BLOGS > DETAILS
The Data Center Boom: How AI Infrastructure Is Creating New Opportunities for Building Product Manufacturers
2025 Dec 05
As AI tools expand across every industry, companies are investing heavily in the physical infrastructure needed to power them. This shift has led to a steady rise in data center construction and upgrades, which brings new opportunities for building product manufacturers whose products support these specialized facilities.
This post breaks down why AI is influencing data center growth, the design considerations shaping these projects, and how manufacturers can align their products with the needs of this fast-moving building type.
Modern AI applications rely on large numbers of servers running continuously. These systems place higher demands on power, cooling, and environmental control than many traditional data center configurations. As a result:
While the level of growth varies by region, AI-driven computing needs are becoming a consistent factor in data center planning.
AI is one of several forces shaping contemporary data center architecture. In many projects, the equipment required to support AI workloads is contributing to specific design considerations that come up more frequently.
AI servers can generate more heat per rack, which puts added pressure on cooling systems. Some facilities are expanding traditional HVAC capacity, while others are exploring newer approaches like rear-door heat exchangers or liquid-assisted cooling.
More computing power means more distribution equipment, redundancy strategies, and larger electrical rooms. Design teams are coordinating closely with utilities to plan for long-term capacity and resilience.
Higher density racks, additional cabling pathways, and more robust equipment often affect interior layout. Raised floors, cable trays, and structural support systems play an important role in accommodating these needs.
These shifts are not universal, but they represent common themes as AI-related infrastructure becomes more widespread.
As more data centers are planned or upgraded, building product manufacturers across several divisions are seeing increased engagement from architects and engineers, including:
Switchgear, transformers, busways, UPS systems, and battery storage solutions that support high electrical loads.
Precision cooling units, chillers, ventilation systems, pumps, and heat rejection technologies.
Detection systems, clean agent suppression systems, alarms, access control, fire rated barriers, and related components.
Roofing systems, insulated panels, vapor barriers, and exterior assemblies that help maintain stable interior environments.
Raised access floors, structural framing, cable management systems, and components that support equipment layouts and dense cabling.
These categories often form the backbone of data center design decisions, which puts manufacturers in a strong position to support the growth.
Designers working on data center projects rely on fast access to technical product information. ARCAT helps streamline that process with:
These resources help design teams move efficiently while giving manufacturers direct visibility to specifiers researching products for fast moving projects.
AI adoption is contributing to increased demand for reliable, high performance data center infrastructure. This creates meaningful opportunities for building product manufacturers across several categories, especially those providing electrical, mechanical, safety, and envelope solutions. ARCAT supports this connection by providing the BIM files, specs, CAD details, and product data that AEC professionals rely on during data center planning and design.
This post breaks down why AI is influencing data center growth, the design considerations shaping these projects, and how manufacturers can align their products with the needs of this fast-moving building type.
Why AI Is Driving More Data Center Projects
Modern AI applications rely on large numbers of servers running continuously. These systems place higher demands on power, cooling, and environmental control than many traditional data center configurations. As a result:
- Some companies are constructing new, purpose-built data centers.
- Others are retrofitting existing facilities to support increased electrical and thermal loads.
- Many design teams are being asked to deliver projects on faster timelines as AI adoption accelerates.
While the level of growth varies by region, AI-driven computing needs are becoming a consistent factor in data center planning.
How AI Workloads Are Influencing Data Center Design
AI is one of several forces shaping contemporary data center architecture. In many projects, the equipment required to support AI workloads is contributing to specific design considerations that come up more frequently.
Higher Heat Loads
AI servers can generate more heat per rack, which puts added pressure on cooling systems. Some facilities are expanding traditional HVAC capacity, while others are exploring newer approaches like rear-door heat exchangers or liquid-assisted cooling.
Increased Electrical Demand
More computing power means more distribution equipment, redundancy strategies, and larger electrical rooms. Design teams are coordinating closely with utilities to plan for long-term capacity and resilience.
Space Planning and Layout
Higher density racks, additional cabling pathways, and more robust equipment often affect interior layout. Raised floors, cable trays, and structural support systems play an important role in accommodating these needs.
These shifts are not universal, but they represent common themes as AI-related infrastructure becomes more widespread.
Where Manufacturers Play a Key Role
As more data centers are planned or upgraded, building product manufacturers across several divisions are seeing increased engagement from architects and engineers, including:
Electrical and Power (Div. 26)
Switchgear, transformers, busways, UPS systems, and battery storage solutions that support high electrical loads.
Mechanical and Cooling (Div. 23)
Precision cooling units, chillers, ventilation systems, pumps, and heat rejection technologies.
Fire Protection and Life Safety (Div. 28)
Detection systems, clean agent suppression systems, alarms, access control, fire rated barriers, and related components.
Building Envelope and Insulation (Div. 07)
Roofing systems, insulated panels, vapor barriers, and exterior assemblies that help maintain stable interior environments.
Interior and Structural Components (Div. 05 / 09 / 13)
Raised access floors, structural framing, cable management systems, and components that support equipment layouts and dense cabling.
These categories often form the backbone of data center design decisions, which puts manufacturers in a strong position to support the growth.
How ARCAT Helps Project Teams During Data Center Design
Designers working on data center projects rely on fast access to technical product information. ARCAT helps streamline that process with:
- BIM files and CAD details for layout and coordination
- Specifications that support electrical, mechanical, and safety system design
- Product data for envelope performance, insulation, and thermal control
- Manufacturer information and cut sheets
- SpecWizard tools for generating project specific specifications in relevant divisions
These resources help design teams move efficiently while giving manufacturers direct visibility to specifiers researching products for fast moving projects.
Conclusion
AI adoption is contributing to increased demand for reliable, high performance data center infrastructure. This creates meaningful opportunities for building product manufacturers across several categories, especially those providing electrical, mechanical, safety, and envelope solutions. ARCAT supports this connection by providing the BIM files, specs, CAD details, and product data that AEC professionals rely on during data center planning and design.
