There is balance everywhere you look in nature, even in a flower. Although many architects design buildings to be geometric and rectangular in shape, there are others who are bold enough to capture the symmetry and beauty of flowers to create something breathtaking and fresh. Marco Island Florist has collected some of the very best and most jaw-droppingly creative buildings that 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 echoes 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 building’s roof, the surface of which is coated in solar panels to absorb the sun’s energy. Also, as rain accumulates within the chalice-shaped bud to nourish the flower, so too does this building accumulate rainwater to reuse throughout the structure. Within the “pistil” of this extraordinary structure, there are vertical wind turbines to harness the wind for energy and support the natural air ventilation system the building employs. The flower-shaped tower is 140 meters in height and surrounded at the base by laboratories in the shape of leaves. Thought to be the world’s most sustainable building, the Wuhan Energy Flower is home base for the Wutan Energy Center which is dedicated to the research and development of alternative energy technology.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
This magnificent building is in the shape of a lotus flower and is a welcome bit of nature within the neighboring urban landscape. With 3 levels of nine petals surrounding the structure, it looks like it’s slowly blooming. Officially called the Baha’i House of Worship, the Lotus Temple is one of the most frequented religious buildings in the world. The lower level petals form canopy-like roofs over each of the entrances into the interior. The lobby of the dome has skylights at the summit that resembles what light would like as it pierces the inside of an actual lotus flower. This temple holds up 2,500 people who come to worship and find inner peace. There are no idols or religious rituals or priests. The temple is open to all faiths and religions. Encircling the temple are 9 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 a lotus blossom which has just fully opened, this colorful flower-shaped building is a remarkable example of modern architecture.
Magnolia-like Qizhong Tennis Center
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
This large sports stadium has a retractable roof that resembles a blooming magnolia when the roof petals are opening.
