Eduardo Catalano’s iconic 65-foot metal flower blooms again in Buenos Aires

The stunning <a href="http://inhabitat.com/floralis-generica-is-a-giant-metal-flower-that-blooms-daily-in-buenos-aires/" target="_blank">Floralis Generica</a> is the first mobile public sculpture in Buenos Aires. Crafted by Argentine architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduardo_Catalano" target="_blank">Eduardo Catalano</a> in polished aluminum and stainless steel, the giant piece was designed to bloom during the day and close at dusk - just like most real flowers do. Unfortunately, due to extreme weather, the structure stopped working 6 years ago. But now, following repairs to its hydraulic mechanism, the flower is blooming again.

It was designed to open during the day and close itself at dusk.

Catalano's Floralis Generica stands at Plaza de las Naciones Unidas in Recoleta.

The 65-foot-high flower emerges from an artificial circular pond.

The pond is right in the middle of the park, framed by a hedge.

The giant flower was crafted by the late architect Eduardo Catalano, who taught at Harvard.

Installed in 2002, it was created as a gift for the city.

The 43-foot long petals would open and close daily.

The system functions thanks to a complex hydraulic mechanic system and photocells.

The sculpture was manufactured from 18 tons of aluminum and stainless steel by Lockheed Martin Aircraft.

Floralis Generica by Eudardo Catalano

Floralis Generica by Eudardo Catalano