The Amazon HQ2 performance showing the Helix, which includes workspace, will also be open to the public every selected weekends each month.
Courtesy: NBBJ
Amazon on Tuesday unveiled the latest look at its second headquarters in northern Virginia.
The most prominent feature of the design proposal for HQ2 includes a unique structure, called the “helix”. Amazon described the 350-foot-tall office tower as a “vertical spiral forest” featuring exterior walkways with trees and plants twisting to the top of the building.
The shape of the building should look like a double helix and touch the “innate connection of humanity with nature,” according to architecture firm NBBJ, which is designing the structure.
Amazon introduced new representations of its Arlington, Virginia headquarters that include The Helix, a uniquely designed 350-foot-tall tower.
Courtesy: NBBJ
The Helix will serve as an alternative workspace for Amazon employees, but will also be open to the public a few weekends each month, similar to the “Spheres,” the centerpiece inspired by the nature of the headquarters. from Amazon to Seattle.
Amazon said the designs make up the proposed development plans for the second phase of new construction at HQ2. If plans receive approval from Arlington County, the company expects to begin construction on the Helix and other on-site office buildings by 2022. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
Project plans include three retail pavilions to provide space for restaurants, shops, outdoor dining and meeting spaces.
Courtesy: NBBJ
The Helix, combined with three other on-site office buildings, called PenPlace, would create approximately 2.8 million square feet of office space.
Aside from the office, Amazon has reserved more than 2.5 acres of open spaces accessible to the public. There is an amphitheater designed for outdoor concerts, farmers markets and other activities, as well as public green space.
The campus includes 2.5 acres of open public space.
Courtesy: NBBJ
A potential view of the commercial and restaurant space in the pavilion area.
Courtesy: NBBJ
Amazon said the site will also include pavilions and retail restaurants, as well as other community spaces such as a daycare center, a dog race and a food truck area.
Amazon said the site prioritizes “catwalks, landscaping and retail over motor vehicles.” He plans to build protected bike lanes on the streets near the office buildings.
A potential view of the commercial and restaurant space in the pavilion area.
Courtesy: NBBJ
Amazon selected Arlington as the site for HQ2, in addition to the Long Island City neighborhood in Queens, New York, as part of its publicity search for a second headquarters. The company announced in 2019 that it would stop planning to build its new headquarters in New York after facing the backlash of local activists and city council leaders.
Last year, Amazon began building two additional 22-story office towers in a development known as Metropolitan Park, located south of PenPlace.