SMX Convention Center • Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines • 23-26 April 2009
S ustainable a r c h i t e c t u r e i s
a general term that describes
environmentally-conscious
design techniques in the field
of architecture. Sustainable
architecture is framed by the larger
discussion of sustainability and the
pressing economic and political
issues of our world. In the broad
context, sustainable architecture
seeks to minimize the negative
environmental impact of buildings
by enhancing efficiency and
moderation in the use of materials,
energy, and development space.
The construction and operation
of buildings consume the majority
of the world's natural resources and
energy, and contribute the bulk
of landfill waste. This presentation
“
How can
you make your
house into an
eco-friendly
home filled
with comfort,
balance and
harmony?
”
introduces the concept of Feng
Shui in sustainable architecture and
gives an overview of the principles
of Feng Shui which are inherently
within the sustainable building
movement: namely, treading
lightly on the Earth and using her
resources wisely. However, there
is a significant part of Feng Shui
that is often missing from typical
green designs. This wisdom can
be integrated into sustainabledesign practices to enrich human
beings through better physical and
psychological health.
Feng Shui affects you every
moment of your life, whether you
realize it or not. The Feng Shui of
your home, your workplace, your
98
The Infusion of
Feng Shui in
Sustainable
Architecture
office, your child’s school, even your supervisor’s office impact the quality
of your energy and how you experience life in those places.
The principles of Feng Shui state that you are always under the
influence of universal energies, or chi. The Chinese describe energies as
being yin (passive) or yang (active). For harmony to exist, and therefore,
health and well-being, the energies need to be in balance. Negative chi,
or energy that is out of balance, contributes to stress, depression, and
illness. Negative chi can affect you consciously—such as the stress of being
in traffic jam on the way home from work—or subconsci