Metaphoric architecture is when a building or structure is designed to represent something else. It's like when you pretend a box is a castle or a stick is a sword. Metaphoric architecture does the same thing with buildings.
For example, think of a museum shaped like a giant seashell. It might not actually be a seashell, but it's designed to look like one. The designer wants to make you feel like you're inside a seashell, even though you're really in a building.
Another example is a skyscraper that looks like a giant tree. The designer might want you to feel like you're standing in a forest, even though you're really in the middle of a busy city.
Metaphoric architecture is a way to make buildings more interesting and fun to look at. It can also help people feel more connected to nature or other things they love. Just like how you might feel more connected to your pretend castle, people can feel more connected to a building that represents something special to them.