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- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJWhen <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/nbbj" target="_blank">NBBJ</a> unveiled plans to build <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nbbj-unveils-striking-biosphere-greenhouses-for-amazons-seattle-hq/" target="_blank">three dazzling biosphere greenhouses</a> at <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/amazon-headquarters/" target="_blank">Amazon's new Seattle headquarters</a>, we were pretty excited. All plans can be improved though - and after the City of Seattle raised concerns about the design NBBJ went back to the drawing board. Their revamped plan gives the spheres an exciting other-worldly skin, more retail space, more landscaping and more access for the public.1
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJ<a href="http://www.nbbj.com/work/amazon/" target="_blank">Amazon's new Seattle headquarters</a> will take over 3 blocks in downtown in the Denny Triangle area.2
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJThe project will comprise 3.3 million square feet spread over three city blocks - including three 38-story high-rise office towers, two mid-rise office buildings and a multi-purpose meeting center seating 1,800 people.3
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJ<a href="http://www.nbbj.com/work/amazon/" target="_blank">NBBJ</a> is designing the complex to meet LEED Gold standards and to invigorate the downtown area.4
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJIncreased density, more efficient infrastructure and the increased use of public transportation by employees will also help to reduce the project's overall impact.5
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJWhen <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nbbj-unveils-striking-biosphere-greenhouses-for-amazons-seattle-hq/" target="_blank">NBBJ presented the project</a> to the Seattle Department of Planning and Development (SDPD), it was met with mixed reviews, but they encouraged the idea and asked for some changes.6
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJThe city wanted to see more public space and more landscaping. To appease the board, <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3015022AgendaID4463.pdf" target="_blank">NBBJ presented a revamped plan</a> that updates the biospheres with a 'Catalan Skin' made of irregular pentagons.7
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJPrefabricated from steel, aluminum and glass, the spheres are modeled to maximize lighting and minimize heat gain.8
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJNBBJ also increased landscaping in the public square, added more seating, built in a covered walkway from the spheres to the main tower, and increased retail space.9
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJThe spheres were shortened slightly to lessen their impact on the public square, and more access was provided for the public within the building and the park.10
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJAmazon and NBBJ hope to complete the project by 2016. Read more about the plan <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nbbj-unveils-striking-biosphere-greenhouses-for-amazons-seattle-hq/" target="_blank">here</a>.11
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJElevation of the biospheres facing Lenore Street.12
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJAmazon hopes to finish the project by 2016. Read more: NBBJ Unveils Striking Biosphere Greenhouses for Amazon's Seattle HQ | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building13
- Amazon Headquarters Redux-NBBJCross section of Amazon's biospheres.14