Introduction to Feng Shui architecture

Ancient practice enriching modern design

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is the ancient Chinese science of building design and object placement. It seeks to create harmony between individuals and their environments for happy, healthy and purposeful living. 

Feng Shui has shaped Chinese architecture for thousands of years, and in modern times has influenced the design of famous buildings around the world. Today, Feng Shui design is gaining traction as more people — particularly in post-pandemic Western nations — spend  more time at home and  seek greater meaning and balance in their lives.

What do the words ‘Feng Shui’ mean?

The word Feng Shui is made up of two characters: Feng (wind) and Shui (water). According to Ancient Chinese philosophy, the flow of energy (Qi or Chi) that exists in all things is the element of Air, which is carried by the Wind and stopped by the Water. 

Feng shui studies how the dynamics of Wind and Water, along with flow of energy, can influence  human beings through their environment. Good energy flow is accomplished by balance of Wind & Water, correct location of room and functionality and the placement of objects. This combination promotes good fortune, health and prosperity for inhabitants.

The Origins of Feng Shui

Feng Shui was developed by ancient Chinese Taoists more than 5,000 years ago to help them live in harmony with nature, and to influence nature for optimum health and wellbeing. 

Following the same core principles as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, Feng Shui emerged from the Taoist premise that everything in life has a positive or negative energy flow. Energy flow can be disrupted by external forces such as buildings or furniture, leading to discomfort, malaise and bad luck. The Taoists established rigorous Feng Shui design methods to balance energy flow and restore harmony. 

How does Feng Shui work?

Feng Shui is based on mathematics, science and analysis of energy flow through an environment. It goes beyond placing objects in a certain position and seeks to understand how different objects affect our lives and the flow of energy around us. 

The three key aspects of Feng Shui design are: 

  • The flow of energy (Qi or Chi)

  • Balancing the opposites of yin  and yang energy in your environment and within yourself,  to create well-being through inner peace

  • Correlating each of the five elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – with the purpose and harmony of each space. For example, an entertaining area can have more fire energy to promote a fun and active space, and a relaxing space would have more earth energy to enhance a calming and grounding environment

Feng Shui promotes harmony and happiness in design by understanding the individual energy blueprint of a location and structure; this energy blueprint guides the correct spatial arrangement, orientation and placement for positive energy flow. It considers the finest design details, such as understanding how certain directions, proportions and colours affect us and which are best in our individual homes or workplaces. 

Feng Shui architectural design.

The Feng Shui Compass or “Lo Pan” is a complex tool containing several layers of information used in a Feng Shui assessment.

Adding  the Feng Shui blueprint and layers for a home design project.

If you’re interested to learn more about Feng Shui in architecture, interior design and landscape design please get in touch for a chat.