Data Centres: Future design considerations 2026+

Client requirements and rapid technological evolution are driving a surge in power and cooling demands that is fundamentally transforming data centre design. AI-driven compute density (ie, the concentration of computational power required for artificial intelligence tasks), sustainability mandates, and fire safety considerations require seamless integration across all disciplines. While traditional design templates may remain suitable for their original intent, such as storage, they will be increasingly obsolete for accommodating future AI-driven equipment and workloads. This will lead to challenges such as insufficient grid capacity. Future designs must incorporate new technologies early, including advanced cooling strategies and energy recovery solutions, such as heat network connections. Success will hinge on collaborative design processes, with IT equipment providers, specialist designers, and construction professionals working together from the outset to anticipate change rather than react to it.

 

MEP perspective

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems significantly contribute to the complexity of data centre design. Escalating power and cooling requirements, driven by AI workloads, are prompting the adoption and research of advanced technologies such as liquid and immersion cooling. These systems require early integration and precise planning to avoid clashes and inefficiencies. Late-stage changes in equipment specifications amplify risk, making MEP coordination the critical path for successful delivery.

 

Structural perspective

Data centre projects demand significant and complex coordination exercises, particularly with MEP systems, to ensure mission-critical equipment is housed safely and efficiently. Speed-to-build pressures often clash with this need for precision, and late tenant-driven changes or delayed equipment procurement can trigger costly redesigns and delays. Combined with an industry-wide skills shortage and gaps in scope under traditional procurement, structural delivery risks remain high despite seemingly simple structural intent.

 

Top 5 predictions for data centre design and construction in 2026

AI-driven power and cooling demands will redefine design standards

Compute density from AI workloads will push electrical and cooling systems beyond traditional limits, requiring advanced solutions like liquid and immersion cooling and larger power infrastructure footprints.

Radical changes in layout and technology integration

Non-traditional layouts and cooling technologies will disrupt standard design templates. Structural coordination will become increasingly complex as MEP requirements become more dominant, necessitating early-stage collaboration and precise planning.

Late design changes and coordination risks will escalate

Tenant-driven specification changes and late procurement of mission-critical equipment will continue to cause costly redesigns and delays. Speed-to-build pressures will clash with the need for rigorous coordination, increasing structural and MEP interface risks.

Sustainability will drive innovative design solutions

Net-zero targets and ESG commitments will force integration of renewable energy, energy-efficient materials, and heat recovery systems. Connecting data centres to district heat networks will become a key opportunity to reuse waste heat and secure planning approvals.

Skills shortage and procurement gaps will intensify delivery challenges

Experienced designers and contractors for complex data centre projects will remain scarce. Combined with gaps in scope under traditional procurement, this will fuel disputes and drive demand for integrated delivery models and specialist expertise.