Seattle's downtown is famous for many things such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. However, the newest addition to the list is the iconic Amazon Spheres. The three glass domes, home to more than 40,000 plants and trees, provide a unique space for Amazon employees to work, relax and innovate. The Amazon Spheres, designed by NBBJ, opened to the public on January 30, 2018.
The idea for the Amazon Spheres was to create a relaxing work environment to help spark creativity and innovation. The design team aimed to change the way people typically think of office spaces. Instead of individual cubicles or open floor workspaces, their goal was to incorporate nature and biophilic design elements that use natural light, air quality, and plants to create a sustainable and engaging workspace. The architects drew their inspiration from botanical gardens, conservatories, and the ecosystems found in tropical rain forests.
The Amazon Spheres are made up of three geodesic domes ranging in height between 80ft and 95ft. The design team focused on sustainability and the use of eco-friendly materials, which made it possible for the Amazon Spheres to achieve a platinum-level certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
The Amazon Spheres are more than just glass domes filled with plants. The interior design is a careful collaboration between the architecture firm and the Amazon design team. Each floor is themed, featuring the plant life found on each of the continents where Amazon has offices. The fourth floor, “The Nest,” is the only space in the Spheres where plants aren't the main focus. This area is designed for employees to hold informal meetings or to relax on a bean bag chair.
The fifth floor, also known as “The Canopy,” is the highest floor, and it's the most visually stunning of them all. It hosts a suspended walkway that takes you through the treetops, allowing visitors to be immersed in nature.
The sixth floor or the “Bird's Nest” is a space for employees to work together and collaborate freely, with views of the city skyline in the background.
According to various studies, the inclusion of biophilic design principles in the workplace has a significant impact on productivity, employee well-being, engagement, and creativity. The Amazon Spheres provide a relaxing environment that promotes focus and creativity, reducing stress levels and boosting productivity. Adding biophilic design elements such as natural light, good air quality, and greenery to a workspace creates a more calming and enjoyable atmosphere. All workers benefit from natural daylight, which can improve sleep quality and regulate our internal body clocks, leading to better productivity and fewer errors.
The Amazon Spheres are designed to provide Amazon employees with a unique working space that promotes creativity, innovation and fosters a love for nature. The purpose of the project was to create an office space that changes how people think of conventional offices.
Yes, the Amazon Spheres are open to the public, and visitors can book a free tour during specific hours. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tours are currently suspended.
The cost of the Amazon Spheres project is estimated to be around $4 billion to $5 billion.
The inclusion of biophilic design principles in the workplace can have a considerable impact on employee well-being, productivity, creativity, and engagement. Exposure to natural light, natural air quality, and greenery can create a calming atmosphere that reduces stress levels, leading to enhanced productivity, fewer mistakes, and innovative ideas.
Sustainability is at the center of the Amazon Spheres project, and the designers used recycled and eco-friendly materials while incorporating energy-efficient technology. The Amazon Spheres achieved a platinum-level certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, indicating the project's sustainability stands up to the highest industry standards.
No, the Amazon Spheres are only open to Amazon employees who require special badges to access the building.
