The Doppler building exemplifies modern corporate architecture, combining innovative design, sustainability, and functionality within a vibrant urban setting. Doppler is a prominent office building located in Seattle, Washington, serving as the corporate headquarters for Amazon. Officially known as Amazon Tower I and also referred to as Rufus 2.0 Block 14, the building stands at 524 feet (160 meters) tall and features 37 stories. It is situated in the Denny Triangle neighborhood at the intersection of Westlake Avenue and 7th Avenue, close to major landmarks like the Westlake Center and McGraw Square.
Construction and Design
The construction of the Doppler building began in June 2013, following the approval of Amazon’s campus plans by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development in late 2012. The building was topped out in February 2015 and officially opened on December 14, 2015. Designed by the Seattle architecture firm NBBJ, the building accommodates approximately 3,800 employees and includes a five-story meeting center with an amphitheater capable of seating 2,000 people, along with six levels of underground parking. The building’s facade is notable for its use of dichroic glass, which reflects light in various colors depending on the time of day. This aesthetic feature is complemented by a modern stainless steel facade that was developed through a specialized coloring process, enhancing its visual appeal and durability.
Sustainability and Amenities
Doppler has achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The building encompasses around 1,000,000 square feet of office space, 20,000 square feet of retail space, and extensive amenities designed to foster a productive work environment.
What Makes the Doppler Building’s Design Unique
The Doppler building combines innovative design, sustainability, and functionality within a vibrant urban setting, setting a high standard for modern corporate architecture.
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Use of Dichroic Glass
The building’s facade features dichroic glass, which reflects light in various colors depending on the time of day and viewing angle. This creates a constantly changing appearance that interacts with the surrounding environment.
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Colorful Stainless Steel Facade
The building’s stainless steel facade was developed through a specialized coloring process by Inox-Color, resulting in stunning colors ranging from gold to red, purple, green, blue, champagne, and bronze. The colors are created by increasing the chromium oxide layer on the stainless steel surface, preserving both the functional and optical qualities of the base material.
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Emphasis on Sustainability
The Doppler building has achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The use of recycled heat from the nearby Westin Building Exchange is another example of its eco-friendly design.
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Amenities and Public Spaces
The building includes extensive amenities such as a five-story meeting center with a 2,000-seat amphitheater, six levels of underground parking, and ground-level retail space leased to various shops and restaurants. There is also a focus on high-quality public open spaces.
