Fengshui and Chinese Construction

China has a long history of over 5000 years of civilization. Different from western architecture which focuses on the building entity, housing aesthetic effect, and specific functions using advanced technology and materials, Chinese ancient architecture pays more attention to the harmony between architecture, the human environment, and the compatibility between nature and mankind. Traditional Feng Shui architecture provides valuable principles accumulated during the long architectural history of China.

Introduction of Feng shui

The Basic Elements in Ancient Feng Shui

The ancient geomantic omen contains four elements: the dragon, hole, sand, and water. Dragon’s spirit means the floating air of the mountains. The air originates underground (hole). It runs along the winding and bumpy road and moves with the serpentine flow. The point means the mountain peak and location of air coalescence. Sand refers to the surrounding mountain caves; “ring sand” refers to the excellent natural environment point created by the peaks of the surrounding mountains which makes the air coalesce and resist being scattered by the wind. Water refers to the water flow related to points; “water circle” means water flows around the hole which makes the air gather and not is lost.

Select Principles of Feng Shui Architecture

Overall System Principles
The theory of Feng Shui considers the environment as a whole system. The system takes the human as the center and includes the universe. Feng Shui’s function is to grasp the relation between each subsystem, optimize the structure, and seek the best combination. The overall principle of Feng Shui deals with the relationship between humans and the environment; this is also the basic characteristic of modern Feng Shui.
The Principle of Utilization of Local Conditions
Utilization of local conditions also means human should adapt to nature according to the objective environment China has a vast territory, diverse climate, different soil characteristics, and different architectural forms. The northwest has little rain with drought conditions, so people dig caves as dwellings.The southwest is moist and has many insects and animals, so people construct residential bamboo buildings suspended above the ground, The prairie herders in Mongolia have portable housing with grass mats allowing them to migrate easily. People in the mountains of Guizhou and Dali build stone masonry houses, but people in the central plains build houses with soil. These building forms are in accordance with specific, local conditions. According to the actual situation, making buildings and residences suitable for nature, returning to natural materials, reverting to simplicity, and keeping harmony between man and nature is the true meaning of Feng Shui.
The Principle of Sites Surrounded by Hills and Beside Rivers
One form of adaptation is where the buildings are surrounded by hills. Three faces of the residence are circled by mountains, one side is open, and the houses are hidden by tree leaves, just as the Zhang Guying village in Hunan which is located in this terrain. The Mufu Mountains extend five hundred miles here. Three big peaks raised in the east, north and west sides, such as a lotus with three large petals. Another form is where the hills are covered by large groups of houses. For example, Wuhan University is situated in the Luojia Mountains and built against the mountainside. The student dormitories are close to the hillside, ringed with curved walls with a gate-shaped entrance. The mountain platform takes the city gate entrance as its axis. The libraries and teaching buildings are situated on both sides respectively, which is in hierarchical order and strict symmetry.
The Principle of Sitting at the North and Facing South
Facing south not only gives access to light but also provide shelter from the wind. Chinese climate belongs to the monsoon type and includes cool and warm winds. Feng Shui principles of orientation are to choose sites facing toward the east and south
which can accept the pleasant and warm wind called Yang Feng. However, a site facing to the north and west suffers a cool or chilly wind called Yin Feng. Without a wind block nearby, the family may experience decay due to bad weather. So
conforming to the heavens, acquiring the mountains’ spirit and taking sunbaths are the best way to keep healthy and edify sentiment. For example, the traditional quadrangle courtyard in north China is the typical building which has experienced three thousands of years of use.
Principle of Winding
The straight river or road is taboo according to Feng Shui. In outdoor environment design, the “grey space” is often used, such as the long corridor or shelter wall. The air will flow along the shelter wall, fitting the theory of feeling the wind. For indoor design, Ping Feng or a screen is used as shown in. It is usually used to control airflow. It can avoid direct airflow and make the resident feel more comfortable.