Noor Abid_2016-02-19

7.10 Phase Seven- Implementing Fenq-Shui’s five elements
This stage has looked at engaging each zone with a distinct
atmosphere in order to enhance the sensory experience of the building. At
an early stage of this research, it was learnt that peoples’ senses react to
atmospheres differently (depending on the use of colour, material, texture,
and smell), some elements offer excitement, while others can be
upsetting, and as a result, our hormonal system is triggered by the level of
exposure to those elements.
However, one of the main aims of this project was to learn from the
therapeutic elements found in nature. Thus, the zoning concept has looked
at implementing the five elements of Feng-Shui’s (earth, water, wood, fire,
metal) into the building’s atmospheres, in order to establish a ‘harmonious
sensory experience’ resulted by these natural elements. Feng-Shui theory
states that each element enjoys distinct features with the ability to provide
us with different sound, smell, sight, and taste experience. 107
The five elements were assigned to fit within different zones based on
the chosen activities and the on-site surroundings. For instance, fire
element was chosen for the fitness zone where energy and excitement are
needed, whereas earth subtle element was chosen for the social zone and
blended with the natural topographical changes. Metal, however, cool and
quiet element, was chosen for the educational, and staff zones, acting as a
continuation to the industrial theme on the Highbrook Drive and the
Business Parade north Road. Wood and water, on the other hand, are
assigned to clinic, aqua and meditation zones, facing the Tamaki River
and the intense site vegetation on the northern side.
Figure 7.32 Feng-Shui the five elements and building zones
107 Simona F. Manini, Feng Shui for Architecture (USA: Xlibris, 2004), 84
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