Amazon Designs New Green Digs
Amazon's Seattle headquarters are about to get a lot greener. New drawings released by the e-retailer feature a high-concept, ultra-modern greenhouse design as the centerpiece of a three-block development project in the Denny Triangle area of downtown Seattle, Washington. Three massive glass biospheres brimming with plant-life, including mature trees, provide an environment "where employees can work and socialize in a more natural, park-like setting."
The architectural drawings, which were obtained by Geekwire, depict three interconnected biospheres nestled against a skyscraper. The design is part of a larger development project that's been dubbed Rufus 2.0 in honor of a beloved canine companion so the story goes. Previous plans called for a more mundane six-story rectangular office building. The bio-dome structure establishes a new visual focus and "heart" for the office park, and emphasizes natural elements. The orientation of the five-story glass-and-metal building will facilitate optimal airflow and natural light.
"The generative idea is that a plant-rich environment has many positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office setting," Amazon wrote in support of its new design proposal. "Therefore, the MUP [master use permit] 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," the document continued.
The Rufus 2.0 project modifications have been submitted to Seattle city officials and will be discussed tonight during the Design Review Board meeting at Seattle City Hall.
As part of its official proposal, Amazon stated that it is not seeking the Board's recommendation for approval of the revised design at this meeting. Rather, the company is looking to solicit feedback and guidance, and intends to seek approval at the next recommendation meeting.
In its proposal package, Amazon cited numerous domed architectural projects from around the world. The "precedent" designs include the Convention Center in Ottowa, Canada; the Mitchel Park Conservatory in Milwaukee, Wisc.; the Renzo Piano "Bolla" in Genoa, Italy; the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium, and many others.
One of the specifications for the project is to provide inviting and usable open space, about 1.7 acres worth. Multi-generational features for the three-block area include art displays, a water feature, open green space, a dog park and gardens. Parts of the project, including the tower have already been approved.
The proposed office park is not far from Amazon's current South Lake Union campus. Plans designate the new site will include 3.3 million square feet of office space. Alas, not everyone can call dibs on the new space-age digs; most of the site's projected 12,000 employees will be relegated to one of three 37-story towers.
