The Spheres immerse people in a lively ecosystem, helping them feel more connected to nature than they might in an urban setting.
These three transparent, self-climatizing spheres, teeming with thousands of plants, are a radical reimagining of the modern workplace, embracing the principles of biophilic design to create an unparalleled work environment.
Stepping into The Spheres is akin to entering a tropical paradise. The air is filled with the refreshing scent of lush greenery, sunlight streams through the transparent domes, and the gentle murmur of flowing water adds to the serene ambiance.
Gone are the sterile, monotonous walls of traditional office spaces; instead, The Spheres immerse employees in a vibrant ecosystem, fostering a sense of connection with nature that is often absent in urban environments.
Amazon’s commitment to biophilic design is evident in every aspect of The Spheres. The spheres are home to over 40,000 plants and trees from all five continents, carefully selected to recreate the microclimates of their natural habitats.
From towering epiphytes to cascading waterfalls, the spheres offer a diverse array of botanical wonders, transforming the workplace into a living sanctuary.
At the heart of The Spheres lies the concept of self-sufficiency. The spheres are meticulously designed to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity for their plant inhabitants, mimicking the conditions of their tropical origins.
This intricate system ensures that the plants thrive, while also providing a comfortable and refreshing environment for employees.
The largest of the three spheres, standing at an impressive 98 feet tall, houses the spheres’ most majestic resident: a 52-foot-tall Ficus rubiginosa named Rubi. Weighing over 35,000 pounds, Rubi is a testament to the spheres’ ability to nurture and sustain even the most colossal flora.
The exterior facade of the spheres draws inspiration from nature’s own geometry, utilizing a pentagonal hexecontahedron structure, also known as a Catalan solid. This complex geometric pattern, repeated across the spheres’ 60 faces each, ensures maximum transparency while providing structural integrity.
Amazon’s vision for The Spheres extends beyond the workplace, incorporating a public visitor center called The Understory. This open space invites the Seattle community to engage with the spheres’ wonders, offering educational programs, cultural events, and a glimpse into the future of biophilic design.
The Spheres stand as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating Amazon’s commitment to creating a workplace that not only fosters creativity and productivity but also promotes well-being and a deep connection with the natural world.
They are a testament to the power of biophilic design to transform spaces, not just into offices, but into thriving ecosystems that nurture both human and plant life.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Amazon’s Spheres. If you did, please share it with others. You might also be interested in reading our article about St. Regis Residences., or browsing other reviews in our Architecture section.
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