- Hardware that includes – computing - networking hardware - peripheral (IT infrastructure)
- Software & IT Services that includes – custom - packaged software – IT services - IT training
- IT-Enabled Services that includes - business - knowledge processes outsourced
Architect Rajan Goregaokar[/caption]
Architect Rajan Goregaokar, Founder, GA Design, said, “The planning should be such that the buildings are not the dominant factor. Their placement should be such to emphasize plazas, courtyards and informal sit outs. Spill out areas should be designed for campus canteens, fitness gyms, nurseries and similar amenities. Smaller outdoor spaces could offer informal meeting and greeting areas as well as shading and seating for groups of individuals.
It is important that the site is designed in such a way that there is minimum conflict between the pedestrian and the vehicular drive ways. The internal circulation of the parking should promote safety and efficiency and convenience. A continuous circulation pattern should be provided to the extent possible. Auxiliary structures such as trash enclosures, loading and un-loading areas should be concealed from the public view and appropriately designed.”
Technology is used in IT park planning and construction to represent value for money in terms of speed, services provided, compatibility, cost and reliability. The building materials need to be of recyclable components, ergonomically sound and energy efficient.
Manit Rastogi, Founder Partner, Morphogenesis explained, “Design of the built envelope is governed by carefully balancing shade, glare, daylight distribution, solar heat gain reduction. Solar control for the external facade primarily involves shading devices designed with conscious attention to controlling glare without hampering the daylight distribution. Thermal comfort has proven to be crucial in achieving occupant satisfaction as well as workplace productivity.”
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Mr. Manit Rastogi[/caption]
Technical Aspects
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become the main design approach in building design & construction. The computerized system helps in collecting and collating information about the entire complex under construction. Goregaokar, stated, “BIM greatly enhances the communication among engineers and designers that are working on the project. Computer aided designing helps in designing flawless buildings as through computer simulations problems can be found and resolved before constructing buildings physically.”
Apart from the efficient building planning and design, working spaces demand consistent and controlled indoor environments for minimal distraction during focused tasks. Talking about the interior work environment technology requirements Rastogi elaborated, “The cooling loads can be significantly reduced by integrating climate-responsive passive strategies like microclimate creation and robust envelope design. The resultant energy loads, however minimal, need to be countered with highly efficient and optimised active systems like daylight, CO2 sensors, hybrid cooling systems etc. to achieve the desired comfort levels indoors. Innovative mechanical cooling systems including radiant cooling, under-floor systems as well as ceiling fans are often explored in exclusive as well as combination scenarios. These systems are further value-engineered to minimise the energy consumption to the last bit. Sufficing the project demands by alternative renewable resources completes the full circle to finally achieve a Net-Zero Development.”
Some of the technologies being used for IT Parks design include:
- Styrofoam Panels Styrofoam panels are actually EPS foam that is sealed between steel sheets for strength and this foam works as thermal resistor. It not only has heat resistance but also has capacity to endure the wind speed up to 140 mph.. As it laminates the foam in steel sheets that make it safer from termites, as they can’t invade steel sheets. The durability and strength of Styrofoam make buildings long lasting and cleaner than buildings constructed with other materials.
- Unbounded PT Slabs The slabs are considered reliable for their quality and strength as their steel strands are greased well to resist rusting. The unbonded PT slabs are light weight and flexible due to small thickness of its unbonded tendon. Due to this reason, unbonded PT slab patterns are able to make best use of complete strength of a concrete slab. These are successfully used at different places such as on roofs, pavements, and even in the round water tanks.
- Automation
- Wireless systems
- Air filter systems
Mr. Ravindra Chamaria[/caption]
"Generally, a mid to large parcel of land is required to build a good IT complex because we want to create something which will cater to the IT professional's lifestyle. Connectivity is kept in mind. Also, in the age of smart phones, construction too needs to be smart - not just save but even conserve energy.
The other important factor is selecting a location which should be fairly future proof - in the sense it should not be a saturated locality but one that will take in growth for over a decade at least. For instance, Infinity catalysed the IT revolution in Eastern India through Infinity Think Tank, the first ‘intelligent’ IT empowered workspace in Kolkata in a then-deserted Salt Lake, Sector-V.
We are very conscious of keeping our IT complexes Green. As a group, Infinity has had a record of 'Green Buildings' before such a term being the norm. So, obviously for us that is one of the prime considerations. E.g. Infinity IT Lagoon which is an IGBC Certified Platinum rated Green commercial development in the eastern region by Crisil and Credai."
-Ravindra Chamaria, Managing Director and Chairman of Infinity Infotech Parks Limited
