From Vincent van Gogh to Georgia O’Keefe, flowers have captivated creative minds to become the subject of their artwork. In architecture, it is no different. There are architects who are in tune with nature and inspired by the flower to the point they build structures to resemble them. Kitty’s Flowers has rounded up the best of the best of some marvelous floral-inspired buildings.
Wuhan. Wuhan New Energy Centre. Photo: Soeters Van Eldonk
Calla Lily
Wuhan, China
One of the most striking, flower-shaped buildings in the world, the Wuhan Energy Flower is also one of the most advanced, state-of-the-art energy-efficient structures in the world. With zero carbon emissions and no fossil-fuel energy consumed, this structure is the largest green building in China. Inspired by the Calla Lily, the Wuhan Energy Building has an overhanging roof to give shade and keep the offices cool during the hot summers. The face of the flower is tilted towards the sun and blanketed with solar panels to harness the sun’s energy. Inside the “pistil” are wind turbines that also generate energy. There is a rainwater collection system in place that stores water to furnish to toilets and a garden. The Calla Lily is a symbol of hope, prosperity, and greatness, which has clearly been achieved with this amazing building.
Lotus Blossom
Lotus Temple, Dehli
Lotus Temple view from above
New Delhi, India
Designed in the shape of India’s sacred flower, the Lotus Blossom, the Baha’i House of Worship is one of the most visited buildings in the world. The building is composed of three rings of nine petals each. The first two rings are curved inward resembling the lotus blossom in various stages of blossoming. The lower ring is curved outward with each petal creating a dome-covered entrance. The interior dome also looks like the innermost section of the lotus. There are 54 ribs on the face of the interior dome which is supported by nine arches. The summit of the dome has a series of skylights that mimics how light would enter the lotus. There are nine reflecting pools in the shape of leaves surrounding the structure presenting the illusion of it floating on water. The exterior petals are clad in white marble panels so has a subtle shimmer in the sunlight.
Supertrees at Gardens By the Bay
Singapore
A surreal nature park, there are structures resembling trees, plants, and flowers in this amazing tourist attraction.
Hymenocallis inspired Burj Khalifa Tower
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The tallest building in the world also happens to be designed after the tiger lily flower.
