Project
City Focused on People, Not Cars
Tencent Net City
Shenzhen, China
Healthy Work, Healthy City
The 2.8 million square feet proposed design seeks to re-envision the future of work to better support the wellbeing of employees and the community.
1 of 4
The project’s 2.5 acres of public space includes a daycare, dog park and food truck parking. The project also includes retail pavilions with outdoor seating.
2 of 4
Biophilia – the concept that describes humanity’s innate connection to nature – is the inspiration behind the project at large and a special building on-site called the Helix.
3 of 4
The Helix will offer a variety of alternative work environments for Amazon employees amidst lush gardens and flourishing trees native to the region.
4 of 4
NBBJ is working with Amazon to revitalize an underdeveloped site in Arlington, VA, with new offices, community spaces, public retail and landscape.
The 2.8 million square feet proposed design seeks to re-envision the future of work to better support the wellbeing of employees and the community. The project includes three office buildings that will run on 100% renewable energy.
A variety of inviting open spaces totaling more than two and a half acres will be accessible to the public, including an amphitheater facing a central green that can accommodate outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets and movies. In addition, a forest grove will offer shaded areas for relaxation during the hot summer months. Retail pavilions will be located throughout, enlivened with outdoor seating. In addition to expansive retail and restaurant options, the project will include a daycare, dog park and spaces for food trucks.
To foster a safe and welcoming pedestrian environment, all streets – including those for delivery truck access – will be moved underground. The publicly accessible connections and spaces throughout the site will prioritize walking, landscape and retail rather than cars. Each of the streets surrounding the project will have dedicated entrances that bring bike commuters and visitors directly into the office buildings.
Biophilia – the concept that describes humanity’s innate connection to nature – is the inspiration behind the project at large and a special building on-site called the Helix. The Helix will offer a variety of alternative work environments for Amazon employees amidst lush gardens and flourishing trees native to the region. A true double helix in shape and structure, it will feature two walkable paths of landscaped terrain that will spiral up the outside of the building, featuring plantings found in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Similar to the Spheres in Seattle, the Helix will be open for public tours.
Publications
Dezeen, “NBBJ Reveals Spiraling Glass Tower Topped by Outdoor Hiking Trail As Amazon HQ2,” February 3, 2021
CNBC, “Amazon Unveils Design For ‘Helix’ Office Building at HQ2 — Here’s What It Will Look Like,” February 2, 2021
CNN, “Amazon Unveils Plans For Eye-Catching 'Helix' Tower at New $2.5B Headquarters,” February 2, 2021
Designboom, “Amazon Unveils NBBJ-Designed 'Helix' As Part Of Its Arlington, Virginia Headquarters,” February 2, 2021
Fast Company, “First Look: Amazon’s Jaw-Dropping New HQ2 Looks Like A Glass Mountain,” February 2, 2021
The Wall Street Journal, “Amazon Unveils Outdoorsy New HQ2, Renewing Its Commitment to Offices,” February 2, 2021
Washington Post, “Amazon Unveils Helix Building As Heart Of Campus In Arlington,” February 2, 2021
