Flowers have often been the inspiration for artists and creative minds, and with today’s technology, they can inspire architects too. In fact, some bold and visionary architects did turn to the flower for inspiration and designed buildings resembling a flower. The results are jaw-dropping and inspirational. Mission Viejo Florist put together some of the most beautiful and elegant floral-inspired structures for you to enjoy.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
Growing out of the ground like a strong and bold Calla Lily, the inspiration for this building, the Wuhan Energy Flower building is an astounding feat of green construction and is even regarded to be the most sustainable building in the world. The Flower Building is home to the Wuhan Energy Center, which is dedicated to the advancement and research of new energy utilization. At the bottom of the flower tower, there are leaf-shaped structures where the research labs are located. The main tower houses the business. The roof of the flower is tilted toward the sun in order to capture the sun’s rays in the form of solar panels on the roof’s surface, and also provides its own shade to keep the offices below cool during China’s hot summers. The roof is a basin as well and collects rainwater which supplies water to the bathrooms and garden. The golden “pistil” rising out of the roof has vertical wind-turbines to assist in powering the building. This amazing flower-shaped structure has zero carbon emissions and uses no fossil fuels for energy making it extremely energy efficient.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
Designed after the lotus blossom, a flower sacred to India, the Baha’i House of Worship is an open building with 9 entrances. There are also 9 groups of 3 petals encircling the dome which give this structure its floral shape. In accordance with the Baha’i faith, there are no carvings, pictures, or sculptures of idols for one to pray to, nor are there any priests or formal religious ceremonies. The Baha’i faith believes in the Oneness of Religions and Oneness of Humankind, therefore people of all faiths, religions, and races are welcome to worship in the temple. The reflection of light as it bounces off the 9 reflecting pools surrounding the structure provides the decoration. These pools are also devised to make the Lotus Temple seem to be floating on water. On the exterior of the structure are white marble panels which give it a pure and pristine look. There are 54 ribs located on the inside roof of the dome also in the shape of a lotus flower. The skylight at the center top resembles what the flower looks like as rays of the sun enter into its interior.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
This structure is designed in the shape of a pink lotus blossom as it looks when fully blossomed.
Magnolia-like Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
When the retractable roof of this sports stadium opens, it looks just like when a magnolia flower blossoms.
