ARCHITECTURALLY SPEAKING
by Chris Yeo THE POWER OF WATER
CREATING THE EFFECT OF CALM No other element can describe calmness better than a clean, smooth sheet of water. Even the slightest breeze creates soothing ripples, which brings out an inner sense of peace and serenity. But the introduction of this type of water feature needs to match the function of the space. For example, if we have a courtyard fi lled with activity, a still water feature may contradict the intended use of the space. Still water should be used for areas that require calm such as a meditation courtyard or sanctuary. Other enhancers may be introduced through the use of sculptural
lights to create a soft glow within the still water to further enhance the eff ects of peace.
I
n the element cycle, Water is the only element that is able to tap all our sensory organs from sight, sound, taste and touch. How we introduce this element into our environment would have an eff ect on how we perceive and appreciate
the space. Taking this in mind, the next question we need to ask ourselves is how water can aff ect our lives. In order to answer that question, we need to fi rst understand the properties of water and its subconscious eff ect.
MULTIPLE WATERFALL EFFECT To create vibrancy and energy, there is no better method than introducing a multiple-level waterfall eff ect. However, the secret to creating a multiple-level water feature is not to have all the levels cascade down in a short span but rather to stagger the levels where each waterfall drops down gently in the beginning until the fi nale, which has a larger cascade. By doing so, we are able to tap into our sense of sound, where the sound of water starts off gentle, turning into a larger roar, thus creating excitement and suspense. T is type of feature is ideal for a large gathering space, as it complements the need for energy and activity; so consider this type of water feature for the landscaped garden or a public gathering space.
70 FENGSHUIWORLD | JULY / AUGUST 2013
www.fswmag.com
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