It seems like having cool, unique headquarters is almost a requirement for Web and technology companies these days — a trend that can probably be traced back to Apple and Google (News - Alert). Amazon has apparently decided to go this route as well, based on new drawings unveiled this week that feature a spherical glass structure capable of housing even mature trees for the company's Seattle headquarters.

This marks a notable departure from the company's original plans, which featured only a basic rectangular structure. The newly proposed designs have been submitted to city officials for approval, but the general consensus online seems to be positive.

The aim of the new spherical structure, according to GeekWire, is to create an environment in which employees can "work and socialize is a more natural, park-like setting." Apparently, a plant-rich environment will offer many positive qualities lacking in a typical office setting. Indeed, Amazon plans to be selective with plant material, opting for green life that can "co-exist in a microclimate that also suits people."

In order to ensure that those plants are able to grow and survive, the building's interior must feature high bay spaces on five floors, for a total of approximately 65,000 square feet. The structure is said to be reminiscent of various other glass biosphere projects around the world.

Graphics card and processor manufacturer Nvidia also unveiled unorthodox plans for its headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., earlier this year. They include two triangular buildings which are meant to represent "science and art," totaling one million square feet.

Likewise, the images of Amazon's proposed headquarters look futuristic and apparently fit in with founder Jeff Bezos' love of science fiction.

The proposed dome structure is only a small portion of Amazon's total proposed downtown Seattle expansion efforts, which are expected to take more than six years to complete altogether and will include 37 office towers, covering about 3.3 million square feet.