LOTUS FLOWER - AN INSPIRATION FOR ARCHITECTS

                                                                                                                                                                     Few days before I heard the conversation of two kids, they were talking about the typical buildings near by.They felt very bored and were anxious to know ,if there are any interesting structures in the world. Their that conversation inspired me to write a blog highlighting the unique buildings and structures in the world.Since childhood I am very much close to nature,always observing the natural things ,flora and fauna and now as an architect , I am very much fascinated by the buildings that are inspired by nature.
  I am starting this blog with the buildings which are inspired by beautiful  lotus flower, which is regarded as a sacred flower associated with  worship ,art, culture and religion of India through out many centuries.

  This beautiful flower which is known for its ability to emerge above the murky water pure and            clean , inspired many architects around the world.
  Lotus is regarded as sacred flower , it signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the water of experience and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment and therefore its shape is used in religious buildings.The best examples being lotus temple in New Delhi, and Lotus Temple in Chile.

real LOTUS flower

                         

Lotus Temple, Delhi 

LOTUS TEMPLE DELHI  :Besides its aesthetic appearance and religious importance what strikes me most is its design which is based on the principle of minimal energy consumption.

The super structure is designed to function as skylight.Light filters through the inner folds of the petal and is diffused through out the hall.Pools and fountain help to cool the air that passes over them into the hall.                                                                                                                                                   

LOTUS TEMPLE ,CHILE :  

Temple is like a drapery of light, it is not light passing through, it's captured light, states Architect.

we can say that desired effect of embodied light is achieved in it.

Chile is active seismic region ,I think this shape may help to sustain the seismic waves.

Lotus Temple ,Chile

 I think Architects are inspired by its arrangements of petals to get desired effects of diffused natural   lights, collection of  rain water , regulation of wind flow and other Eco friendly aspects.

For every one ,Lotus is  the first name that comes in mind when concept of a  building above the water is considered.

and therefore some hotels,resorts, cultural centres gets its shape.The reflection of the structure in water enhances its beauty. Luminous Lotus Building in China and Hanoi Lotus Centre  in Vietnam are good examples of man made lotus ,and I think they are  equallyas good as gods creation. We should not forget that it is  only possible because of  advance science and technology. Use of appropriate material made them mile stones in architecture.

LUMINOUS LOTUS BUILDING IN CHINA :     This building is also naturally ventilated and utilises evaporative  cooling from the lakes surface to drive a thermal chimney with in the main flower pod. It is also designed for minimal energy consumption.
                                                                                                                         

Luminous Lotus Building, China

HANOI  LOTUS  CENTRE, VIETNAM :  It is the expansion of arts and cultural centre  in the Vietnamese capital.Architects choose to reference the shape of floating lotus blossom as it is Vietnam's national flower,but also because the complex sit atop a major new storm-water mitigation lake.

Architects say that young tightly wrapped lotus flower is a poignant symbol of  growth and potential before it  bursts open into an elegantly coloured bloom

Hanoi Lotus Centre , Vietnam

Beautiful regular shape of its petals ,be it full blossom or bud ,used as landscaping elements.
It  represents long life,health, honour and good luck.and used for economic and tourist centre's.

HOTEL ATKINS ,CHINA: Designed to bring natural light into each area.

Hotel Atkins, China

LOTUS GARDEN AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE ,NEW DELHI :
Symbol of spirituality, each petal reflects auspicious sentiments of learning from every one and doing good for all.

We can see different perception of lotus too. examples are:

ARTS AND SCIENCE MUSEUM SINGAPORE

Eco friendly architecture. 

 Interpreted as lotus flower or outreached hand,the roof deftly collects water and light for the museums use. Each finger/ petal has generous sky light that fills the galleries with abundant day light.

Air stratification technique is used, ie, air conditioning grills at floor help save energy as well cooling the air at visitors feet , rather than the entire space. 

LOTUS SHAPED UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY ,CHINA :

Crystal lotus blooming in Suzhou university .

The use of lotus shape in the concept of residence designing is amazing one .

HWA-HUN HOUSE ,SEOUL:

Its design concept that impress me is that the house is an example of nature scape architecture,  shielded from neighbouring buildings . 

It is also symbolic of detachment, as drops of water easily slide of its petal, therefore used in                hermitage.

PARSANALA OF SANTHIGIRI , KERALA  :

It is the hermitage of founder of  santhigiri ashram.

Lotus shape is having a space in fantasy world also , sky city is the example.

SKY CITY :  It is architecturally designed concept,the project is about an imaginary tranquil oasis 

above the mega developed and polluted city where one can escape the noise and pollution of the existing city.

 


So, I have highlighted some  buildings that are designed with lotus shape, Temples,hotels,resorts,residences,museum, library, stadium,cultural centre, landscaped gardens, etc.
Even it is used in furniture's , lights,chandeliers,candles and many house hold things.

 

 I can conclude that Lotus  is the shape widely used by architects and designers ,of course with the   help of intelligent use of science ,technology , natural & man made material.

Hope you enjoyed the journey through " Lotus Architecture"