Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world—and data centers are at the heart of this shift. At the recent Bisnow DICE Conference, industry experts – Steve Altizer (CEO of Compu Dynamics), Dagi Berhane (Sr. Director, Global DC Architecture & Engineering, at Salesforce), Julie Coates (VP, Life Cycle Management, 1547 Critical Systems Realty), and Shad Sechris (Director, Data Center Solutions, NSI Building Technology) explored how AI workloads are redefining data center design, operation, and management. In this Modern Data Center Journal podcast, our team analyzed the key insights from the discussion, focusing on the challenges of high-density demands, retrofitting legacy facilities, and creating adaptable, future-ready designs. Listen to the analysis of the panel discussion in this podcast or watch the full panel discussion video below.

Here are the highlights from data center panel discussion:

AI Workloads: Breaking the Limits of Data Center Design

The traditional data center, built for workloads consuming 5-15 kilowatts per rack, is now a relic of the past. AI applications are pushing power requirements to hundreds of kilowatts—and even megawatts—per rack. For instance, systems like NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs demand advanced power distribution and liquid cooling technologies, with some racks needing up to five cooling circuits.

This surge in density highlights new engineering challenges:

• Cooling and Power Distribution: Managing heat dissipation in such compact spaces requires highly efficient liquid cooling solutions, such as direct-to-chip or immersion cooling.
• Flexibility in Design: With no universal template for AI-ready data centers, adaptability is key. White space integration—blending power, cooling, and networking into a cohesive system—has become a cornerstone of modern data center design.

Retrofitting Legacy Data Centers: Can They Adapt?

Many legacy data centers were not designed to handle the power-intensive demands of AI workloads. Experts at the panel likened retrofitting these facilities to placing a high-performance engine into a vintage car: challenging but achievable with creativity and a willingness to overhaul.

Key considerations for retrofitting include:

• Structural Challenges: Legacy facilities often have constraints such as low ceilings or limited electrical capacity, which can make upgrading difficult.
• Smart Repurposing: Older data centers may find new life supporting less power-intensive workloads or adopting a corridor design—placing high-density racks in central areas while relegating lower-demand functions to the periphery.
• Preventative Maintenance: Proactive measures, such as infrared thermography (IR scanning), help identify electrical hotspots and prevent costly downtime by detecting issues early.

Future-Proofing: Designing for an Uncertain Tomorrow

The rapid evolution of AI technologies makes long-term planning a moving target. How do data center operators plan for systems that may not exist yet? The panel highlighted innovative strategies to address this challenge:

1. Smaller, Denser Facilities: Moving away from sprawling campuses, compact data centers surrounded by extensive cooling infrastructure are becoming the norm.
2. Pay-as-You-Grow Power Models: Flexible leasing agreements allow tenants to scale their power consumption as workloads grow, avoiding unnecessary capacity constraints.
3. Collaboration Across Stakeholders: Early and open communication among data center owners, solution providers, and end users ensures alignment on evolving needs and priorities.

The Human Element: A Foundation for Success

Beyond technology, people remain the most critical factor in successfully adapting to the AI revolution. Skilled technicians and engineers must navigate complex systems, troubleshoot issues, and embrace innovation. Panelists emphasized the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and creativity in building resilient teams.

Conclusion: Compu Dynamics – A Partner for the AI Era

As data centers face unprecedented challenges, Compu Dynamics offers the expertise and solutions needed to thrive in this new era. With decades of experience in design, construction, and maintenance, we provide:

• Advanced liquid cooling systems for high-density deployments.
• Comprehensive retrofitting and upgrade services to modernize legacy data centers.
• Preventative maintenance solutions, to ensure uptime and safety.

By combining technical ingenuity with a client-first approach, Compu Dynamics enables businesses to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of AI-driven infrastructure. Ready to future-proof your data center? Request a free consultation with Compu Dynamics to start building the data center of tomorrow.