Amazon AWS Interior, Cape Town
INTERIORS( LARGE) AWARD
Amazon’ s new Cape Town corporate office campus at the Riverlands precinct unifies multiple locations into a cohesive, experience-driven environment. Supporting Amazon Web Services( AWS)’ s transition to a full-time office presence, it enhances connection, well-being and collaboration, making the office more compelling than remote work. More than an office, the campus embodies future-focused, human-centric design, where innovation, sustainability and culture combine to create a thriving workplace.
Strategically designed for operational efficiency and long-term growth, the campus consolidates multiple offices into a single, high-performance workplace. This optimisation reduces costs while increasing flexibility. Agile workspaces enable teams to scale and adapt, ensuring relevance as business demands evolve.
IA Interior Architects( London) partnered with local firm Design Partnership to create a workplace integrating regional influences with global expertise. Optimised for efficiency, the campus balances collaboration and focus, offering diverse settings from focus-driven zones to collaborative spaces. Lounge-style meeting areas, outdoor terraces and the iconic‘ treehouse’ provide dynamic environments for productivity and social interaction. Spaces are flexible, adapting to evolving needs.
The design draws inspiration from Cape Town’ s biodiversity. Biophilic elements – greenhouses, terrariums and immersive greenery – enhance well-being, sustainability and the connection between indoors and outdoors. Large terraces, sightlines and transparency bring natural light and landscape views into daily work life.
A distinctive element, Arc( Amazon restoration conservation), reflects conservation efforts, fostering a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth. The‘ treehouse’ anchors the campus as a hub for business and social engagement, complemented by an auditorium, training facilities and curated dining spaces.
Art and craftsmanship define the campus’ s character. South African and African-born artists were commissioned, while employee input ensured meaningful connections to the space.
Sustainability underpins the campus, balancing environmental responsibility, economic resilience and social impact. Designed to achieve multiple green building certifications, including Green Star, WELL and Zero Carbon, it aims to minimise its ecological footprint, enhance biodiversity, support local communities and create long-term value for Amazon and employees. Beyond design, the campus fosters community and inclusivity, providing spaces for knowledge-sharing, cultural engagement and social interaction.
116 SAPOA Awards