Amazon recently submitted a proposal to build a trio of massive biospheres in downtown Seattle in addition to three other 37-story office buildings as part of the company’s new campus. The orbs would be filled with various forms of plant life and mature trees in an effort to provide an area where employees can work and socialize in a natural, park-like environment.
The biospheres, which will be attached to each other, will consist of high bay spaces on five levels totaling 65,000 square feet. An artist’s rendering of the structure shows multiple retail spaces in addition to what looks to be observation decks and general commons areas.
Design documents suggest a plant-rich setting has numerous positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office environment. We are told that plant material will be selected for its ability to co-exist in a climate that also is suitable for people.
The structure draws influence from a number of others like it including the Genoa Biosphere in Italy, the Biosphere Environment Museum in Canada, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Wisconsin and the Royal Greenhouses in Belgium.
Choosing to construct a biosphere is an interesting choice and as GeekWire points out, it could be a play on the company’s name. Before the retailer hit the scene, most associated the word “amazon” with the rainforest / jungle regions that cover most of the Amazon Basin in South America.
Don’t expect to visit the biospheres anytime soon, however, as it could take up to six years to complete the project.
