. 本文意在总结既有建筑改造数据中心过程中的设计要点, 整理出相对共性和重点的方面, 加以总结形成简单的参考, 希望对后期的既有建筑改造数据中心项目提供一些启发和思考.

过去几年，远程工作、云计算和流媒体娱乐增加了对广泛的高速互联网接入的需求。这种需求伴随而来的是不断增长的安全的数据中心市场。 研究表明，到 2027 年，仅在美国，数据中心建筑面积将达到 2007 万平方英尺，建筑市场规模约为 250 亿美元。

Remote work, cloud-based computing, and streaming entertainment have helped increase demand for widespread high-speed internet access in the last several years. And with that demand comes a growing market for secure data centers. Research indicates that data center buildings will reach 20.07 million square feet and a construction market size of approximately $25 billion by 2027 in the United States alone.

一种方式是，开发商、建设方和设施运营商为应对这一时刻与建筑师合作，将现有建筑改造成现代数据中心。自 2018 年以来，HKS 的关键任务设计工作室已翻新或重新利用了 250 多座建筑，面积从 10,000 平方英尺到 585,000 平方英尺不等。 这些项目包括改造商业高楼办公空间,以及电子制造、半导体生产和仓储设施。

One way developers, building owners and facility operators are meeting the moment is by working with architects to convert existing buildings into modern data centers. Since 2018, HKS’ Mission Critical design practice has renovated or re-purposed more than 250 buildings ranging from 10,000 square feet to 585,000 square feet. The projects include adapting office space in commercial high-rise buildings in addition to electronic manufacturing, semi-conductor production and warehouse and distribution facilities.

当购买和改造最初不是为数据中心设计建造的房产时需要考虑很多事情。凭借多年将建筑物转变为这些重要设施的经验，我们希望重点介绍经验教训，以帮助我们的合作者和合作伙伴避免在我们将建筑物转变为最初设计目的时可能出现的高昂代价的问题和挑战。

There are many things to consider when purchasing and transforming properties that weren’t purpose-built as data centers. With years of experience converting buildings into these important facilities, we want to highlight lessons learned to help our collaborators and partners avoid costly issues and challenges that may arise when we’re making buildings into something they were not initially designed for.

确保项目继续进行

Getting the Project Going

重新利用建筑物而不是从头开始建造，可以更快地交付，并且城市和县可以越来越多地容纳数据中心。随着转换项目创意的发展，首先要评估的是：

Repurposing a building as opposed to building from scratch usually provides the opportunity to deliver a space quicker, and cities and counties are increasingly accommodating of data centers. As a conversion project idea develops, these are the first things to evaluate:

分区—许多司法管辖区在其分区中都包含了特定的数据中心要求，但如果司法管辖区不熟悉建筑类型，主动性的对话将限制整个项目的意外情况。如果该站点不允许建立数据中心，则需要实施重新分区和“用途变更”。审批过程可能会变得相当漫长且费力，特别是在需要重新分区或许可的情况下。而随着改造的进行，所有项目团队成员之间对项目预期和时间表的清晰、一致的沟通，将有助于简化设计和交付过程。

Zoning – Many jurisdictions include specific data center requirements in their zoning, but if a jurisdiction is not familiar with the building type, proactive dialogue will limit surprises throughout project. If the site doesn’t allow for data centers, a rezone and a ‘change in use’ will need to be implemented. Approval processes can become quite laborious and lengthy, especially if rezoning or permits are required. Clear and consistent communication about expectations and timelines among all project team members as renovation proceeds will help ease the design and delivery process.

公众意识 – 重要的是要了解公众可能不知道数据中心是什么或项目将如何影响社区。如果选址需要“改变用途”，可能会引发公开听证。在这种情况下，教育宣传可以帮助邻居了解数据中心是什么、它与现有设施有何不同以及该项目的好处是什么。

Public Awareness – It’s important to understand that the public may not know what a data center is or how a project will impact a community. If a ‘change in use’ is required for the site, it may trigger a public hearing. In that case, educational outreach can help neighbors understand what a data center is, how it will be different from the existing facility, and what the benefits of the project will be.