We love having flowers in our life, and everyone should have them for their mood-elevating benefits if not for their beauty alone. Some creative minds have even put the design of the flower to use in designing buildings. These amazing structures are jaw-droppingly beautiful and are also some of the most “green” buildings in the world. Expressions Unlimited have put together just a few of these amazing flower-shaped buildings below. Enjoy!
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
One of the most energy-efficient and sustainable buildings in the world is modeled after the humble yet elegant Calla Lily flower. An artistic and innovative building, the Wuhan Energy Flower is the home base for Wuhans’ Energy Center, which is committed to researching and developing new energy sources. The structure is stunning in its design and green achievements. It produces zero carbon emissions and does use any fossil fuels. It harnesses the energy of the sun with solar panels which cover the roof, as well as the power of the wind produced by wind turbines located in the pistil. The slanted roof also smartly offers shade to the offices in the tower during China’s summers. The roof structure also collects rainwater which is reused to furnish water for the bathrooms and rooftop garden. There are several other green strategies within this remarkable building, inspired, no doubt, by the “green” efficiency that naturally exists in the Calla Lily.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
Delhi, India
Located in the middle of an urban landscape is a large concrete flower exhibiting the glory of nature into an otherwise mundane urban landscape. Built in the form of a lotus blossom, the Lotus Temple is a beautiful architectural masterpiece that pays homage to the symmetry and balance of nature. Officially named the Baha’i House of Worship, the Baha’i faith promotes a oneness of humankind and religions. The open structure of the temple signifies the openness of the Baha’i faith which welcomes everyone regardless of religious or belief preferences. There are no pictures, sculptures, or decorative carvings, but rather a beautiful display of natural light and reflection. Bringing attention to the beauty of nature in this manner makes people stop and wonder, contemplate, and worship. Three rows of lotus petals form the exterior of the temple, with the two upper rows curving inwards and the bottom row curving out in such a way that creates a covered roof for all nine openings. Surrounding the temple are nine reflection pools that give the illusion the temple is floating on water, just like an actual lotus flower.
Supertrees at Gardens By the Bay
Singapore
An incredible nature park in the middle of the city, structures resembling flowers and trees abound.
Lotus Inspired Conference Center in Wujin, China
Wujin Lotus Conference Center
Wujin, China
Three buildings make up the conference center with each taking on the shape of three stages of the lotus blossom, as a bud, as a flower in its prime, and as it looks fully blossomed.