Integrate Technological Tools

by the WBDG Productive Committee

Last updated: 05-05-2008

Overview

Integration of information technology and building architecture calls for a robust, global, and secure infrastructure that will support the growing and evolving demands of business and government in the 21st century.

To stay in business, organizations have to stay current, purchasing the appropriate server, database, media, router, and other technologies that sustain their work. They must leverage these evolving information technologies to match the specifications of their stakeholders.

Interoperability across building systems—including power, HVAC, lighting, security, and fire alarm—should enable whole building control and performance optimization. Assuring flexibility to accommodate the dynamic nature of telecommunications systems starts first and foremost with properly designed pathways and spaces.

Demands on the building's data pathways will be heavy, and the market will be strong for high performing buildings having:

• Power supply systems that provide flexible service; reliable, clean power; and can adjust power delivery to building occupation patterns;
• Wire management systems that enable quick and low-cost reconfiguration;
• Integration of wireless products as they become commercially viable; and
• Distributed computing environments that have reliable cooling compatible with human comfort.

Recommendations

Provide Distributed Data, Power, Security, Voice, Video, and Environmental Services for Central Communications and Continuity of Operations

• Assure that technological solutions respond to the changing nature of work. See also WBDG Changing Nature of Organizations, Work, and Workplace.
• Consider wireless and mobile technologies to support the changing nature of work, including both internal and external ability.
• Provide distributed Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) for clean and reliable power.
• Merge all low voltage systems, including data and voice, through distributed Ethernet-IP networks with centralized backup.
• Monitor work environmental conditions with central systems, but maximize local control by occupants.
• Consider desktop video and Internet-based conferencing to provide on-going contact for dispersed work groups.
• See also WBDG Productive—Assure Reliable Systems and Spaces.

Design Accessible, Modifiable, Vertical Power and Telecom Cores

• Provide modular power panels with appropriate open riser space.
• Consider emerging technologies to provide secure, high-speed access to the desktop for data, voice, security, and environmental information (e.g., fiber optics, wireless, copper).

Employ Distributed Modular Cabinets with Plug and Play Interfaces

• Provide modular racks and plug-in hardware within office suites versus closets and hard wiring.
• Design service neighborhoods to meet or exceed current standards.
• Manage wiring under floor or vertically through patch panels.
• House servers, bridges, etc. in environmentally controlled modular cabinets.

Provide Re-Configurable Plenum Systems

• Consider overhead cable trays and/or underfloor wire baskets for increased flexibility and accessibility.
• Optimize plenum real estate. Conduct a multidiscipline "charrette" with structural, fire, networking, HVAC, interiors to integrate systems.
• Use 3D modeling to facilitate integration.
• Simplify the ease of relocating modular boxes in relation to ceiling, floor, and carpet tiles.

Design Kit-of-Parts for Efficient, Modifiable Services

• Base capacities on maximum occupancies, but distribute and deliver as needed.
• Select terminal units that provide services—data, power, and voice (and environment where possible)—in reconfigurable boxes for just-in-time modifications.
  • Provide relocatable modular outlet boxes with flex connectors to respond to changing densities.
  • Bring services to the desktop as required by users.
• Select systems to be compatible with Internet-based applications.

Select IT System and Components for Energy and Material Conservation

• Design for longevity (expandability, disassembly, recyclability), maintainability, and energy and material efficiency.
• Consider sub-metering of power to address customer requirements for tracking energy usage.

Relevant Codes and Standards

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-568 Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• ANSI/TIA/EIA-569 Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunication Pathways and Spaces
• ANSI/TIA J-STD-607-A Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications
• FIPS PUB 174 Federal Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard
• FIPS PUB 175 Federal Building Standard for Telecommunication Pathways and Spaces
• TIA TSB72 Centralized Optical Fiber Cabling Guidelines
• TIA TSB75 Additional Horizontal Cabling Practices for Open Offices
• Department of Defense:
• AFH 32-1084 Facility Requirements
• ER 1105-2-100 Planning Guidance Notebook
• MIL-HDBK-419A Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding for Electronic Equipment and Facilities, Volume 1 of 2
• MIL-HDBK-1012/3 Telecommunications Premises Distribution Planning, Design, and Estimating w/Change
• TI 800-01 Design Criteria
• TM 5-683/MO-116/AFJMAN 32-1083 Electrical Interior Facilities
• U.S. General Services Administration:
• GSA Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, P100

Major Resources

WBDG

Building / Space Types

Applicable to all building types and space types, especially those regularly occupied or visited.

Project Management

Building Commissioning

Tools

Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC), LEED® Version 2.1 Credit / WBDG Resource Page Matrix, LEED®-DoD Antiterrorism Standards Tool, Life-Cycle Cost in Design (LCCID)

Trade Shows

• Comdex—IT trade show
• NeoCon—Trade fair for interior design and facilities management

Publications

• ARCHI-TECH magazine—Bridging the Gap Between Design and Technology
• Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic Resource Guide for Federal Facility Managers
• High Performance Commercial Buildings—A Technology Roadmap by U.S. Department of Energy. 1999.
• The Integrated Workplace: A Comprehensive Approach to Developing Workspace by Office of Real Property in the Office of Governmentwide Policy of the U.S. General Services Administration. May 1999.