Feature on IT real estate in Tamil Nadu

Cognizant's 115-crore complex

Cognizant has invested close to Rs 115 crore in Chennai for its fully-owned 400,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art techno-campus in Thoraipakkam, on the IT Corridor on Old Mahabalipuram Road, to accommodate over 3,500 associates.

Cognizant's policy is to fulfill about 80 percent of its real estate requirements through fully-owned facilities, and the remaining 20 percent through leased facilities.

R Rajagopalan, vice-president, finance and administration, Cognizant, says that the design of the techno-campus 'is woven around Cognizant's corporate ethos. The rich tapestry showcases the demands of a rapidly integrating digital global economy, while providing in brick-and-mortar an ambience that inspires zest and energy.'

The two major buildings of the technocampus, Software Development Blocks (SDB) 1 and 2, form the nerve centre. They house all software professionals, data centres, and the Intelligent Building Management command centre. Multi-level physical security including roving cameras, state-of-the-art building management systems, and VESDA (very early smoke detection apparatus) fire detection gadgets that poll the air for soot and combustion content are some of the unique features in the new complex.

The core of all activities of the electro-mechanical services is controlled from the building management hub. This room acts as the 'brain' of the buildings, with the 'neurons' being the CAT 5 cables that spread from here to every nook of the campus.

The Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS) handles air-conditioning, electrical, diesel genset, fire detection and every aspect of the building services. It dynamically controls the working environment, and even senses the light level to switch on or switch off the lights.

In an area of nine acres and built-up space of about 400,000 sq. ft fitted with all security, business continuity and eco-friendly aspects, the Cognizant complex became a reality in about 13 months from the commencement of construction. It was made possible by the architects and engineers, C R Narayana Rao of Tidel fame. It was a record of sorts in itself, and an achievement of careful planning and methodical execution. The components used were shipped from various parts of India'Gwalior, Nasik, Nagpur, Pune, Bangalore, etc'and also from around the world. The diesel generator sets came from Germany and Singapore, the electrical components from Hong Kong, lightening arrestors from Australia, building management systems from Ireland and Switzerland, and AC chillers from Britain; this clearly indicates that the search for excellence stretched across the globe.