Amazon's New HQ2 Design Focuses on Sustainability

On Tuesday, Amazon shared its HQ2 development plans for the second phase of the project in Arlington County, Virginia — and they're nothing short of a dreamy work environment. 

Nature is the focal point for the new development designed by architectural firm NBBJ. The hope is to foster creativity and innovation thanks to its open and active workspaces. 

And when nature's involved, so is sustainability — another big focus for HQ2's development. 

New HQ2 will be sustainability-focused

HQ2 will house three 22-story buildings designed to be LEED Platinum, the highest certification for a sustainable development issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, explained Amazon in a statement.

There will also be an all-electric central heating and cooling system that runs on 100% renewable energy gathered from a solar farm in Pittsylvania County in southern Virginia. These plans go hand in hand with the company's Climate Pledge to switch to be net-zero carbon by 2040. 

The pièce de résistance, however, is The Helix, the headquarter's centerpiece building shaped like a double helix. The unique building will have two walkable paths that spiral up the sides filled with local greenery and gardens. Workers and visitors alike will be able to enjoy these striking paths, with public tours offered a few weekends a month for everyone to enjoy. 

HQ2 won't just be all work and no play, though. Over 2.5 acres of the area will be dedicated to outer spaces available for visitors to enjoy as much as workers. The main green will be big enough to host concerts, markets, and outdoor cinemas. 

In keeping with its green outlook, the entire headquarters will be a car-free zone. All vehicles will circulate beneath the ground, even docking, and deliveries will take place underground.

The project has been on the go for two years, and Amazon hopes to gain approval by the end of the year. Wouldn't you want to work in such a green haven?