Plans for Amazon’s new HQ likened to Edinburgh’s controversial ribbon hotel

Amazon unveiled designs for its new Virginia headquarters on Tuesday, prompting unflattering comparisons with a part of Edinburgh’s skyline.

A spokesperson for Amazon said the building, called “The Helix”, at the company’s Arlington headquarters “will offer a variety of alternative work environments for Amazon employees amidst lush gardens and flourishing trees native to the region.”

The building will be built in the shape of a double helix, and stand on the banks of the famous Potomac River.

But some Twitter users were not impressed with its spiralling design, and several labelled it the first building in the world based on the shape of a turd.

But one Twitter user was quick to opine that: “Edinburgh already has the Turd Hotel.”

The city’s new St James Quarter development made headlines last year when the exterior of the hotel was finished, adding a coiled metal spiral to Edinburgh’s skyline.

Some residents were left unimpressed.

One wrote: “It’s not been nicknamed ‘The Golden Turd’ for no reason.

Amazon's proposed new headquarters has been likened to the hotel in Edinburgh's St James Quarter.

“That it has been allowed to dominate the skyline above the heart of the New Town demonstrates appalling judgement on the part of whoever gave it planning permission.”

Another called it “dreadful”, adding: “One of the worlds great architectural cities and they bring this ‘Disney’ architecture to town.”

Meanwhile, Amazon has said its Helix project will also include an all-electric central heating and cooling system that will run on 100 per cent renewable energy from a solar farm.

“This will align with Amazon’s Climate Pledge to be net-zero carbon by 2040 and advance Arlington and Amazon’s shared commitment to be leaders in the fight against climate change,” the spokesperson added.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.