Lotus Temple

Fariborz Sahba - New Delhi, INDIA - 1986

key words: Biomimicry, Concrete, Leaves, Lotus, Marble, Skylight, Worship

TEMPLE EXTERIOR - © Fariborz Sahba

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in 1986, is one of the most iconic examples of contemporary sacred architecture. As one of eight Bahá’í Houses of Worship worldwide, it is remarkable for its openness to all faiths, embodying the Bahá’í principle of unity and inclusivity. Its lotus-inspired design, constructed from concrete and clad in Grecian marble, has become an internationally recognised symbol, drawing over 70 million visitors since completion.

The temple’s design is a sophisticated exercise in biomimicry, with twenty-seven marble “leaves” organised in triads across nine sides. These elements create a layered spatial experience: the entrance leaves define access, the outer leaves shelter ancillary spaces, and the inner leaves form the main worship hall beneath a dramatic glass and steel skylight. This interplay of form, light, and materiality balances symbolic resonance with technical innovation, producing a spiritual space that is both monumental and serene.

Set within 26 landscaped acres punctuated by ponds, the temple offers not only a place of worship but also an environment of reflection. While often compared to Utzon’s Sydney Opera House, its success lies in transcending mere iconography, functioning as both a global pilgrimage site and a profound architectural expression of spiritual universality.