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Cover image 6   daniel hahn

Inhabiting the Black Box: Integrating Human, Ecological, and Technological Networks at H5 Data Center NYC

The proposal aims to transform the H5 Data Center in NYC into a revolutionary hub that integrates human, ecological, and technological networks. By pioneering new building typologies, the project seeks to make data centers beneficial throughout their entire lifecycle—production, operation, and end-of-life. Key objectives include mitigating the environmental impact of data centers by addressing energy, water, and material dependencies. Innovative solutions, such as integrating solar panels, utilizing water runoff for cooling, and employing server heat for residential heating, will be explored. Additionally, the project will investigate alternatives to silicon for raw materials and develop strategies for managing data center waste. Emphasizing transparency and community engagement, the proposal envisions data centers as accessible resources, benefiting nearby schools and residents through technology recycling programs. By incorporating agricultural elements like greenhouse and marine farming, the center will utilize carbon dioxide and heat exhaust to enhance food production, thereby creating a symbiotic relationship between technology and the ecosystem. This holistic approach aims to prototype sustainable and ethical architectures that address global challenges while fostering a thriving coexistence of technology, humanity, and the natural world.