What Is a Data Center? A Beginner's Q&A

Aug 26

A data center is a building that houses computer servers and network equipment. The equipment stores, processes, and moves digital information for businesses, government agencies, websites, cloud services, and artificial intelligence systems.

It may look like a warehouse from the outside, but the inside is different. Data centers need large electrical systems, continuous cooling, backup power, fire protection, security, and reliable communications connections.

Why are data centers difficult to build?

The building must keep operating when equipment fails or utility power is interrupted. That often means redundant electrical feeds, generators, batteries, cooling equipment, and separate equipment rooms.

The site also has to support the project's power demand, noise, fuel storage, water use, drainage, emergency access, and future expansion. These issues can matter more than the building's appearance.

What is the current status in New York?

As of August 2026, New York has placed a one-year pause on certain new hyperscale data-center environmental permits while the state prepares new standards. The pause applies to certain state environmental permits; it does not mean that every data-center renovation or smaller project has stopped.

Projects still need the normal local zoning, site-plan, building, fire, utility, and environmental reviews. Outside New York City, new permit applications generally follow New York's 2025 Uniform Code and Energy Code.

What does the architect do before construction?

The architect helps define the building program and checks whether the site can support it. Typical work includes zoning and code analysis, space planning, equipment-room layouts, egress, accessibility, fire separations, exterior design, and permit coordination.

The architect also coordinates the larger consultant team. Electrical engineers design power and backup systems; mechanical engineers design cooling; structural engineers address loads and equipment supports; civil engineers handle grading, drainage, utilities, and site access. Fire-protection, acoustical, security, environmental, and technology specialists may also be required.

What is the architect responsible for during construction?

The exact scope depends on the owner's contract. Typically, the architect answers design questions, reviews shop drawings and product submittals for consistency with the design, coordinates consultant responses, visits the site at appropriate intervals, documents observed problems, reviews proposed changes, and assists with project closeout.

The architect does not continuously supervise construction and is not normally responsible for the contractor's means and methods, jobsite safety, or trade coordination. Those duties remain with the contractor unless the contracts say otherwise.

What should an owner investigate first?

Start with legal use, zoning, available electric capacity, fiber service, generator and fuel requirements, cooling, noise, water, drainage, and the approval schedule. These questions should be tested before committing to a property.

Baca Williamson Architects can assist with data-center feasibility, architectural design, consultant coordination, permitting, and construction-phase services. Contact BAWI to discuss a potential project: https://www.bawiarchitects.com/contact