The Acxiom Data Center is an electronic information repository that is master planned to expand to ultimately 160,000 square feet in four phases. The design is based on the juxtaposition of an open public lobby against the secure, solid concrete volume that houses the data technology. The building is strategically layered by zones, beginning with a light filled employee zone, which allows views of the existing lake. Sunlight is filtered with a series of horizontal sunscreens in the lobby, while a natural green wall in front of the office zone allows views, while protecting the glass against lighter projectiles. An information highway lies in the zone between the more open work space and enclosed data equipment space, which will allow easy expansion horizontally to future phases. The lower floor of the solid data box is tucked into the hillside, allowing maximum protection, built to withstand an F-4 tornado.
