Case Study: Skema for Data Center Design

The rise of AI requires a new class of data centers—optimized for massive computational loads. Skema’s BIM Knowledge Reuse Engine repurposes proven Revit assemblies to streamline the overall workflow with a content approach that’s more accessible to data center design teams.

“The BIM integration is superb. One of the greatest benefits is the BIM integration and the ability to use our firm's previous designs.”
— Amanda Gioia,
Associate Practice Technology Leader, HED

Amanda Gioia of HED shares her data center project using Skema

• Challenge: Reduce design time without compromising quality.

• Approach: Explore design tools that deliver faster, precise iterations while uncovering unexpected, innovative solutions.

• Goal: Scale design capabilities by equipping more team members with advanced tools, enabling faster project delivery, greater flexibility, and consistent high-quality results.

*Originally presented at BILT ANZ, Melbourne, AUS, 2024

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Data Center Campus Plan and Kit of Parts

Given a kit of parts illustrating electrical yard layout options and guidelines, a site plan, and both fixed and variable inputs, such as floor-to-floor height, number of stories, and power usage effectiveness, metrics for the project can be generated.

Create the Skema Design Catalog

HED’s custom design catalog

HED selected Revit assemblies from a prior project—Server Room, Transformer Room, Vault Layout, EQ, etc—that would be reused in the new Campus Plan. Exported into Skema into the Design Catalog content library, these data-rich units can be moved around like magnetic puzzle pieces, enabling Amanda to quickly create, edit, and adjust layouts.

Generate Floor Layouts

Because Skema enabled HED to reuse their existing designs, block and stack planning and editing is fast and precise.

Key Figures

HED created their own tailored metrics with key figures, pivot tables, and other custom options to effectively track and analyze their project data.

Skema’s integrated metrics update in real time

Revit Export

With Skema’s BIM in Minutes capability, HED quickly generated a workable Revit model that preserved the original Revit families. This rapid transition from Skema to Revit allowed the team to turn their attention to MEP coordination, engineering, and deeper design exploration without delays.

More on this Story

Gain expert insights on geometry, MEP, and the pros and cons of various technology approaches in Amanda Gioia’s conversation with Skema Co-founder and CTO Marty Rozmanith. Watch the recording—available to stream now.

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