Learning to live next door to some of the
largest and newest forms of infrastructure today.
This social issue resonated with me because as someone newly entering the work-force, the idea of Ai’s developing role in society overwhelms me. There are many facets to Ai, however one that I think gets overlooked is the infrastructure that accompanies it.
Data centers are the physical embodiment of Ai’s rapidly expanding presence in the world around us. They simply enter communities and often disrupt them, to varying degrees.
My exhibit examines the many factors that play into this topics and focuses on bringing to light the experiences of community members, shedding light on their reality. I want visitors to walk away with an expanded scope of what data centers mean and how they interact with communities.
The fight isn’t to get rid of the centers, they have been around for decades and aren’t going anywhere. Real progress will be made in advocating for our communities and environment in the development of these buildings.
Aerial view of data centers being built in Leesburg, VA. Credit: Gerville/2024
An Amazon Web Services data center is shown near a neighborhood in Stone Ridge, Virginia, in 2024. Northern Virginia is the top data center market in the U.S. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images
Hi! My name is Aretta Lorenz, I have a bachelors in science in graphic design at Arizona State University. During my years at ASU I learned how to approach design with a new and more technical perspective.
I faced adversity that made me stronger and more confident in myself. I expanded my skillset in designing technology and my knowledge in the factors that create successful and impactful design.
My final year in the program pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be more organized with my time. I discovered my own brand as a designer and how I want to present myself moving forward. Now, I am prepared to begin my career and add my touch to the work I interact with.
