Grau

As a symbol of the energetic transition, the green datacenter, a new program for the University of Burgundy, is a 21st century building : while storing and distributing virtual data the building consumes physical energy but it also produces a lot of energy that is recycled and re-injected into the central heating system of the city.
The new datacenter is built on the boiler site at the edge of the campus, in relation to the city. It articulates what is already existing and expresses the memory of the site, an ancient place of coal storage and heat production.
The building is organized in a simple and natural way in relation with its environment: the protected data program occupies the ground floor, offices generously glazed the upper floor. The black wooden facade refers to the productive history of the site while creating a protective shell for a sensitive program. It contributes to create a more natural and less mechanical environment.
The workspaces, located on the upper floor, enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. A peripheral furniture piece encircles the entire floor, concentrating the heating system and electrical outlets, and also serves as a cupboard. It has a height of 74cm, which corresponds to the height of the tables, to enjoy the view of the landscape while working.
Building the future with the past, the datacenter symbolizes the cultural and energetic transition of the university, creating a small public monument at the entrance of the campus.