The concept of positive energies ever flowing in and out of a manmade structure is a reflection of Feng Shui Architecture that is commonly believed to be a superstitious way of approaching architectural design. However, there are very solid concepts behind this that are not just based on energies but also on practical culture-based design that has withstood the tests of time in relation to the changes of Nature.
Feng Shui goes by the main principle that any living thing has to be in harmony with its internal as well as external environment in order to keep the system in proper balance and avoid drastic changes that could be disastrous. The inter-related harmony based on Yin and Yang theories, the use of the Five Elements (Wuxing), and the Qi, are all part of the considerations to take when designing a solid structure.
Actions taken by man should always be based on the reactions that Nature might have in relation to these changes, especially if they have been implemented without these basic concepts of harmony in mind. When building a structure one should always consider the concept of being bound to a mountain in an elevated position, along with the presence of a body of water nearby. In this type of architecture, the structure must have its back to the mountain, with its entrance facing the body of water.
In this concept, mountains are considered a solid foundation for natural resources, provision of food and protection from harsh weather and enemy attack. Water represents life as well as transportation and the concept of Qi that is formless and formed.
Roads and structures do not need to be straight or at level in relation to one another when basing their development on the positions of mountain and water source. The varying entrance angles of each structure in a given area can actually provide visibility for any attempted attack on the area as they have all been strategically placed to face the water source no matter at which elevated area of the mountain they may be located. Military strategies have found this concept very useful in terms of defensive and offensive positions.
The aesthetic appreciation of structural placement in relation to the environment is also a consideration taken with the concept of Qi. Being formless and formed, such as water, beauty is also found in unformed and formed concepts of light and material art.
Formless colors and light can be played with to add beauty to a home as long as this is not used in excess. Formed beauty such as artwork, objects and materials, as well as landscape can be used as the basis giving birth to the architectural design. This also works to keep the structure within the safety limits by keeping it from being built too high or too low, as well as keeping the decorative aspects of the design under control to avoid risk of being overdone or ugly.
The quality of soil and its chemical make up are also taken into consideration when it comes to this practice, which is basically for the more practical purpose of having clean, balanced soil to plant seeds in and promote growth. Natural environmental concepts have carved a niche for Feng Shui in environmental architecture.
The entire study of Feng Shui can already be considered almost a science more so than a simple set of superstitions, as the use of it goes back to ancient times and its roots dig deeply into many concepts that have withstood the tests of time. The popularity of environmental engineering and architecture of today is bound to keep Feng Shui well within the borders of professional architectural designs as the architect struggles to maintain that balance between structure and Nature.
Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with chinese feng shui and feng shui living. Copyright 2010 101FengShuiTips.com. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_McIntyre
