The beautiful flower has been the inspiration for numerous works of art and sculpture, so why not buildings, too? Architects who picked flowers as their design muse created unique and amazing architectural structures. Below are Julia’s Flowers’ selection of some of the best!
Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
This flower-shaped treasure is also regarded as the world’s most sustainable building. Inspired by the Calla Lily, this building has zero carbon emissions and harnesses wind and solar power for its energy needs. It stands at 459 feet tall and is constructed in such a way that the Calla Lily-shaped round roof provides shade to the offices below. The roof also has solar panels to soak up the sun’s energy. Moreover, rainwater is accumulated and re-used for water supply throughout the building. The pistil sticking up out of the flower has within several wind turbines for generating power. There’s a solar chimney created to provide natural air ventilation into the offices. This building is the headquarters for Wuhan’s energy center which is a leading hub for the research and development of alternative energy technologies.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
New Dehli, India
This is a remarkable structure, designed and used for an awesome purpose. The Lotus Temple, aka The Bahai House of Worship, is built in the form of a Lotus Blossom with 27 marble-clad “petals” arranged around the building in groups of three. Each of nine sides has an entrance that opens onto a central hall over 112 feet in height with the space to hold 2,500 people. The Lotus Temple is one of the world’s most exquisite religious buildings and of the most visited places in the world. The entry has enchanting pools and gardens to welcome you. The Baha’i faith believes in the Oneness of God, Religions, and Humankind, therefore people of all religions are welcome in the temple. There are no idols to worship or ceremonies, only a place for people to come and reflect and find inner peace.
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa
a 58-floor (261 m) in Macau
Tbilisi Public Service Hall
Tbilisi Public Service Hall
Tbilisi, Georgia
Designed by Massimilliano and Doriana Fuksas
