Gensler’s Critical Facilities design team was tasked with planning the concept and schematic design for a first-generation Future Digital Data Systems (FDDS) data centre that maximises functionality and bestows an aspirational response. This phased two-storey data centre is located within the ICAD III district in the UAE.The client sought a high-performing, sustainable building that embodied a distinctive architectural character and visionary thinking, coupled with a pioneering interior response and landscaped solution. The data centre design also establishes space to foster a sense of community among workers with careful attention to the user experience to promote satisfaction and staff contentment. Innovative design solutions paired with sustainable design principles and high-performance environmental systems guided all design decisions in order to create an aspirational, integrated, flexible, and state-of-the-art data centre.