Flowers are celebrated in numerous ways – with festivals, in art, design, sculpture, and now in architecture as well. Several forward-thinking and visionary architects have turned to nature’s beautiful flowers for designing buildings. These structures are awe-inspiring and technological marvels. Prepare to be amazed!
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
One of the most amazing, flower-shaped structures in the world, the Wuhan Energy Flower also happens to be one of the most advanced, state-of-the-art, and energy-efficient buildings in the world. With zero carbon emissions and no fossil-fuel energy used, this structure is the biggest green building in China. Inspired by the majestic Calla Lily, this structure has an overhanging roof that provides shade to the tower below keeping the main offices cool during the summer. The face of the flower tilts towards the sun and is covered with solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and generate electricity. Within the golden “pistil” tower are wind turbines that also generate power to the building. A rainwater collection system on the roof is recycled to provide water to the bathrooms and rooftop gardens. The Calla Lily symbolizes prosperity, hope, and greatness, and that has definitely been achieved in this amazing building.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
Constructed in the shape of India’s sacred flower, the Lotus Blossom, the Baha’i House of Worship is one of the most visited religious buildings in the world. More popularly known as the Lotus Temple, this structure is composed of 3 rings of 9 petals each. The first two rings curve inward and resemble the lotus blossom in different stages of blossoming. The bottom ring is curved outward and each petal creates a cover for each of the nine entrances. The interior of the dome resembles the innermost portion of the lotus flower. There are 54 ribs on the surface of the interior dome whose massive weight is supported by a ring of nine arches. At the apex of the dome are skylights that mimic how sunlight would enter the inside of a lotus. There are nine reflecting pools shaped like leaves surrounding the building which gives the illusion of it floating on water. This amazing religious complex is also designed so that fresh air entering the building is cooled as it passes over the pools of water and flows upwards into the dome and out through a vent at the top. The exterior petals are clad in white marble panels enhancing the pristine purity and beauty of the lotus blossom.
Supertrees at Gardens By the Bay
Singapore
This amazing nature park has tree- and flower-like structures all throughout the gardens.
Bund Tower, Shanghai
Bund Tower
Shanghai, China
This 50-story building has a lotus-blossom crown on top.
