This project involved designing a mission-critical Network Management Centre (NMC) for a confidential client. Covering an area of 4,181 square meters, the NMC serves as the central hub for the client’s operations in Canada and the United States, ensuring constant communication with all moving traffic. Integrated within the client’s new headquarters, the facility includes a 1,672-square-meter Computer Centre and a 697-square-meter Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for crisis and post-disaster management.
To guarantee uninterrupted operation, the facility incorporates strong redundancy measures. It is strategically located on separate city electrical grids, and three 7-day generators support its critical systems. Additionally, a UPS room houses multiple batteries. This quadruple redundancy system ensures continuous power to the NMC and EOC.
The interior design focuses on functionality and employees’ well-being in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment. Ergonomic principles were employed in the design, featuring individual space controls and careful attention to acoustics and lighting. The layout of the main Control Room optimizes workflow and emergency response through a geographic adjacency matrix, ensuring seamless personnel connectivity and clear visual cues during critical situations.
The 2,787-square-meter Computer Centre is designed to withstand explosions and impacts. It provides vital IT support and uninterrupted connectivity to the NMC and EOC. This project exemplifies how design can effectively integrate critical functionality, resilience, and human-centric considerations in a high-stakes environment.
