I’ve heard it suggested that the Amazon Spheres could become the new symbol of Seattle. Bye-bye Space Needle; hello Spheres.
Hmm … I don’t know about that. At only 90 feet high, I seriously doubt the Spheres will become that famous. They’re definitely an architectural conversation piece though.
Their three interconnected glass domes are a stark contrast to the tall, rectangular high-rise buildings that surround them. Inside, instead of offices or cubicles, you’ll find four floors devoted mainly to plants. Although sofas, chairs and tables are scattered around so Amazon employees can sit among the greenery and relax, work, or meet with each other.
The public can see the Spheres on a limited basis. My sister, my grandson, and I made reservations to visit on the first Saturday in July.
My grandson took this photo of us sitting in “The Bird’s Nest.”
This bouncy bridge led to “The Bird’s Nest.”
The Amazon horticulturists take meticulous care of the 40,000 plants in the Spheres. To mimic conditions in a tropical cloud forest, the temperature is kept between 68o and 74o during the day and allowed to fall as low as 55o at night. The humidity stays between 60 and 65 percent in the daytime and rises to 80-85 percent at night.
Most of the plants in the Spheres are beautiful.
A few, though, gave off a sinister vibe.
It looked better once it was in full bloom.
Here’s another somewhat creepy looking plant.
The Asian pitcher plant from SE Asia:
Creeping impatiens from SE Asia. I liked the shiny purplish-red stems.
Begonias from Brazil
Lovely contrasting colors
A close-up view of the pattern on those green leaves:
I like the dark green velvety leaves.
Bromeliad from Brazil
The biggest tree in the Spheres is Rubi (ficus rubiginosa). The 48-year-old tree was brought to Seattle from southern California. She had to be lowered through a hole in the ceiling by a crane. She now reaches from the bottom floor to the ceiling, four stories up.
Must be nice being surrounded by plants! (I liked the slipper orchid the best.)
Yes, it was very pleasant to be surrounded by plants. I think it would be even nicer on a weekday when the employees are in that setting, just sitting around and working.
Loved your shots, including the two of you in the nest.
I don’t see the spheres replacing the space needle as a Seattle icon anytime soon. 😀
Thanks, Nancy. The Space Needle was built for the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. It’s been around for a long time. Despite all the new tall buildings, it’s still visible from every direction. It makes a great photo with Mt. Rainier in the background. The Amazon Spheres doesn’t have a chance of upstaging it.
Great photos, Nicki! I love the dark green velvety leaves, too. That’s a sweet photo of you and your sister.
Thank you, Jill. I’m glad somebody else liked the velvety leaves. I had the feeling people walked past them without noticing them.
Well, I know I’d much rather sit int he birds nest than at the top of the space needle! But perhaps I m in the minority.
The Space Needle does make a nice addition to the skyline, though. And, the public is only allowed into the bird’s nest two days a month. Still, I see your point. The bird’s nest is such a pleasant place to sit.
That’s true — the Seattle skyline is instantly recognizable.
I could work there! You and your sister could pass for twins!
It wasn’t until recently that people started saying that my sister and I looked like twins. My hair has always been this color, but she used to have dark brown hair.
Wow! Great photos, Nicki! Love the slipper orchid! Thank you for sharing these photos. Would love to visit the Spheres someday.
Yes, that slipper orchid was lovely. What I liked was the greenness and the overall sense of being in a jungle … without the snakes.
A good set of pics
Thanks, Derrick.