The beauty of nature is frequently used as inspiration for artists, and it’s no different for architects, either. Some architectural designers, who are more in tune with nature, have shifted to the flower as their muse and produced amazing buildings that resemble a flower. Here at Kittleburger Florist we’ve rounded up the best of them.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
Composed in the shape of a Calla Lily, the Wuhan Energy Flower’s tower rises 140 meters into the sky with its pistil in the center, and a base of structures in the shape of leaves surrounding the flower. One of the world’s most sustainable buildings houses the Wuhan energy center, which is notable for its research and development of new energy technologies. The lily-shaped roof is created in such a way so that it produces shade to the primary office buildings during China’s hot summers. The “pistil” is composed of vertical wind turbines that create energy, and the roof has solar panels to harness the sun’s energy. Water is furnished throughout the building by a dish on the roof, which captures rainwater. This building also uses natural air ventilation and a rooftop garden on the 17th floor. Talk about a green building!
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
The Baha’i House of Worship, aka the Lotus Temple, was created in the shape of the lotus flower, which is believed sacred by most Indians. Like a huge blossoming flower floating on water, the lotus-shaped form is meant to reflect the clarity, simplicity, and freshness of the Baha’i Faith, which advances the Oneness of Mankind and all religions. The structure is composed of three series of nine petals with the first two curve inward embracing the inner dome and the third curving outward at the bottom to produce canopies for the nine separate entrances. The inside of the dome is based on the innermost part of the lotus flower and has 54 ornamental ribs that rise above a ring of nine arches. There are a series of skylights at the summit of the dome, allowing light to enter in the same way it would enter a lotus flower. Outer pools of water not only provide cooling air within the structure but also produces the illusion of the temple floating on water. The Lotus Temple is one of the most toured structures in the world and has a capacity for 2,500 worshippers. People of all faith, religion, and race are welcome.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai