Part of a large redevelopment project, Vulcan Block 44 is the latest expansion of Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle’s booming South Lake Union neighborhood. Taking up the majority of a city block, the project adds 400,000 square feet to Amazon’s current Seattle campus - with two office buildings, restaurants, retail space and public outdoor space. ZGF Architects designed the project, working closely with Vulcan, the developer, and Amazon. The goal was to create a modern, flexible workplace, that would positively impact tenants and the surrounding neighborhood.
The selected design compliments the modern aesthetic of the South Lake Union area, utilizing steel, wood and glass to create a welcoming, light-filled space. At the building's core is a plaza that functions as an urban oasis, complete with a flowing stream, heated outdoor seating and lush landscaping. Located four stories above is one of the project's key features, an overhead bridge and colorful architectural glass canopy that connects the two office buildings. The decorative glass canopy is a work of public art created by world-renowned artist Spencer Finch, titled "There Is Another Sky". “The glass canopy art is an abstract attempt to replicate the feeling of walking beneath a forest canopy.” says Spencer Finch, “The patterns and colors shift the light within the architecture to create a space for reflection and call attention to the places we inhabit.”
