Basis Of Design

Basis Of Design (BOD) Services

New and Repurposed Facilities – for Data Center Application

The Understanding

At SiTESPAN, we understand that transforming a property into a state-of-the-art data center requires meticulous planning and a well-defined Basis of Design (BOD) document.

The BOD process starts with coordinated conversations with the Client/Developer to identify the technical approach and design parameters, based on the Owners Project Requirements (OPR).

When the Client/Developer needs market and design input for the OPR, we provide current technology and design trends to meet the end-user purpose.

This foundational document serves as a blueprint, outlining the design intent, MEP Topology, and performance criteria needed to meet the unique demands of your mission critical data center project.

The BOD document details key components such as:

Our BOD process begins with thorough coordination and analysis of the client’s end-user requirements, including MEP topology, substation feed and design, facility lifecycle management, and the financial ROI goals.

In the BOD the SiTESPAN Team will provide the following considerations at a minimum;

Site Visit and leveling of the as-built conditions.
Fully defined AMEFP scope for masterplanned buildout
Input and requirements from the local and regional authorities, such as Codes, Planning, Business HOA, etc.
Civil and site hazard considerations
Defined multi-year construction phasing for financial/funding flexibility
Construction Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) to +/- 15%
Cashflow estimate for the Construction costs
Additional scopes include; Major finishes planning, Basic floor plans and MEP distribution pathways, schematics and one-line diagrams.

Site Evaluation

A comprehensive facility assessment of the property’s physical attributes and its suitability for data center operations and mission critical construction.

If the facility is an existing non-Data Center structure, our Team will provide verified as-built documents to establish the starting baseline for design.v

Capacity Planning

Defining power, cooling, and space requirements based on anticipated growth, using scalable infrastructure and redundant power systems to support long-term facility lifecycle management.

Infrastructure Design

Outlining the electrical, mechanical, and network systems using design-build services to ensure optimal performance and operational efficiency.

Sustainability Considerations

Incorporating energy efficient solutions and operational efficiency optimization strategies to minimize environmental impact.

Provide the Design Guideline

The final deliverable provides the design criteria for every aspect of the repurposed facility to achieve a purpose-built data center.

With a comprehensive Basis of Design document, we provide our clients with a clear vision and a strategic pathway to transform their property into a high-performance mission critical facility. This approach ensures reliability, efficiency, and long-term success through effective risk mitigation strategies and sound engineering project management.

Review our San Francisco BoD

Our Team has completed multiple BOD Studies. Many of which are proprietary and protected information. This document represents a facility that has been put on market for sale, and in the public domain.

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FAQ

What is Basis of Design (BOD)? read more: Basis of Design (BOD) is a document that outlines how a project’s requirements will be met through design. It includes technical strategies, performance criteria, and system approaches tailored to the facility’s purpose, especially important in mission critical environments like data centers.
What does Basis of Design mean in construction? read more: In construction, Basis of Design refers to the technical foundation that guides how a facility will be built and perform. It connects the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) to the design and engineering plans, helping ensure that the final build meets expectations.
What is an OPR? read more: An OPR, or Owner’s Project Requirements, is a document that defines what the facility needs to achieve from the owner’s point of view. It includes performance goals, capacity targets, and operational priorities, which then inform the Basis of Design.
How are OPR and BOD connected? read more: The OPR sets the direction and the BOD explains how to get there. The Basis of Design is built around the OPR to ensure every design decision aligns with the owner’s objectives.
Why is regulatory compliance important in construction projects? read more: Regulatory compliance ensures your project meets applicable codes, planning requirements, and environmental regulations. Early inclusion of compliance in the BOD helps reduce risks and delays during the approval and construction phases.
What are project objectives and why do they matter? read more: Project objectives define the desired outcomes of a development such as performance benchmarks, lifecycle goals, or financial targets. These guide both the OPR and the Basis of Design to ensure a focused and successful execution.
What should be included in a Basis of Design document? read more: A comprehensive BOD should include the AMEFP scope, infrastructure schematics, major power and cooling equipment, regulatory inputs, construction phasing, and a financial roadmap. It’s the bridge between concept and execution.
What is capacity planning in data center design? read more: Capacity planning determines how much power, cooling, and space will be needed, both now and in the future. It’s a key part of the BOD that ensures scalability and reliability over the life of the facility.