Context-aware computing, social media and cloud computing have changed information technology and economy; eventually what people expect from the spaces they work in, live in and around changed as well. Data centers are buildings of a mission-critical nature, thus availability, reliability and space are main instruments used to lead the design engineering & IT solutions orchestra, of space functionality, energy efficiency, smart engineering systems and infrastructure integrity.
The building is comprised of six floors, two of them are dedicated to the data center activities and the other floors are for administration offices. Since the building demands high security solid building materials with protective characteristics have been chosen
Anti-breakage bulletproof glazing, concrete walls and stone finishing were utilized. Sudan’s rich cultural heritage has cast its shadows on the proposed design, yet it is not of regional style in the sense of vernacular architecture.
The proposed design is modern but cannot be described as a building of international style only; making it a Critical Regionalism piece of design, that uses architectural design vocabulary of both international and local style, in the sense of modernism yet integrates the local architectural palette.
Local architectural vocabulary was derived from several historical sites and buildings as well as local building materials used in ancient times at Begraweya, Merowe and Port Sudan.
The colour palette of the building materials used was utilized as the main colour scheme for façade treatment, while textures of building materials participated in linking the building to local architecture.
My role was to lead the design team, after providing the concept design, provide schematic and detailed design, coordinated set. Duties included architectural design, interior design, landscape design and environmental impact assessment.
