While Amazon had already received City Hall approval to build a new HQ in Seattle, apparently they've had a change of heart with the design, perhaps inspired by the forthcoming Facebook West and the Apple Spaceship. The skyscraper part of Amazon's multi-building plan remains the same, but they're looking to switch up one of their low-rise structures for something a bit more eye-catching. Here's the previously-approved, now-scuttled building design:

And here's the re-design they pitched to City Hall this past Tuesday:

As you can see, they're now going for a heckuva lot more green, perhaps in keeping with their namesake jungle. To help woo the city's Design Review Board, Amazon included photos in their presentation of similar glass domes already in existence in other parts of the world, like the Renzo Piano in Italy, and Belgium's Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

According to Amazon's pitch,

The intent behind the new design [is to create a space] where employees can work and socialize in a more natural, park-like setting. The generative idea is that a plant-rich environment has many positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office setting. Therefore, the MUP revision modifies the low rise office building from a six story 84,000 SF rectilinear structure to a series of intersecting spheres with ample space for a wide range of planting material, as well as individuals working alone or in groups.

While the form of the building will be visually reminiscent of a greenhouse or conservatory, plant material will be selected for its ability to co-exist in a microclimate that also suits people. To encourage growth and maintain the health of the plants, the building's interior will include high bay spaces on five floors totaling approximately 65,000 SF and capable of accommodating mature trees. The exterior enclosure will be highly transparent and be composed primarily of multiple layers of glass supported by a metal framework.

In addition to a variety of workplace environments, the facility will incorporate dining, meeting and lounge spaces, as well as a variety of botanical zones modeled on montane ecologies found around the globe....

The renderings for the design, which are being referred to by the blogosphere as the Biosphere, were done by NBBJ.

Via Business Insider