Wind and Water according to the author - "can be defined as a melange of art and science which governs design issues of architecture and planning, embracing a wide range of disciplines of human interest."
"The principal concept of feng shui is to create an order in life and the built environment which is in sympathy with the supposed order of the cosmic currents running the universe. the resulting harmony allegedly brings human well-being, besides visibly fulfilling an ancient symbolism."
The Western architectural tradition (Since the Renaissance) involves a system of proportion dedicated to visual harmony while in East Asia the architecture is designed to create harmony by the applications of "symbolically auspicious directions" based off the yin/yang, five elements and eight trigrams.
The new popularity of feng shui could be nothing more than a naive taste for the exotic, which could be from the worlds distrust of science and technology, a development of new spirituality, or profound sense that the Far East with its principles are superior to the Western form of thinking.
The author concludes by stating the study of feng shui should be studied in Western architecture to provide a pragmatic tool to understand Eastern Asian architecture and design. However, if one wishes to truly practice it, then the belief structure for feng shui must be understood to receive its full effect on architecture and design.
Why is this worthy to discuss?
We often view our way (the Western way) of thinking as the best or sometimes only way to approach design. The author here points out that feng shui utilizes more than just design elements and principles, but also incorporates a spirituality and belief system that harmonizes the space with nature. Feng shui's popularity can be noticed within the design community, as more and more individuals are seeking a way of harmonizing their lives with nature, each other and the communities that they are a part of. Many may view this as an alternative to the classic Western form of design which utilizes the Ancient Greek and Roman methods of proportions. Design and architecture must be willing to adapt and grow and explore other cultures if it wished to maintain newness, creativity, and even a piece of spirituality.
Why is this important to me?
This article sparked an interest within me about the new popularity of feng shui within the interio design community, at least about 5 years ago anyway. I remember clients asking me if i knew feng shui, being asked to study it in China for a summer, and reading about it in articles and books. I wanted to know everything I could about this method of design. Once I became a little more knowledgeable about feng shui; it started making more sence as to why this was popular. Having the Western principle of harmony (the golden mean) to go by, I realized that the methods were a little different but the end results were similar. So for me, feng shui is another view and set of principles to filter a design problem through to create an amazing design solution. It really comes back to what is good design. Harmony with nature and the interior environment is just good design. I am not saying I do not value feng shui and its spiritual meaning. Should we as designers not arm ourselves with all the principles, and elements of design that are available to us? Would knowing the principles of feng shui help make us better designers? All I ask is that we think about it and see what we can learn from others even though they are different.
Author: Alfred B. Hwangbo
Journal : The Journal of Architecture 4:2, 191-198 printed 1999
7 comments:
Tommy,
Feng Shui. I haven't hear that naive, ancient approach for a long time! I was so fascinated to study Feng shui during my college years, however I believe that a new approach, green design began to take over the design issue.
I agree with the author's notes about feng shui is more than just design elements and principle... incorporating (or I say, "harmony") with two things: nature and interior spaces into a whole, balanced environment. I think it's a great idea if you add some "feng shui" concepts to your teachings or thesis.
I'm so glad to hear that approach has been returned after five years absence. ~
I think that adding a spiritual component (especially one that advocates harmony with nature) to design is a great idea... as long as you practice what you preach and that spirituality does not become commercialized.
I anjoyed seeing your blog this week because when i lived in dorms at USF- I decorated my room according ot the Black Hat sect principles. People who I lived around would come in and not want to leave. I explained why I had oriented everything the way I did and before I knew it I was doing their rooms.
I still have the 4 or so books I used to figure out how and mind you I never claimed to be an expert but the people who lived in my redesigned rooms said they felt more balalnced. The books I used also cited results of increased profit in business and overall wellbeing of those who interact with the spaces.
I started looking into it as a 10th grader in highschool because I felt my room was way weird and wanted to feel more comfortable in it. I thought it helped me as well... if anything I think it is just one more tool that one could use to see a project from a different angle.
Tommy,
You raise some interesting points here. Feng shui is particularly interesting because it relates design decisions to world view, and specifically the Taoist spiritual practices. My take on this is that I urge interior designers to consider this guidance; however, I discourage designers from 'picking and choosing' their practices. I'm not sure spiritual beliefs lend themselves to this selectivity. That is, if one wishes to apply feng shui, I advocate that one dedicate themselves to Taoist belief systems to define their world. Likely not the predominant view, but it is mine nonetheless. I have a chart I used to share with students on this that compares world religions' attitudes on design if you're interested.
I first heard about feng shui around ten years or so ago, before it became really popular here. I was able to find a some information, but not nearly to the extent that there is today. I use a few feng shui techniques myself. I really respond to how logical it is. Although it is quite spiritual, I beleive it is just good design. I think that feng shui "explained" design solutions that 3000 yrs ago could not be. We now know through science that there are certain stimuli that human beings naturally respond favorably to. But there is also the soiritual, magical part that is very calming and relaxing. I agree that we shold no a little about a lot in order to be effective designers...and be prepared for any situation..irregardless of bad chi.
First of all I have to ask: Who asked you to study feng shui in China for a summer and how can I get in on that action?
I agree with Dr. Pable that if someone is going to design using feng shui they should understand Taoism and subscribe to its beliefs. For me, it doesn't make sense to design based on a logic system that I don't fully buy into. There are a lot of Taoist beliefs which are at odds with the modern scientific way of thinking. But even if a designer doesn't follow the Taoist way of thinking, we should all study it because it is important to be knowledgeable about all aspects of the design field.
"The author here points out that feng shui utilizes more than just design elements and principles, but also incorporates a spirituality and belief system that harmonizes the space with nature."
And yet I see a trend among pop-design to secularize the spirituality of this system. I've heard the argument from legitimate practitioners that feng shui is a "package deal", that it doesn't work without the spirituality.
Others have made the case that feng shui is just common sense and doesn't need the spiritual fluff to improve our lives.
I side with the former. I studied feng shui - not for long, but long enough to realize it is deep and complex. I cannot pretend to offer real advice on the matter and it frustrates me when pop-designers pretend to be masters of it.
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