FENG-SHUI .(81).

        

                                                                FENG-SHUI


                           Fig 1: shows an image of a Feng-shui garden.


Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the arrangement and orientation of spaces to achieve harmony with the environment. The term "Feng Shui" literally translates to "wind-water" in English, symbolising the flow of energy (or "Qi" - pronounced "chi") in a given space.

Origins of Feng Shui:

Feng Shui dates back over 3,000 years and has its roots in Taoist philosophy. It originally developed from early Chinese geomancy and cosmology, which concerned itself with finding auspicious sites for settlements, tombs, and homes. The goal was to create a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment.

The practice was initially concerned with burial sites and the placement of graves in such a way that the flow of vital energy (Qi) was enhanced, promoting good fortune for descendants. Over time, it expanded to include the arrangement of buildings and living spaces to achieve balance and prosperity.

Basic Principles of Feng Shui:

  1. Qi (Chi) – The Life Force:
    The central concept of Feng Shui is Qi, the life force or energy that flows through all things. The goal is to arrange your environment so that Qi flows smoothly, bringing positive energy and avoiding negative energy (Sha Qi).

  2. Yin and Yang:
    Feng Shui is deeply influenced by the Taoist concept of Yin and Yang, the dual forces of nature that are interconnected and interdependent. Yin represents passive, dark, and feminine energy, while Yang represents active, bright, and masculine energy. A balanced environment integrates both Yin and Yang in harmony.

  3. The Five Elements:
    Feng Shui relies on the five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — which correspond to different aspects of life and natural forces. Each element is associated with specific colours, shapes, and directions:

    • Wood promotes growth and vitality (green, brown).

    • Fire represents passion and transformation (red, orange).

    • Earth brings stability and nourishment (yellow, beige).

    • Metal signifies precision and clarity (white, silver, gold).

    • Water symbolises abundance and flow (black, blue).

  4. Bagua (The Eight Trigrams):
    The Bagua is an octagonal grid that maps out the different areas of a space, each corresponding to various aspects of life, such as wealth, career, love, family, etc. The map is applied to the floor plan of a building or a piece of land to assess the flow of energy and enhance areas in need.

    The eight sectors are:

    • Wealth

    • Fame and reputation

    • Love and relationships

    • Family

    • Health and center

    • Creativity and children

    • Knowledge and wisdom

    • Career

  5. The Concept of "Sitting and Facing":
    This principle refers to the position in which you sit or sleep. The idea is that certain directions (for example, facing a mountain or sitting with your back to a solid wall) provide better energy, while others may expose you to harmful forces. The aim is to create an environment that supports the natural flow of energy.

Application in Landscape Architecture:


                                Fig 2: shows an image on the principles of Feng-shui.


Feng Shui is applied to the design of landscapes and outdoor spaces to create environments that support well-being, prosperity, and harmony. Here’s how Feng Shui principles are incorporated into landscape architecture:

  1. Site Orientation: The orientation of the land or garden is critical in Feng Shui. South-facing slopes are often considered the most auspicious because they receive the most sunlight, which enhances positive Qi flow. Similarly, avoiding steep slopes or areas prone to stagnant water can help reduce negative energy.

  2. Water Features: Water is a vital element in Feng Shui, representing abundance, wealth, and the flow of life energy. A pond, fountain, or stream can be placed in a garden to encourage prosperity, but it must be positioned carefully. It should not be too close to the home’s entrance or stagnate, as stagnant water symbolises blockages in life.

  3. Land form and Shape: The shapes of buildings, paths, and plant arrangements can affect Qi flow. Circular, curved, or rounded shapes encourage smooth, flowing energy, while sharp, angular features may cause it to become stuck. This is why Feng Shui emphasises curved walkways, rounded hedges, and avoiding direct lines that create harsh energies.

  4. Trees and Plants: Trees and plants play an important role in Feng Shui by providing life energy and purifying the air. Different plants are associated with different elements: trees for wood, flowers for earth, and water plants for water. The placement of trees should be strategic, such as planting trees in the back of a property for support and protection.

  5. The Balance of Elements: A Feng Shui landscape balances the five elements through plant choices, materials, and colours. For example, a garden may include:

    • Wood: Trees and shrubs.

    • Fire: Bright-coloured flowers, like red or orange.

    • Earth: Stone pathways, earthy tones in flowers, and clay pots.

    • Metal: Statues, fountains, or objects in metallic colours.

    • Water: Ponds, fountains, or streams.

  6. The Bagua Map: The Bagua map can be applied to outdoor spaces by dividing the landscape into nine sections. Each section represents different life aspects. For instance:

    • The Wealth corner could feature a water element or abundance-promoting plants.

    • The Career corner might benefit from the presence of rocks or a fountain to support growth and career development.

    • The Love area could be enhanced with flowers and plants in pairs to promote harmony.

  7. Lighting and Pathways: The use of lighting and pathways is also critical in landscape Feng Shui. Soft lighting helps to enhance the flow of energy, while well-defined, meandering paths guide Qi through the garden. Straight paths are typically avoided as they can create rushing energy, which may be unsettling.


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