In the heart of Seattle, Amazon’s headquarters, known as the Spheres, redefines the workspace with a focus on biophilic design and employee wellness. Designed by NBBJ, these spherical conservatories house over 40,000 plants, creating a lush, verdant environment that fosters creativity and well-being. The Spheres offer a respite from the traditional office setting, featuring treehouse meeting spaces, a riverine water feature, and numerous green spaces that encourage relaxation and innovation.
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION:
Biophilic design is central to the Amazon Spheres, integrating natural elements into the built environment. Housing over 40,000 plants from 30+ countries, the Spheres create a vibrant ecosystem. Extensive greenery, including living walls and interior gardens, reduces stress, improves air quality, and enhances cognitive function.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN:
The Spheres feature a steel frame with glass panels, forming geodesic domes. This design maximizes natural light while maintaining structural integrity. The steel framework supports the glass and plants, ensuring stability. Low-emissivity (low-E) glass panels reduce heat gain and glare, maintaining comfort without sacrificing energy efficiency.
HVAC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS:
The sophisticated HVAC system maintains precise humidity and temperature levels for diverse plant species. It includes a misting system simulating a rainforest environment, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth and human comfort. Advanced air filtration maintains high indoor air quality, enhancing occupant well-being.
ACOUSTIC DESIGN:
Sound-absorbing materials and strategic plant placement dampen noise levels, creating a tranquil environment conducive to focused work and relaxation. This acoustic comfort is essential in an open-plan office, where noise can be a significant source of stress and distraction.
INNOVATIVE WORKSPACES:
The Spheres’ interior layout features various workspaces promoting collaboration and creativity. Spaces range from open seating areas to private nooks, all surrounded by lush greenery. Treehouse like meeting rooms and suspended pathways add playfulness and adventure to the workday.