There’s no doubt about it, the architecture that surrounds us is becoming bigger, bolder and more daring. As designers push the limits of what can be done with modern materials and building techniques, those commissioning them continually attempt to outdo each other, competing for who can boast the tallest, most striking or technically accomplished structure.
High demand for unique buildings and significant progress in the science of building materials and methods means architects are free to take inspiration from an impressive variety of sources, from the shell-like Sydney Opera House to the organic masterpiece that is 30 St Mary Axe, London (aka The Gherkin). It is perhaps inevitable that several of our most stunning new buildings honour some of the most beautiful creations from the natural world – flowers.
Lotus Temple, Delhi
The Lotus Temple in Delhi (more properly known as the Bahá’í House of Worship) is a marble-clad concrete structure built in 1986. Multi award-winning, it is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and draws massive crowds; it is estimated that 4 million people visit the temple every year. The person responsible for designing the building is Fariborz Sahba, an Iranian architect of the Bahá’í faith.
Lotus Temple, Delhi
Regent Hotel, Canal Point, Dubai
Dubai has built its global reputation on the ambitious, amazing buildings that have sprung up in recent years. One of the planned additions to the desert landscape to have been delayed by the worldwide economic recession has been the Regent Hotel at Dubai’s Canal Point. Slated to sit alongside The Palm, Jumeirah, the Regent is another building inspired by the lotus flower, and is planned to have 250 luxury guestrooms spread across 17 floors.
Regent Hotel, Canal Point, Dubai
UK Pavilion, Shanghai Expo
At the Shanghai Expo 2010, amidst tens of exciting new buildings from many of the top architects in the world, one stands out. The UK pavilion, nicknamed “The Seed Cathedral” takes inspiration from the dandelion – a symbol of tenacity in the West and good luck in China. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, The Seed Cathedral is formed from 60,000 7.5 metre-long transparent rods, which quiver in the breeze. Each rod contains a seed and acts like a fibre-optic filament, drawing light into the building and giving the structure a halo-like glow at night.
UK Pavilion, Shanghai Expo (Seed Cathedral)
