There is symmetry everywhere you look in nature, even in a flower. Although most architects design buildings to be geometric and rectangular in shape, either vertically or horizontally, there are some architects bold enough to capture the symmetry and beauty of a flower to create something breathtaking and new. Allan’s Flowers has collected some of the very best and most jaw-dropping buildings which have been inspired by flowers.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
Inspired by the Calla Lily, the Wuhan Energy Flower Building resembles the majestic calla lily in more ways than one. Just as the petals of the flower absorb the rays of the sun, so too does the round “petal” of this structure’s roof, the surface of which is covered in solar panels to use the sun’s energy. Also, as rain collects within the chalice-shaped bud to nourish the flower, so too does this building collect rainwater to reuse as a water source throughout. Within the “pistil” of this remarkable structure, are vertical wind turbines that harness the wind for energy and help utilize the natural air ventilation system that this structure employs. The flower-shaped tower is 140 meters tall and is surrounded at the base by buildings in the shape of leaves. Considered the world’s most sustainable building, the Wuhan Energy Flower houses the Wutan Energy Center with offices and laboratories dedicated to the research and development of new energy technology.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
This magnificent building is shaped like a lotus flower and is a welcome bit of nature in the surrounding urban landscape. With three levels of nine petals each the structure looks like it’s slowly blooming. Officially named the Baha’i House of Worship, the Lotus Temple is one of the most travelled to religious buildings in the world. The lower level petals form canopy-like roofs over each of the nine entrances into the interior. The interior of the dome has skylights at the apex that resembles what light would like as it enters the inside of a lotus flower. This structure can hold up 2,500 who come to worship and find inner peace. There are no idols and no religious rituals or priests. The temple is open to all faiths and religions. Surrounding the temple are nine reflecting pools which give the illusion of the Lotus Temple floating on water.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
Resembling three phases of the lotus blossom, the building of this conference center shows the bud, ripe bloom, and fully blossomed lotus flower.
Magnolia-like Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
The retractable roof of this stadium is designed after the magnolia flower, the official flower of Shanghai.
