| Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is a major branch | | | | much they can affect the quality of life for those who |
| of ancient Chinese metaphysics, which reveals how | | | | will eventually occupy the spaces they design. To |
| people are affected by their interior and exterior | | | | consciously create structures that will help people |
| environment. It has also been viewed as a natural | | | | flourish in their careers, relationships, and health is a |
| earth science. | | | | very big responsibility, but relatively easy when |
| In the Western world, there has been a sharp increase | | | | employed at the very beginning of a project. |
| in the awareness of feng shui. But even though the | | | | Above and beyond any skepticism, it behooves |
| concept has become popular, the mechanics of how it | | | | professionals to familiarize themselves with basic |
| really works and the theories behind it still remain a | | | | theory and utilize it whenever possible. Architect |
| mystery to most, even those who dabble in it. | | | | Raymond Chang spoke before the American Feng |
| Common sense, laws of physics, and good interior | | | | Shui Institute in 1999, stating that an ever-increasing |
| design have always been incorporated into these | | | | percentage of Asian home-buyers in Southern |
| beliefs and practices. Historically, it was not taught | | | | California won't buy properties which fail to meet this |
| openly to the public. Since this esoteric art could | | | | certain criteria. Health-conscious and open-minded |
| change the fortunes and powers of political dynasties, | | | | Westerners are also embracing these principles and |
| strict controls were in place to keep the average | | | | making it a contingency in their real estate transactions. |
| person from obtaining this knowledge. | | | | It is in every architect and builder's best interests to |
| Currently, the trendy "dumbed down" versions of feng | | | | align themselves with an expert who can work side by |
| shui have emphasized superstitious rituals and cultural | | | | side with them on a project. |
| placebos. But behind the myths and magic, a | | | | Fortunately, one of the beauties of feng shui is that |
| sophisticated universal earth science exists which can | | | | major problems can often be corrected after the fact, |
| potentially benefit every human being anywhere in the | | | | but the ultimate is to avoid these potential problems |
| world. | | | | from the beginning. |
| Professionals in architecture, design, and construction | | | | I look forward to sharing with you the more |
| hold a unique position and power to choose good feng | | | | sophisticated and advanced applications, from a |
| shui designs over bad ones. The ramifications are | | | | wealth of ancient wisdom, which is even more |
| staggering if these industries come to understand how | | | | relevant today. |