When one thinks of a building, they often picture hard straight lines and geometric, block-like shapes. It might be surprising, then, to discover some of the most innovative and striking architectural buildings are also those which have been designed to resemble a flower. Here at Beneva we’ve put together a list of some of the most incredible flower-inspired architectural buildings that will leave you amazed.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
The majestic Calla Lily was the design inspiration behind one of most sustainable and amazing buildings in the world. The Wuhan Energy Flower Building houses the main offices for the Wuhan Energy Center which is dedicated to the research and development of new energy sources. It’s only fitting, then, that this building is extremely energy efficient and releases zero carbon emissions. The round “petal” roof sits at an angle in order to provide shade for the offices located in the tower below during the hot summer days. The surface of the roof is also covered with solar panels to capture and store the energy provided by the sun’s rays. The roof also collects rainwater that is used to supply water to the bathrooms and roof-top garden on the 17th floor. Within the “pistil” are wind turbines to harness the energy of the wind. At the base of the flower structure are laboratories housed in buildings that are shaped like leaves. The goal of this structure was the utilization of new energy sources, and creating a building shaped like a flower helped them achieve it.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
New Delhi, India
Shaped like a lotus flower, this structure is visited by more than four million people every year. Officially named the Baha’i House of Worship, the temple is open to all faiths, religions, and races. Per their teachings, no sculptures, pictures, or carvings of any idols are allowed. There are also no priests or religious ceremonies performed here. For decoration, then, the architect cleverly uses the play of light and water for decoration as it bounces off the interior of the dome. The exterior of the structure is clad in white marble panels and the inside of the dome has 54 ribs which resemble the shape of a lotus blossom. At the apex of the dome are skylights which resemble what a lotus blooms would like as the sun’s light enters within. Around the structure are reflecting pools in the shape of a lotus blossom’s leaves and the pools not only provide cooling air which flows through the temple but also the illusion that the structure is floating on water.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
The lotus blossom in its 3 phases of bud, ripe flower, and fully blossomed are capture in the 3 buildings of this conference center.
Magnolia-like Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
Spiraling closed and spiraling opened, this steel retractable roof is designed to look like a magnolia flower as it blossoms.
