The balance of a flower is not lost on architects who look to nature for inspiration. Here at Mancuso’s Florist we have collected a list of amazing architectural buildings designed to resemble a flower. The symbolism and the novel form of these buildings are an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
Inspired by the graceful Calla Lily, the Wuhan Energy Flower building is a research bureau for new sources of energy and is home to the energy center of Wuhan. This innovative, striking, and artistic building supports zero carbon emissions. The design is also practical in that the circular roof of the flower hangs over the tower to keep the main offices in the shade during the hot summer. Plus, the surface of the flower-roof is tilted towards the sun, and since it’s covered in solar panels, the energy of the sun is harnessed and utilized. Additionally, the vertical “pistil” has wind turbines within to harness the energy of the wind to power the building. The round roof also captures rainwater for supplying water throughout the structure. At the base of the building are laboratories shaped like lotus leaves.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
The Baha’i House of Worship, regularly known as the Lotus Temple, is an architectural wonder that is designed after the lotus blossom flower. There are three levels of 9 petals on the exterior, with the top two levels curving in towards the dome and the lower level curving out and creating a canopy over each entrance, of which there are nine. The exterior is clad in marble producing a shimmering effect in the daylight. The inside of the dome is supported by nine arches and 54 ribs and no decoration. Skylights are at the summit to create the effect of how sunlight enters a real lotus blossom. Exterior pools bring fresh cool air into the temple and also surround the structure giving the illusion that the Lotus Temple is floating on water. The Baha’i faith believes in the Oneness of Religions so this temple is welcome to all people of all faiths, religions, or race. There are no priests or ceremonies performed, just a welcoming ambiance for people who want to find inner peace.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
Resembling a fully bloomed lotus blossom, the other two structures in the complex are designed to resemble to lotus blossom as a bud and fully ripe flower.
Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
This amazing sports center has a retractable roof made up of eight 2-ton steel petals that invoke the magnolia blossom.
