It
is often said that good design is also good Feng Shui. Generally
speaking, I totally agree. However, Feng Shui principles of
how Ch'i moves in and around a building, and what kind of
effect that has on people, will sometimes be in conflict with
interesting architecture or landscape.
1.
Does symmetry = balance? I
have seen many floor plans where the architect deliberately
placed doorways or windows directly opposite each other. Sometimes
there is a whole succession of windows along a wall, and the
opposite wall will be a mirror image. I have seen entrances
or exterior facades where columns, hedges, and pathways create
long straight lines toward a main door. In looking at these
designs, the symmetry is obvious. But from a Feng Shui stand
point, this is not necessarily harmonious or balanced. Think
about nature, and winding meandering paths through gardens,
and groupings in odd numbers. This is very different than
the perfect pairing of windows, doors, or other architectural
features. Two windows exactly opposite each other may feel
like balance through symmetry from a designer's training.
But this arrangement allows for ch'i (air currents) to either
move too quickly through a room and/or the room leaks its
vitality too soon.
2.
High ceilings:
A
room may feel dramatic and larger (intended effect) when the
ceilings are high. Most people initially feel good in this
kind of room. But the function of the room will determine
the appropriateness of high ceilings in Feng Shui theory.
It may be hard to concentrate in a room with high ceilings,
and it may be difficult to get good sleep as well. Sometimes
the good energies which need to be cozy and contained in a
small room, will get dissipated in a room with high ceilings.
3.
Beams:
The
look of exposed beams can also bring personality to a room
from a design point. But open beams in a bedroom are known
to cause health and relationship problems in Feng Shui theory
(in all schools of Feng Shui.)
4.Views
from front to back:
A
major selling feature in many homes is to create a spectacular
view from the entrance, all the way through to the back (showing
a garden, or views of a valley or ocean.) But this is not
the home you will sell to an adherent of Feng Shui. Once again,
the premise is that incoming energy will make a bee-line for
the back, escaping too quickly. The mundane result of a house
losing its energy is that the occupants will have a hard time
saving their money.
5.
Angles and odd shapes:
When
a building or a single room has an odd shape, (not a square
or rectangle) this can make the ch'i boomerang around the
room, causing lack of focus, ill health, or arguments. I have
often been in very odd-shaped buildings or houses, where the
real orientation (of what is the front and what is the back)
is also very confusing. Just because a building looks striking
from afar doesn't mean it is a comfortable place to work in.
I once saw the design for a new building by some famous architect
and it honestly looked like a crumpled piece of paper! This
can't possibly be good Feng Shui. **Keep in mind: there are
some buildings which get classified as being good for money,
but not good for health and relationships. The ideal is to
create a building that is good for both, but given a choice,
the priority should be more in favor of people over money.
6.
Staircases:
Sometimes
the design of a grand, swirling staircase can make a huge
statement for the room or entrance. But energetically, a staircase
is a conduit for energy. It will swirl and activate whatever
it is around. If the stairs are located in a positive section
of a building, they can make it even more positive. If they
happen to be in a bad location, then the movement they stir
up will only further irritate the area. This can only be understood
by Feng Shui practitioners who can calculate the "unseen"
influences.
7.Aesthetics:
Sometimes
a home or commercial property just looks and feels great,
and all the visual features are in sync with good Feng Shui
principles as well. But every structure has been built facing
a particular compass degree, and within a certain time frame,
and those two coordinates may produce a house-type that can
attract tremendous misfortune, even though it "looks" good.
This is the level of Feng Shui that architects find most startling.
How could it be that their gorgeous new home can create lawsuits?
Or miscarriage? Or accidents? Or divorce?
The
good news is that more and more architects are considering
working with Feng Shui practitioners, so that the blending
of their talents can truly create a superior space-- visually,
functionally and energetically. | 
