High-performance mission-critical command and control centers, whether a GSOC, RTCC, EOC, or Fusion Center, must function under pressure, support complex workflows, and sustain operators 24/7.
While each project has unique requirements, certain missteps tend to recur. Drawing from decades of designing, integrating, and supporting mission-critical centers, below are four common pitfalls, and some ways to prevent them.
Pitfall 1: Unclear Equipment Requirements
A successful command center begins long before construction, with a clear understanding of what equipment will be in the room and the mission and workflow that it must support. Often, agencies move forward without this piece, only to discover that the infrastructure is not able to accommodate future systems or technology upgrades.
How to Prevent It
Engage the right departments and specialists early; including operations, IT, and systems integrators, to define the equipment list and functional requirements. Plan not only for today’s systems, but also for future scalability and technology refreshes. Building flexibility into the infrastructure ensures that the space can evolve with mission needs. For more on this topic, see our post on scalability and future-proof design.
Pitfall 2: Insufficient Audiovisual (A/V) Planning
A/V systems are the core of a mission-critical environment, yet they’re often treated as an afterthought. Inadequate space for equipment racks, missing load calculations, or incomplete information for power and cooling can lead to major delays and costly redesigns.
How to Prevent It
Include A/V specialists as part of the initial design team, not as a late-stage consultant. They help guide critical calculations such as BTU loads, electrical redundancy, and 24/7 cooling requirements. These details impact everything from UPS capacity to HVAC zoning and overall room performance.
Command centers also rely on collaboration among architects, engineers, and integrators. The architect of record coordinates all drawings and permits, but it’s essential that A/V, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and other specialty consultants work from the same base plan to avoid conflicts.
Pitfall 3: Overlooking the Human Factor
Even the best-equipped command center can fall short if it doesn’t consider the people who use it. Poor ergonomics, low ceiling heights, noise interference, or poor display visibility can quickly erode performance and situational awareness.
How to Prevent It
Design with the operator in mind. Consider proper sight lines to the display wall, optimal workstation distances, and sit/stand options to improve focus during long shifts. Evaluate acoustics carefully: white noise systems, fabric wall panels, and sound deadening treatments can make a big difference.
Operator performance depends as much on comfort and alertness as on the technology surrounding them. Successful centers balance both.
Pitfall 4: Gaps in Collaboration from Design to Installation
A command center design may look impressive on paper, but without consistent communication among the design, engineering, and installation teams, it can fail to deliver in practice. A beautiful space that functions poorly can be costly.
How to Prevent It
Choose partners who specialize in 24/7 environments and understand mission-critical systems. Establish clear communication channels among the general contractor, A/V integrator, furniture provider, and installation team. Experience matters, especially when ensuring that design intent translates to real-world performance.
From Concept to Command Center: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Building a mission-critical command center is an effort that demands foresight, coordination, and experience. There’s no single formula, but there are lessons learned that can improve outcomes.
Our AIA-accredited course: “Mission Critical Facilities: Understanding the Complexities of Command and Control” dives deeper into these topics through real-world case studies and proven strategies.
Interested in learning more? Contact us to register for an upcoming session or speak with one of our specialists.
