Finding inspiration in nature, some modern architects have designed buildings on the beautiful and natural balance of the simple, yet lovely, flower. These extraordinary buildings push the boundaries of architectural design and the organic petal structures built out of metal and concrete are a sight to behold. Prepare to be amazed at these incredible flower-shaped buildings. Here at Flowers by Leslie we selected some of our favorites for you to enjoy.
Lotus Blossom
ArtScience Museum from above
Singapore
As if floating above land, the lotus flower-inspired ArtScience Museum has become a symbol of the city. The building’s base is located deep underground while the flower form structure hovers above. The radiating, asymmetrical design is made up of 10 petals of differing heights which house the art galleries. The tip of each petal is a rectangular skylight to let in natural sunlight. The dish of the roof is basin-shaped in order to collect rainwater which funnels into a hole in the center. The rainwater creates a natural waterfall that flows all the way through the center of the museum into a pond on the lowest level. The rainwater is recycled to feed the waterfall loop, as well as provide water to the restrooms and landscape areas. This structure is a beautiful example of sustainable, green, architecture.
Magnolia-inspired Qizhong Tennis Center
White Magnolia
Qizhong Tennis Center
Shanghai
This mammoth sports stadium has twenty-six tennis courts altogether with a moving retractable roof that’s designed after the magnolia flower, the official flower for the city of Shanghai. Fashioned out of eight steel “petals,” the roof opens and closes in a spiraling manner which takes eight minutes to complete. The retractable roof enables sporting events to take place regardless of the weather. Each steel petal weighs two tons (!). The stadium can seat just shy of 14,000 people and is adaptable to other sports such as volleyball, gymnastics, or basketball
Lotus-inspired Motisons Tower
Nightly Light Show at Motisons Tower
Jaipur, India
Wanting an iconic look for their new corporate office, the owners of Motisons Jewellers turned to architects, Kothari Associates, to create a striking, beautiful design unlike anything else. The base of the structure is rectangular in shape and has enormous lotus leaves of 3 rising up from each side of the building. Resembling a lotus flower, the organic-shaped forms are striking in their shape and color. With deep jewel tones, each leaf is a different color. At night, the bulding comes alive as the leaves, powered by multi-colored LED lights, pulsate and change colors every few minutes. The owner of the building can also choose whichever colors, patterns, or rhymes desired which keeps this spectacle ever-changing and new.