We’re thrilled to share Jaimie Johnston MBE’s recent presentation from Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego.

Jaimie talked about the transformative advancements in data center design and delivery, emphasizing how innovative design principles and industrialized construction are setting a new standard across industries. Click here to watch the full session on Autodesk's website.

Cover Image: Advances in Data Center Design + Delivery, Jaimie Johnston MBE, Autodesk University

Key Takeaways

Scaling for AI-Ready Data Centers

With the growing demands of AI, Jaimie discusses the challenges of powering data centers, focusing on scalable strategies to meet the escalating energy requirements that conventional grid infrastructure can’t support.

Industrialized Construction and Chip Thinking® 

Jaimie highlights Bryden Wood’s Chip Thinking® approach, a modular system inspired by the integration of elements like chips on a motherboard, allowing faster, more flexible configurations for complex data centre designs. This method also facilitates rapid assembly and cost-effective scalability.

Decarbonization and Sustainability

Addressing the urgent global demand for sustainable design, Jaimie outlines strategies to minimize embodied and operational carbon. He delves into the move toward clean energy solutions, including advanced nuclear and hydrogen, while driving industrialized processes to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

Intersectoral Connectivity and Innovation

Jaimie examines how data center needs intersect with other sectors like pharmaceuticals and life sciences, with advances in AI and energy interdependence enabling more sophisticated, data-driven developments across industries.

Standardized, Repeatable Reference Design for Speed and Consistency

Emphasizing the shift toward a reference design approach, Jaimie showcases how data centers are adopting 'kits of parts,' allowing clients to scale quickly while adapting to site-specific needs. This approach leverages repeatable, standardized components, ensuring design integrity, speed, and flexibility.

You can also learn more about our approach to data center design on our data center hub