Designing for the Future: AI Technology and Infrastructure in Higher Education
The Differences in AI Design | March 20, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept. It’s here, reshaping industries, redefining education, and driving progress.
At the heart of this revolution are universities who have already introduced Artificial Intelligence programs and courses into their curriculum, and where students are becoming the next generation of AI users and problem-solvers.
With the rapid start and growth of this industry, the need for high functioning learning environments, supported by future-ready infrastructure, is skyrocketing. The quality of AI-centered telecom systems is a vital part of every advanced Artificial Intelligence building.
One factor that often differs from traditional higher education learning facilities is the way server racks are being cooled. In a typical space, air is used to prevent racks from overheating. However, due to the intense demands placed on these specialized AI racks, these buildings require liquid cooling technology to manage the significant heat output from the server racks.
With the possibility of classes or studies being interrupted due to overheated servers, this factor is an extremely important one to consider. Fiber optic cabling is another component of a high quality and efficient AI learning space.
In an AI-driven world, speed matters. Unlike standard category cabling, which struggles to keep pace with real-time data processing, fiber optics deliver lightning-fast communication.
If you’ve ever used artificial intelligence software, you know that slow response times diminish the value and usability of AI, making this consideration extremely important.
Factors like these can easily improve the functionality of AI labs and research facilities across campuses. Recognizing this, our designers prioritize fiber optic integration to enhance efficiency and reliability.
An interesting part of working with telecommunications in AI spaces is the use of off-site computing centers, which are used to ensure large buildings with high numbers of users are always able to operate at full capacity.
Beyond infrastructure, the design process itself has evolved and become much more collaborative.
The data from an AI building is typically sent and stored in the structure’s latency rooms, and after some time, when this data is no longer needed, it is sent to off-site computing and data centers.
Fiber optics facilitate this rapid and secure data transfer, ensuring that AI infrastructure remains optimized for both real-time computing and long-term efficiency.
Unlike traditional projects, AI facilities have required a higher level of collaboration between architects, project owners, and designers.
Our team has noticed an increase in project team meetings so that their designs remain adaptable to the ever-changing needs of AI. With artificial intelligence still so new to everyone, it’s important to engage in frequent communication, along with proper quality checks.
Like any emerging technology, the design process for AI spaces is always subject to change and will continue to evolve over time. AI isn’t just a passing trend; it’s the foundation of what’s next. With how important and widely used artificial intelligence is becoming, spaces and buildings dedicated to AI learning are beginning to pop up on campuses left and right.
The challenge isn’t just to keep up, but to stay ahead. AI may be new to the higher education world, but it’s on track to touch every aspect of education on campus, and as such, these buildings need optimal telecom design to ensure students and researchers have the tools they need to push boundaries and shape the future.
