Built on an abandoned 1874 Philadelphia railroad, this data center doubles as a community hub, education center, and forest park. Its modular design leverages existing structures and preserves vegetation on the linear site. The project integrates data center functions with community activities, historical context, and bioclimatic architecture. Modules align with wind direction to cool servers in summer, while server heat warms winter gardens for thermal comfort. Circulation design blends new and existing programs, creating a “Data Center Plus Park.” Three unit types address diverse program and site needs. A water curtain and solar chimney-driven natural ventilation cool modules in summer, with server heat reused to warm offices in winter. A brick jali, made from recycled site materials, forms an envelope to manage wind speed and reduce solar heat gain.
