Lotus Temple. Designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, the temple is characterized by its nine-sided construction. The temple complex consists of a total of 27 independent marble "petals" that are grouped in groups of three to form nine sides (through which nine entrances open into a central room) and in groups of nine to form three concentric rings. In combination with a glass and steel roof, this creates the overall impression of a floating lotus flower.