Do data centres really have to be ugly? Or is the industry missing a huge opportunity to connect with the communities around them?

Nick and Hana sit down with architect the architect, Jack Carter, to explore how data centres could evolve from “big metal boxes” into spaces that contribute to society, create jobs and even become celebrated parts of our cities.

From Victorian industrial architecture and retrofitted buildings, to sustainability, AI-driven growth and community engagement - this conversation looks at what the future of data centre design could (and should) look like.

Topics covered in this episode:

⚡ Why data centres often face public resistance

🏗️ The role architecture should play in the industry

🌍 Sustainability, heat reuse & community impact

🤖 How AI is accelerating data centre growth

👷 The talent shortage facing the sector

🏙️ Why future data centres may need to integrate with cities differently

🔥 Can data centres actually become beautiful?

Jack also shares insights from working on globally recognised projects, including the Shard, the New York Times HQ and major regeneration schemes across the UK.

At DC + Me, we talk about data centres like real people - no gatekeeping, no overly polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the people building the digital world around us.

🎙️ Hosted by:

Nick Worpole | Strativ Group

Hana Sutton | JLL

If you work in data centres, tech, AI, sustainability, architecture, construction or infrastructure - or you're simply curious about how the digital world gets built - this podcast is for you.

👍 Like, comment & subscribe for more conversations from the people shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

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