Sunday, March 30, 2008

Feng-shui and architecture

Feng-shui has recently become an important element in building design. I have been using some basic feng-shui strategies in my previous small residential projects, which are also known to many designers and clients alike, like number of stair steps, door locations and toilet layout.
My recent project in Davao City is my first encounter with how feng-shui could really make a huge impact in the design and lay-out of the building. It has made designing more difficult and should I say challenging?
Here are some of the requirements by the feng-shui master imported from Hongkong by the owner:
1. Originally, the lay-out of the residential suites had the T&B and kitchen areas fronting the hallway at the middle so as to have terraces and wide windows on the exterior of the units. It was suggested by the feng-shui master to have the service areas facing the exterior. (see picture at the 4th level).
2. Location of the transformer is at the right-most side of the building near the power lines at the main road. It was suggested to have that relocated at the corner of the site as the only possible location. (picture shows base of signage tower as transformer room. However, recently, the feng-shui expert agreed to have it at the left-most side of the building, so as there is no obstruction of views at the corner. The signage tower is also to be relocated)
3. If you're wondering why most buildings have rounded corners, then here's another example
4. No toilets shall be placed when there's a door or passageway on the floor below it.
5. Dirty water (septic tanks) shall be placed at the left side of the site and clean water (cistern) placed at the right side of the site.
6. Doors at two separate rooms shall not be oriented like a butterfly, meaning one door swings left and the other swings right.
7. Kitchen locations were also suggested to future tenants of the ground floor rentable spaces.
And there's a lot more minor requirements, including of course, the stairs.
The feng-shui master made a warning that if the suggestions were not followed, the business will last only a maximum of seven years!
So from now on, I will be using these suggestions in all of my projects especially commercial projects! How about you?

2 comments:

  1. nice topic. very interesting.
    goodluck sir in your endeavors.
    hope you wont forget us and absorb us pag madami na kayo projects. hehehe.
    thanx.

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  2. Is feng shui applicable also for Pinoys? Well, it's not bad to follow those to balance the ying and yang but what about those who do not believe, does that mean their works or houses are not as lucky compared to those who believe? Besides, it is very expensive to have feng shui consultation and fee. Sir, sabihin nyo na lang sa amin para makalibre, he he he!

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