Creating a Custom 'Cocoon' Wallcovering for Amazon’s Seattle HQ

 

Having the opportunity to collaborate with innovative firms on design projects is always an exciting endeavor. Our recent project for Amazon's headquarters in Seattle, undertaken with the full-service architectural firm, FC Studio, exemplifies the intersection of art and function. Completed in September 2023, this commercial project allowed us to push creative boundaries, resulting in a vibrant and immersive environment that utilizes our 'Cocoon' pattern in multiple colorways.

 

 

The Client's Vision: Art Meets Functionality

FC Studio’s vision for the Seattle HQ was to create a space that was both functional and artistically engaging. They sought a bespoke, tactile wallcovering that would not only capture the eye but also harmoniously integrate with the rich textures of the seating, the warm tones of the wood paneling, and the modern lighting fixtures. The goal was to develop a piece that served as both a wallcovering and an art installation, adding depth and character to the workspace. 

 

 

Inspired by the beautiful swelling of animal cocoons, this wallcovering was the perfect fit for Amazon's requirement of an immersive experience. The application extended from floor to ceiling, enveloping the space in texture and color. We utilized the COCOON | COAL pattern in this main area of the commercial space, which harmonized beautifully with the other design elements. The intricate and enveloping design provided a sense of being swathed in a comforting, yet stimulating environment.

 

 

Elsewhere in the space, including some hallway spaces and breakout rooms, we employed a custom colorway of our COCOON | DIMENSIONAL FELT pattern, featuring a white base color instead with the same enveloping design. This version included vibrant felt accents, adding an extra layer of texture and color to these areas. The varied applications of this mural throughout the space created a cohesive yet dynamic environment, highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of the design.

 

 

The felt colors specified—carefully chosen to create a positive and vibrant atmosphere—helped to encapsulate the environment in a blend of warmth and dynamism. We especially love how the matte black tones of the COCOON | COAL pattern complements the warm browns of the seating and the brick-colored side tables, creating a seamless integration with the overall interior finishes.

 

 

Challenges & Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges we faced was integrating four different colors of felt within the material. Typically, we customize our dimensional wallcoverings with only one felt accent color, so ensuring that the four colors chosen were evenly spread out and comfortably spaced required meticulous planning and sewing precision (we have Daniel at C3Design to thank for that). This challenge pushed us to explore new design possibilities, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic final product that exceeded our expectations. 

Embracing a more vibrant and colorful approach, we created a wallcovering that was both fun and visually stimulating. This is reminiscent of our Dimensional Felt project for Google's NYC HQ, where bold pops of color brought dynamism and energy to the space. Both projects, undertaken for tech giants known for their innovative workspaces, encouraged us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace brighter color palettes. These projects have made us realize the value of juxtaposing and positively fusing a mixture of vibrant and more subdued tones, enhancing our skillset and creative approach.

  

 

Seeing this project come to life in Amazon's HQ was a gratifying experience. The project demonstrated the flexibility and modularity of the pattern, adapting to different spaces while maintaining its unique character. The range of felt colors added visual interest, keeping the design engaging without overwhelming the space.

For designers and architects interested in creating impactful spaces, we invite you to explore our portfolio of products and finishes. Apply for a trade account or contact us at info@jillmalek.com or 718-207-9587. We look forward to future collaborations.

 

Photos provided by FC Studio unless otherwise specified.