Setting a new benchmark in infrastructure development for mission-critical airport operations

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) IT Building Expansion

The expansion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) IT Building represents a significant investment from the City of Austin in the airport’s mission-critical technology infrastructure. Our design addresses the airport's increasing technological demands, reinforcing its commitment to operational reliability and security.

The expansion from 10,000 to over 40,519 square feet (929 to over 3,764 square metres) allows the facility to meet present needs and anticipated growth for the next two decades. Crucial security enhancements safeguard continuous operation while mitigating potential risks. The new building also fosters talent retention and attraction by providing a premier workspace tailored to high-performance technology professionals.

We organized the building into two distinct sections to meet the airport's diverse operational and security needs—a high-security "bunker" dedicated to critical communication functions and a modern, open office area optimized for productivity and collaboration. The communications bunker functions as the nerve center of AUS, housing critical infrastructure to support the continuous operation of airport technology systems. Meanwhile, the open office space prioritizes comfort and efficiency for IT personnel, enhancing workflow and providing a collaborative, engaging environment.

An abundance of natural light fills the space with a continuous band of glazing, offering expansive views while maintaining a balanced environment for employees engaged with screen-intensive work. A carefully designed series of aluminum sunshades further reduces excessive sunlight exposure to maintain comfort.

We designed the facility’s data center to meet the Uptime Institute’s Tier III - Concurrently Maintainable standard of data center redundancy. The mechanical system’s N+1 chiller plant serves the critical IT rooms and administrative spaces. This configuration optimizes the equipment for the whole building but prioritizes critical loads during a maintenance or failure event.

With consolidated IT spaces, a high-security communications bunker, and future-proof infrastructure, the AUS IT Building is designed for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.