feng shui part 1:

The more you read about it, the more curious you become. The principles of Feng Shui can be complex, but are actually quite logical with a common sense approach to them. I won’t go so far as to say it’s simple, but it is intriguing.

We recently relocated to Taiwan, upon our arrival we began to experience how real the concept of Feng Shui is for the people and its culture.

The Hotel where we stayed was the first example of feng shui we encountered, the Hyatt Hotel, is an enormous, beautiful hotel; it was built on top of a former wartime execution ground and cemetery and is said to be haunted. You can just imagine the amount of Feng Shui needed to make this property worthy of such an investment as well as acceptable to the community and to be prosperous.

One thing I’ve learned is that the Taiwanese people are very superstitious so I’m certain there’s a very interesting story about how this was achieved. You got it; this is definitely a story worthy of an indepth article…..and I will get back with you when I can dig up more information.

The second encounter was Taipei 101, this building is located right next to the hotel and is the tallest building in the world. A Feng Shui Master was consulted in every aspect from location, construction, to layout and design elements.

The buildings design is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with a shape resembling a pagoda. The sectioned tower was inspired by the bamboo plant, which is a model of strength, resilience, and elegance. (I think it looks more like Chinese take out boxes stacked one on top of the other…but that’s just me)

The tower's design specifications were said to be based on the number "8", a lucky number in traditional Chinese culture because it rhymes with the sound of money; and features 8 upward flaring sections, and is supported by 8 super columns.

The tower is sheathed by a wall of green tinted glass and grows upwards like a plant reaching for the sky and is embellished with traditional Chinese symbols; spoon-like figures which signify fulfillment and contentment as well as round coin like circles and lotus flower designs. The building is also south facing, which is considered a very auspicious direction for this buildings orientation. (auspicious, thats another word you hear alot in Taiwan)

The only feng shui problem found was a perpendicular road that ran straight into the building's site, which could bring sickness or bad business to occupants; an easy fix was adding a fountain to block off the road. The fountain, as it turns out, is one of the coolest I've seen, it's made up of numerous holes in the pavement spurting water while keeping the beat with music. At night the fountain features lighting for a more dramatic effect; its quite spectacular.

Fortunately for everyone, in feng shui there are simple ways to rectify defects, even if the defects are in the terrain.

The last experience I had was moving into our newly constructed apartment-we were the first to move into the building. The owner was so proud of the unit that on our first day of moving in with a dozen workers unloading the containers, wood crates being unhinged and boxes everywhere; he was conducting tours. My favorite was when he brought his father through and he commented and it was translated to us, that with the mountain behind us and the direction of the building we would be happy and rich…..sounds good to me, but I'm still waiting!

Feng shui has been part of the Taiwanese culture since 1949 when General Chiang Kai-Shek fled China to Taiwan and brought several old feng shui texts. Since then it has been incorporated into the interior and exterior of buildings at both the workplace and homes, so that people are healthy and feel lucky.

Look for a continuation of this article....
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