The Power of Feng Shui for Builders
The ancient philosophy of feng shui (pronounced in Chinese "fung shway") has become mainstream in America. Every day, more and more people hear about this concept and desire to know more about it. Even real estate mogul Donald Trump has used the services of feng shui experts. "It is important to adhere to the principles of a large group of people who believe in these concepts," he said in an interview on national TV several years ago. "And if they believe them, that is good enough for me."
Feng shui has been popular in California for decades, particularly in Metropolitan Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area. This is mainly due to the high concentration of Asian homeowners who prefer to select subdivisions with houses that are considered as "favorable" or "good" feng shui. They believe that the flow of the positive chi, the universal life force, will enhance the quality of their lives. Because of this cultural belief, it broadens the goals of many California builders who find themselves increasingly integrating feng shui principles in their developments.
The concept of feng shui is multifaceted. Many aspects are metaphysical or mystical and sometimes perceived as superstition. Some are practical and commonsensical and can be used as a resource for building the highest-quality environment. With the continuous public demand for green building, feng shui principles can also be applied effectively in every stage of development for conservation and beautification purposes.
Feng shui is a complex network of principles involving both art and science with many interpretations. The metaphysical aspects deal with astrology and astronomy, which many people believe influence human affairs. Fortune telling and celestial calculations are involved in these disciplines. Other traditional feng shui disciplines involve the physical environment, including the atmosphere and the earth, using symbolism, meanings and signs for their interpretations.
From a practical standpoint, feng shui is a systematic approach in building a network of communities. The applications range from building an individual house or building to subdivision development and city planning. Feng shui can be used in every aspect of the building process, including land planning, site development, landscaping, architecture and interior designs. Although feng shui is a complex concept, it boasts of a simple purpose of creating harmony between people and their environment. From my years of experience in working with builders in California, feng shui has been used effectively and economically as a technique to enhance new homes, resulting in higher sales and greater profitability.
September 2007 Commercial Edition Issue