Chi for One
by Howard Choy. Photographs by Sharrin Rees.
Published in Easy Feng Shui For Wealth, 2001.

Our Sydney architectural practice not only designs and builds buildings incorporating Feng Shui principles, it also provides Feng Shui consultations for individual clients and other design professionals.  We believe that adjusting the Feng Shui of a building can affect the future wealth and prosperity of the people living and working there. 

Since our work varies greatly, from urban renewal projects to the design of company logos, we provide both “re-active” and “pro-active” consultations.  We use the term ‘reactive’ when we are asked to comment on buildings that already exist or have just been built.  In these situations we can only “react” or respond to what is in front of us.  As Feng Shui Consultants, it is not our aim to interfere, or take over the work of the Designer or the Architect.  Rather, as members of a team, our role is to provide a Feng Shui brief and to ensure that the brief is carried out correctly. Personally, I prefer ‘pro-active’ Feng Shui, which applies when we have been asked to participate in the design process itself.  In my experience, using Feng Shui analysis from the very first stages, as part of the design methodology, leads to more holistic solutions that are invariably more satisfying for both the design team and the client.  

The following account demonstrates how an understanding of Feng Shui analysis can be combined with Architectural design notions to achieve comfort and happiness for a building’s inhabitants.

We were engaged as Feng Shui Consultants to the Architects for a project where the Client was very interested in using Feng Shui to enhance the environment.  The unit was in an ideal location with an extensive water view over Double Bay.  As it was located on a lower floor it, already had the protection of the “Black Turtle” behind it.  It was important to us that the internal layout of the unit not only complemented but enhanced the natural virtues of the property.

The Architect’s initial design proposal had a few Feng Shui problems (refer to Sketch Plan 1). The main issue was that the bathroom was located in the centre of the unit, which is considered inauspicious from a Feng Shui point of view. In addition, the constricted centre created a narrow entrance, further reducing the free qi flow to and around the unit.

The initial design also had a column located near the centre of the dining table. The column connected to an exposed beam overhead and effectively ‘cut the table in two’, in terms of the energy of the space.  An additional exposed beam, perpendicular to the first, also supported the column. The “sha qi” of the exposed beams divided the living area into four segments, effectively cutting the heart of the home in four pieces. This was both bad planning and bad Feng Shui.

Finally, the beds in each of the two bedrooms needed to be moved from their locations under the windows.  Good Feng Shui and common sense both deem that sleeping with your head under a window is undesirable, since it results in a sense of insecurity.  Furthermore, possible draughts may lead to ill health.  This situation was resolved by moving the beds against a solid wall where there was a view to both the window and the door.

Initially, we had trouble convincing the Architects that their design had problems.  As Feng Shui Consultants, we use a different paradigm to that of architects, to view a situation.  Instead of the problem-solving, or cause and effect approach, which we were taught at university, we use an understanding of Chinese qi, or configurational energy.  We believe that an environment in which the yin and yang forces harmonise will bring out the best in its inhabitants.  Feng Shui principles can be used to maximise the creative output of people and, in turn, bring them prosperity and happiness.  Once we explained to the Architects that we were not attacking their design but simply looking at the situation from a different angle, we were able to successfully integrate the two different perspectives. 

The final proposal prepared by the Architects gave the apartment a much more comfortable feel (refer Sketch Plan 2). The living space opened out towards the view of the water to the east.  This created a sense of movement between inside and outside, from darkness to light.  Simply by re-locating the amenity area to one side of the unit, the entrance was opened up.  Now the Client greets his guests in a welcoming space where natural light filters through from a generous terrace connected to the living area.  Where the “Dirty Water” of the toilet and the bath once might have taken up the heart of the house, the dining area now takes this place, meaning that qi is assembled and affection is cultivated.  The final design satisfied the needs of the client, the Architects‘ sense of aesthetics and fulfilled the requirements of good Feng Shui – an all round success story!

In an interview with one of the Architects (Sydney Morning Herald, Domain, 20^th May 1999), he was quoted: “The end result is something we are all happy with. It is a restful apartment… but if a person is interested in using feng shui, the feng shui consultant must be involved at the beginning of the process!”

Feng shui issues taken up with the architect.

1.   The Bathroom (water element) is located in the centre of the unit (earth element). Since water weakens earth (which represents stability) it is an undesirable layout.

2.   The entrance is too narrow and small. A restricted ‘qi mouth’ will restrict the flow of ‘sheng qi’ (life giving energy) into the unit.

3.   The beds are located under the windows. It is undesirable not only from a security point of view but also means the sleep of the residents will be ‘attacked’ by the wind (sha qi).

4.   The beds are also located in an inauspicious direction for the owner (‘wu gui’ or five ghosts). Therefore it is better to relocate them against the north wall (‘yan nian’ or longeivity) and against the south wall (‘fu wei’ or life).

5.   Sitting around a column and under an exposed beam will create ‘sha qi’ for the diners. There is a need to re-orientate the table to lead the qi outwards towards the view and water to the east.