Amazon Spheres in Seattle house over 40,000 plants from more than 400 species within three interconnected glass domes that opened in January 2018 [1][2]. The facility covers 58,828 square feet and serves as both a workspace for Amazon employees and a public attraction open twice monthly by reservation [3]. The project demonstrates biophilic design principles that integrate natural environments into urban workspaces to support mental health and productivity.
Architectural Innovation and Plant Collection
The Spheres were conceived in 2013 and completed five years later as a collaborative effort to create an indoor rainforest environment in downtown Seattle [1]. The facility maintains climate conditions similar to cloud forests found at elevations between 3,000 and 10,000 feet in tropical regions [3].
Notable Features and Living Systems
The structure includes a living wall composed of 25,000 plants woven into 4,000 square feet of vertical surface, showcasing over 200 species from global cloud forests [4]. A 49 foot tall Ficus rubiginosa tree named Rubi, originally planted in California in 1969, required removal of a sphere section for crane installation during construction [1]. The facility houses plant species from over 30 countries, maintained by dedicated horticulturalists who rotate specimens year round through partnerships with nearby greenhouses [1][3].
Public Access and Educational Purpose
The Spheres open to the public on the first and third Saturday of each month with advance reservations required [3][5]. Visitors can explore four stories containing waterfalls, fish tanks, and terrariums that recreate faraway rainforest conditions without leaving the city center [3]. The facility hosted a corpse flower bloom in September 2025, drawing significant public attention to rare botanical events [6].
Sustainability and Corporate Environmental Goals
Amazon has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across global operations by 2040 as co founder of The Climate Pledge [7]. The company matched 100 percent of electricity consumption with renewable energy in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule [7].
Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Maintained position as largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for four consecutive years [7]
- Invested in nature based carbon removal projects to offset remaining emissions [7]
- Eliminated inflated plastic pillows in shipping packaging in October 2024 [8]
- Opened sustainability research lab in Seattle six years ago focusing on packaging improvements [8]
- Operates four additional research facilities in United States and Europe targeting environmental innovation [8]
- Testing bio plastic bags for Amazon Fresh deliveries in Spain as of January 2025 [8]
Community Engagement and Regional Impact
Amazon invested 1.9 billion dollars in October 2025 in its Delivery Service Partner program, bringing total seven year program investment to 16.7 billion dollars [9]. The company continues investing in Puget Sound region community initiatives including housing equity, education, and food insecurity reduction programs as of October 2025 [10]. The Spheres participated as a starting location for Refract 2025, Seattle premier glass festival celebrating Pacific Northwest glass artists from October 16 to 19, 2025 [11].
The Amazon Spheres demonstrate how large organizations can integrate natural environments into urban operations while maintaining functional workspace design. The facility continues operating as both employee amenity and educational resource for understanding biodiversity and biophilic design applications in metropolitan settings.
