Back in the years 2017 to 2018,
in what now feels like a completely different time and perhaps different world,
the e-commerce/cloud computing/digital streaming juggernaut that is Amazon
stirred up communities across North America when they asked for bids on where
to build their second corporate headquarters, aka “HQ2.” Following some of the
wackiest campaigning and mind-blowing benefit proposals ever, Amazon settled on
Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Years passed as designs for Amazon’s new
corporate complex were drawn up, particularly the main structure of HQ2. After some
time without news, the building concept has been revealed. It is awe-inspiring,
environmentally evocative, and figuratively “smells.”
According to The Verge, Amazon unveiled the first rendered images of their
Crystal City HQ2 site, featuring photographic vistas of the neighborhood with CGI
of the campus digitally added in. The crowning glory of the images is the
central building. Where Amazon’s HQ1 in Seattle has the aesthetically-inspiring
Spheres which serve as conservatory with employee common rooms and amenities,
for HQ2 the multinational company wants a main structure that stands out. And
indeed the images are eye-catching with the spiraling skyscraper with roof
levels filled with trees and gardens. Amazon calls this design the Helix.
Information gleaned from Amazon’s
official website about the HQ2 Helix would include descriptions regarding what
every prominent design element of it represents. The main theme of the building
is, obviously, a double helix that evokes the shape of DNA and the forms of
galaxies. The spiraling roof deck will feature landscaped terrain, the better
to offer an alternative work environment for employees at HQ. Less charitable
opinions of the Helix building design online would be that it looks like the
emoji for “poop.” Amazon is not letting that criticism faze them however, as
they plan to invite local artists for a residency program at the Helix, where
they can create artworks for exhibition in site.
Other features of the entire HQ2
campus include the three LEED Platinum buildings that will surround the Helix
on two sides. At ground level between the structures will be an open area 2.5
acres big in total, with amphitheater, multipurpose central green, forest grove
and building space for retail businesses and restaurants. It will also
prioritize ease of travel for pedestrians and bicycle traffic over motor
vehicles, with necessary bike entrances and support facilities. It all comes
down to the ideal balance of man and nature that Amazon is striving to achieve
with HQ2. Phase 1 of construction was only approved in 2019, with construction
beginning just this November 2020.
Image: About Amazon official website
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