Amazon HQ2 versions featuring the Helix, which includes workspace, will also be open to the public every month.
Thanks: NBBJ
Amazon on Tuesday unveiled the latest look at its second headquarters in Northern Virginia.
The striking feature of the design proposal for HQ2 contains a unique structure called ‘The Helix’. Amazon described the 350-foot-tall office tower as a ‘spiral-shaped vertical forest’ with sidewalks with trees and plants spinning to the top of the building.
According to the architectural firm NBBJ, which designs the structure, the shape of the building is meant to look like a double helix and touch the “innate connection of mankind”.
Amazon unveils new versions of its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which includes The Helix, a uniquely designed 350-foot tower.
Thanks: NBBJ
The Helix will serve as an alternative workplace for Amazon employees, but it will also be open to the public on some weekends each month, similar to the “Spheres,” the nature-inspired hub of Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle.
Amazon said the designs form the proposed development plans for the second phase of new construction on HQ2. If Arlington County’s plans are approved, the company hopes to begin construction of the Helix and other office buildings on the site in 2022. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
The project plans include three retail pavilions that provide space for restaurants, shops, dining and gathering areas.
Thanks: NBBJ
The Helix, combined with three other on-site office buildings called PenPlace, would create approximately 2.8 million square feet of office space.
Apart from office space, Amazon has set aside more than 2.5 acres of open space that is accessible to the public. There is an amphitheater designed for outdoor concerts, farmers markets and other activities, as well as public green spaces.
The campus contains 2.5 acres of public open space.
Thanks: NBBJ
A potential view of the retail and restaurant space in the pavilion area.
Thanks: NBBJ
Amazon said the site will also include retail pavilions and restaurants, in addition to other community spaces, such as a child care center, a dog walk and a food truck area.
Amazon said the site prioritizes “walkways, gardens and retail over motor vehicles.” It is planned to build protected cycle lanes in the streets near office buildings.
A potential view of the retail and restaurant space in the pavilion area.
Thanks: NBBJ
Amazon has chosen Arlington as the site of HQ2, in addition to the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York, as part of its well-publicized search for a second headquarters. The company announced in 2019 that it would halt plans to build its new headquarters in New York after being returned by 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.