A Study on Feng Shuis Environmental Benefits in the Different Types of Housing in Hong Kong

Abstract

Ultimate reality can never be adequately described and comprehended through empirical data or through rational knowledge. Fritjof Capra stipulates that we understand the reality we live in to be one of infinite varieties, diversities and complexities. It is nearly impossible to completely understand the world through conceptual thinking. Consequently, Feng Shui and the likes have been shunned to have no significance when compared to other measureable and quantifiable theories, and hence deemed by many to offer no benefits environmentally with the exception of maybe some psychological reprieve. Feng Shui can offer several environmental benefits and detriments as well to a home when applied in certain environmental and site specific conditions. How it does though is not widely known and the majority only has a vague idea of what the specific Feng Shui principles even are. Feng Shui has been around for three thousand years and was foundational in guiding the Chinese to build their built environment. It is a body of ancient wisdom 2 that recommends how and where housing should be built. It was formed through the observation of astronomical, natural and human phenomena. The principles followed by the Chinese are recognized to simply bring good luck but they are actually nuggets of wisdom passed down from generations that have been developed after long periods of intuitive and organic observations. This thesis makes the hypothesis that Feng Shui principles are a reflection of principles that were developed for human survival. It hypothesizes that as the natural environment was not understood the good practices that allowed one to prosper in the natural environment were instead recognized simply to be superstitious lucky principles. The Feng Shui quality of a home is an important factor to a prospective buyer even in metropolitan Hong Kong which is considered one of the most advanced and developed cities in the world. Despite the city being under British rule for more than 150 years and being westernized in many aspects many Hong Kong consumers including those from the mainland value Feng Shui principles. Many important skyscrapers in Hong Kong embody Feng Shui elements that people are not aware of and many of their characteristics have stories behind their design that were based on the recommendations of Feng Shui masters. Large corporations recognize the value the Chinese place on Feng Shui and have made steps in their office buildings to embody Feng Shui principles in order to boost the morale of the workers. It is known among the Chinese that Feng Shui is not only about getting as much qi (energy) and hence receiving good luck holistically in their lives but understand that it is about living in harmony with the surroundings. Hence, far from common misunderstanding many in the East as well as the West are aware of Feng Shuis environmental benefits. However, many do not recognize that some Feng Shui principles offer no environmental benefits at all, in fact some cause more harm than good. Many consumers in fact place little importance on the environmental conditions but only concentrate on the number of Feng Shui elements of a home. This is problematic as the environmental benefits are overlooked and Feng Shui elements that may offer no benefit at all are blindly chased after. It is imperative that the environmental implications of each Feng Shui principle are understood. 3 This study aims to show what environmental benefits Feng Shui principles can offer in the context of Hong Kong in the three main types of housing, Residential Towers, Public Housing and Villas. Through this study it will become clear in which types of housing Feng Shui elements offer the most environmental benefits and the readers will be able to understand the underlying reasons. It is imperative that the potential of Feng Shui is understood fully so that they can be utilized effectively.