The building is characterized by a nine-sided construction in keeping with the Bahá’í belief in the mystical properties of the number nine. It was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba who won acclaim for the project even before the temple was completed. The building is set on an elevated plinth in a 26-acre (10.5-hectare) expanse of land and surrounded by nine pools bounded by red sandstone walkways. The central hall edifice rises to a height of more than 130 feet (40m) high and can accommodate up to 2,500 people.

The Temple complex comprises 27 independent marble structures (petals) which are clustered into groups of three to form nine sides. The nine sides also open nine entrances into a central space and into groups of nine to form three concentric rings. The petals in the first ring face outward, forming canopies over the nine entrances. On the other hand, the second ring covers the outer hall. The petals in the innermost ring curve inward to somewhat enclose the central prayer hall.

The overall effect of the design is that of a floating lotus flower surrounded by its leaves. Thus, the Lotus Temple derives its name from its design. The basic idea of the design is that two fundamental elements- light and water, have been used as ornamentation in place of the statues and carvings usually found in Indian temples.

The building’s reinforced-concrete petals are clad by white marble panels to fit the surface profiles as well as the structure's geometry. The walkways and stairs in the podium are finished in the local red sandstone.

The Lotus Temple also exhibits natural ventilation and cooling techniques. The fresh air that blows over the fountain enters through openings in the basement up into the central hall and is expelled through a vent at the top of the structure.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lotus-Temple and https://worldarchitecture.org/articles/cvcmg/lotus_temple_a_symbol_of_excellence_in_modern_indian_architecture.html was used in this story