In this episode, Alistair Brierley is joined by Martin Wright, Chief Architect at Pure Data Centres Group, and Sam Stevens, Head of Advanced Technologies at Scott Brownrigg, to explore one of the most important - and often least understood - building types shaping our digital world: data centres.

As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, data centres are becoming critical national infrastructure. Together, Martin and Sam discuss what's driving that growth, why planning, power and location have become some of the sector's biggest challenges, and how these buildings are influencing the future of the built environment.

The conversation explores how data centres are planned, designed and integrated into their surroundings, examining the role architecture can play in improving perceptions, responding to sustainability challenges and creating facilities that are better connected to the communities they serve. Alongside the practical realities of delivering this essential infrastructure, the discussion considers how planning and policy must evolve to support the UK's growing digital economy.

Looking ahead, the episode reflects on the future of data centres as demand continues to grow, considering how advances in technology, changing energy requirements and evolving approaches to design could shape the next generation of digital infrastructure.

This is a thoughtful discussion about planning, design and the essential infrastructure that underpins our increasingly connected world.

Available to watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.