In what might be one of the most innovative workplace amenities we’ve witnessed, Amazon’s Seattle headquarters is home to an enormous indoor garden housed in three giant globes known as the Spheres. This impressive example of biophilic design reconnects us with nature by bringing staff and visitors into close contact with lush plant life.
The Spheres, which were conceived in 2013 and had their grand opening five years later, are home to a plethora of unique plants that are cared for by Amazon’s horticulturalists. This exceptional urban garden is open to the public two Saturdays a month with a reservation, allowing anyone to enter and marvel at its wonders.
Special highlights of the collection include a spectacular living wall composed of 25,000 plants woven into 4,000 square feet of wall and an imposing rusty fig tree. Known as Rubi after its scientific name (Ficus rubiginosa), the tree was first planted in 1969 in California and made a 1,200-mile journey to the Spheres. Due to its size, the top of one sphere had to be removed while the 49-foot tree was gently lifted inside with a crane.
Home to over 1,000 species of cloud forest plants, horticulturalists work tirelessly to maintain bioversity within the Spheres and rotate plants year-round thanks to a collaboration with a nearby greenhouse. Species from over 30 countries call the Spheres home, making it an incredible way to experience nature’s diversity in real life.
During his own visit, My Modern Met editor-in-chief and founder Eugene Kim was able to enjoy the space and appreciate its natural beauty. A truly unique feature in our urban fabric, the Spheres is a call to all organizations to incorporate more nature into the fabric of their operations.
Amazon’s Seattle headquarters is home to an enormous indoor garden housed in several giant globes known as the Spheres.
Photo courtesy of Amazon and used with permission.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
This impressive example of biophilic design reconnects us with nature by bringing staff and visitors into close contact with lush plant life.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
The Spheres is home to over 1,000 species of cloud forest plants from 30 different countries.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Hear horticulturalist Ben Eiben speak about the Spheres.
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