Blogged By
JobinaMah
Abstract
Recently there has been a combination of eastern and western design theories and methods. Contemporary architectural design is a method of pushing boundaries of design using new materials (ie. smart materials), technology, and geography. Contemporary design focuses mainly on vernacular design, which can be described as the evolution over time of design to reflect the environment, cultural and historical context in which it exists. Although the major influence of architecture resides in the Modern movement they can't be mistaken for one another. Modern architectural design focuses mainly on the concept of building a machine to live in, while contemporary design is focused directly upon creating a balance between structures and the land upon which it is built. These concepts also include influences from Le Corbusier a modernist architect inspired by nature and tradition.
The concept of vernacular architectural design is similar to that of the ancient oriental belief of feng shui. “Feng Shui” in literal translation, wind and water is, “the art of harmony with the land and deriving the greatest benefit, peace and prosperity from being in the right place at the right time is called Fengshui.”
1. The goal for this research project is to analyze the possibility that feng shui has an influence on contemporary art of building design and to develop the conceptual framework of the two concepts based on their practices and traditions.
Introduction
The development of feng shui was greatly influenced by the geographical configuration of China. The configuration of land forms was a big factor in harmonizing an environment built for people to inhabit. The methods of these ancient orientations have been collected through architectural experiences over the past 3000 years.
Contemporary architectural design was developed post-WWII in the United States that expressed designs of structures artistically as opposed to just the use of the structure. This style of design has a main focal point towards synchronizing its inhabitants with its surroundings.
The motive of this research paper is to create a conceptual framework of similarities between these two methods. The basis of the research will focus on the theories of both and compare to signify a relationship between the two.
ProcedureThis research will be analyzing the concepts of feng shui and contemporary design from collected data. This data will be gained from analyzing the patterns and trends of feng shui vs. contemporary architectural design to convey a connection between the two separate concepts. From the research I gain from both concepts, Theories will be broken down, of both feng shui and contemporary design into a basic conceptual framework. There will be a comparison between the two design principles by analyzing the backgrounds, methods and theories.
Method of Research
1. Investigate and review concepts, procedures and background of “feng shui”
2. Analyze the concepts, procedures and background of “contemporary architectural design”
3. Develop the structural basis of feng shui and contemporary architectural design methods
4. Review patterns and trends within the structural basis of both design concepts
5. Interpret relationship between feng shui and contemporary building design
6. Apply these findings to a design
1 “the art of harmony with the land and deriving the greatest benefit, peace and prosperity from being in the right place at the right time is called Fengshui.”S.Skinner, The Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui
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I came across this interesting project while researching more about the concepts of vernacular design. It was designed by MOS Architects of Ontario, Canada. This design caught my eye because it uses the concept of blending and harmonizing its structure with the environment which I had discussed earlier in my proposal. It goes into furthur detail on the discussion that I have linked. If you're interested take a quick peek at how they made this house it is really quite fascinating!
