Turning to nature for inspiration, some contemporary architects have concentrated on the flower as their muse for building design. Not only because of a flower’s particular symbolism but also because of its beautiful organic symmetry which can now be replicated in building materials thanks to advancements in technology. Therefore, in the 21st century, we’ve seen a rise in flower-inspired and flower-shaped buildings, which the floral experts at Neubauer’s Flowers have compiled for you here.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
Wuhan’s New Energy Centre, a research institute for studying and developing new sources of energy, is constructed in the shape of the Calla Lily. Innovative, artistic, and, practical, the Energy Flower building is considered to be the world’s most sustainable building, and it is the largest green building in China. The base of the flower structure has leaf-shaped structures where the research labs are located. Springing from the base is the tower with office buildings. The calla lily-shaped roof is tilted at an angle to provide shade to the offices below and to face the sun in order to capture its energy with solar panels that cover the roof’s surface. The vertical pistil houses wind turbines for harnessing the power of the wind and provide natural air ventilation to the occupants of the tower. It’s amazing such an amazing, zero-carbon emission, and energy-efficient building is designed from the simple yet majestic calla lily.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
Inspired by the shape of a lotus blossom, a flower sacred to India, the architects created a glorious and elegantly symmetrical house of worship that is open to all people, regardless of faith or religious beliefs. Nine petals in 3 rows encircle the interior dome and create the lotus blossom shape. The exterior is covered in white marble panels giving the structure a pristine and shimmery effect. Surrounding the temple are nine reflection pools shaped like the lotus blossom’s leaves that produce the illusion of the temple floating on water. The interior has 54 ribs imitating the shape of the lotus flower and nine arches that provide the structural support for the massive dome. At the apex of the dome are decorative skylights resembling what it looks like when the sun enters a real lotus blossom. With no sculptures, carvings, or pictures you typically see inside other temples, the only decoration within the Lotus Temple is the reflection of light and water from the pools. An homage to the perfection of nature as well as the Oneness of Religions, it’s no surprise this temple is one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Supertrees at Gardens By the Bay
Singapore
A remarkable nature park, structures that resemble flowering plants, trees, and flowers exist throughout.
Hymenocallis inspired Burj Khalifa Tower
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This amazing building’s design is inspired by the tiger lily flower.
