benthem crouwel integrates equinix data center into amsterdam's architectural landscape

benthem crouwel architects has completed equinix’s new data center in amsterdam, adding substantially to the campus’ processing capabilities. previously, data centers had been designed as ambiguous boxes in remote industrial areas, but the architects attempted to revolutionize this traditional design aesthetic while maintaining the necessary security precautions. ‘for data centers to gain social acceptance in cities, we must make sure their aesthetics relate to their surroundings,’ states benthem crouwel.

the equinix complex processes about 38 percent of all dutch data traffic
all images © jannes linders

the tower, which opened in  summer 2017, is linked to its neighboring buildings by a series of buildings. the high-rise building is made of triangular aluminum profiles, which are black on one side and silver on the other. the forms become more narrow at the top — an optical illusion that makes the tower look slimmer.

the campus’ first data center opened in 2012

the building, referred to as AM4, generates larger amounts of heat that is then used to warm neighboring buildings. ‘on the one hand, you see that we’re increasingly storing data in the cloud; currently, there is a lot of demand of new data centers’, describes benthem crouwel. ‘on the other hand, there is continuous miniaturization, which results in less storage space. we have also taken into account that when less server space is needed, the façades can easily be replaced, and the building can be easily transformed into a laboratory, office and/or apartments.’

the buildings were designed to be aesthetically pleasing, even if it not for public use

the buildings are linked by bridges

the netherlands was the first european country to be connected to the internet

data and internet processing has continued to be a hub for european technology

the buildings fit aesthetically into their surroundings

the complex does away with the barbed wired fence aesthetic for a more friendly alternative

security measures are employed throughout the building, but don’t take away from the design

the high-rise building is made of triangular aluminum profiles

visitors walks over a bright red bridge which marks the passage to a strictly secured area

the façade gives viewers the optical illusion that makes the tower look slimmer

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