The Louvre Museum, Paris, France. By introducing these two architectural forms whose
styles are as far apart as is humanly possible, yet the connection itself creates a new architectural language that is so powerful it draws people into the building. The emotion invoked here is neither curiosity nor intrigue. Instead it evokes a strange sensation that something so different - so old and so new - can actually lend itself to creating such strong magnetic pull. Through this symbiotic relationship, buildings can indeed create this invisible energy, a higher cosmic intangible that affects us in ways we cannot even explain. From a feng shui perspective, the nature of the energy has been described as a fusion of tien ti ren - heaven earth and mankind chi fused seamlessly into a whole - heaven energy flowing smoothly through the glass panels drawing fresh chi continuously to replenish the tired old chi of the Louvre corridors and galleries. IM Pei was truly at his best when he created this.
Sacred Architecture The Bahá’í House of Worship or Lotus Temple in Delhi was designed from an illustration of the lotus flower, an iconic symbol used in many Asian cultures and religions. Here, it is function that determines how the building is created. Arranged as 27 free standing marble clad petals, and with the building itself built in clusters of 3 to form 9 sides, these “petals” become the essential architectural design input that transforms this into a House of Worship. We are humbled by the spiritual element of the
architecture as we enter the space here. The energy created is pure; it is mesmerizing and captivating, and it in spires the observer to engage in an inner conversation with the building itself. One of the key aspects of this temple is its unique essence - it is open to all religions. It is used as a spiritual gathering arena rather than for any specific religion. As a result, the architecture lends itself to creating this personal relationship between Building and Man.
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The Lotus Temple in Delhi, India.
Shocking Architecture But what about the other side of the emotional spectrum where we are ‘shocked’ by architecture that literally shocks an emotional response out of our system? The Dancing Building in Prague proves to be just such an example where the twisted formation of glass, metal and concrete creates an architectural form that seems to dance and sway with the elements. Not subtle in nature, most people would be taken
aback by such architectural language. But it enforces the idea that architecture, no matter how elegant or symbolic, does have powerful influence on how we react not just to it but also to the world around us.
So even if a building is
truly “horrible”, the fact that it can create a response from us enforces the idea that all buildings have a level of energy to influence the way we feel, act and respond. The next time you encounter a building that attracts your attention, examine your emotions as you gaze at the building. You might be surprised how the building speaks to you .
For more Interior Design services and consultancy, contact Chris Yeo at
chris@eminentbuilders.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | F ENGSHUIWORLD
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