The Nature Of Energy

Feng shui, once the preserve of ancient China, is becoming an increasingly common consideration in architectural projects worldwide

- Maeve Hosea

The practice of feng shui – which translates as wind, water – has been employed for centuries in China as a way of creating auspicious spaces in which to live and work. In recent years, with principles adapted to modern times, it has gained respect globally and is being applied across design disciplines to open the door to what some believe is a positive energy force.

The tenets of feng shui concern the energies found within the natural world, and the positioning of objects to boost the natural yin-yang balance in a given space. This philosophical system – which includes such considerations as the colours of an interior, the position of a door or the number of lights in a room – aims to boost the prosperity, health and harmony of those using the space. The five feng shui elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – are carefully employed to allow for the free flow of positive energy (qi) around a space.

Something as simple as changing the orientation of a desk or the colour of a sofa can help achieve the all-important positive energy that feng shui aims to deliver. Branding agency RO New York is located in the Flat Iron district, overlooking the Empire State Building. Its offices have recently been renovated according to feng shui principles. “I believe that inspiration and design influences begin from within, helping you optimise your senses and performance overall,” says founder Rony Zeidan. “I am now fundamentally aware of the elements and flow when I walk in a room.”