Amazon Wants to Build Massive Glass Biospheres for Its New Headquarters [Photos]

Amazon is proposing a new design for its headquarters that features three huge glass biospheres housing a plant rich environment where employees can work and socialize in.

The company originally planned a comparatively bland rectilinear structure; however, it has released documents showing a new design which it will present at a Design Review Board meeting tonight at Seattle City Hall. The new biospheres would be built alongside Amazon's adjoining skyscraper project, notes GeekWire.

Here's how Amazon describes the new project.


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The intent behind the new design shown in the MUP revision is to create an alternative environment on Block 19, in the center of the 3 block development where employees can work and socialize in a more natural, park-like setting. The generative idea is that a plant-rich environment has many positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office setting. Therefore, the MUP revision modifies the low rise office building from a six story 84,000 SF rectilinear structure to a series of intersecting spheres with ample space for a wide range of planting material, as well as individuals working alone or in groups.

While the form of the building will be visually reminiscent of a greenhouse or conservatory, plant material will be selected for its ability to co-exist in a microclimate that also suits people. To encourage growth and maintain the health of the plants, the building’s interior will include high bay spaces on five floors totaling approximately 65,000 SF and capable of accommodating mature trees. The exterior enclosure will be highly transparent and be composed primarily of multiple layers of glass supported by a metal framework.

In addition to a variety of workplace environments, the facility will incorporate dining, meeting and lounge spaces, as well as a variety of botanical zones modeled on montane ecologies found around the globe. The building will be anchored at either end by publicly accessible retail spaces entered from 6th and 7th Avenues.
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Check out some photos below. How do you think this compares with Apple's planned new headquarters?


[via GeekWire]














OLD DESIGN:


NEW DESIGN: