There is a common misconception that building interior design is of the utmost importance. Moreover, that interior building design where work is performed is less meaningful. The truth is the design of a building’s interior really does play an important role in shaping the happiness and productivity of employees, visitors, and others who step foot inside. In particular, feng shui principles are shaping the design of modern offices and other buildings. Feng shui for offices of every size and type makes a considerable difference in the look and feel of these important spaces. Let’s take a look at what feng shui interior design is really all about.
Before moving forward, if you want to learn about interior designers’ influence on construction projects, check out our article Can An Interior Designer Hire Subcontractors.
Feng Shui Design
Feng shui interior design focuses on providing comfort both in terms of the strategic spacing of physical surroundings. Furthermore, it caters to mental health and material comforts. Pronounced “fung shway”, this interior design philosophy focuses on how the placement of objects within the interior of a building impacts the flow of energy. Additionally, how those items interact with people.
When we talk about energy flow, we are not referring to energy that powers various mechanisms. The flow of energy as determined by the placement of objects really does affect how people think and subsequently act. Office employees and others who work indoors may not be aware of how feng shui impacts them throughout the day. However, they are certainly impacted in a significant manner. It ultimately shapes their well-being and also their productivity.
Feng Shui Principles for Interior Design
Feng shui interior design does not guarantee improvement in workplace productivity. Specifically, not to a level that transforms a business or other organization. However, it has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the bottom line as time progresses. Feng shui facilitates the optimal interaction between people and their surrounding environment. By implementing this philosophy’s design principles, the interacting energies lead to better tangible outcomes. This includes better employee productivity, well-being enhancement, more collaboration, and a higher workplace retention rate.
The challenge of feng shui is in designing buildings in a manner that maintains harmony concerning the natural energy flow. In short, the manner of a building’s interior design and the placement of furniture and other objects within that space shape ensuing outcomes to a significant extent. Building design and the positioning of objects with feng shui in mind creates balance and harmony. This will help employees reach their true potential. An added bonus is that feng shui principles make visitors such as prospective hires, business partners and potential clients feel that much more comfortable on the premises.
The Commanding Position
The commanding position within a room is the location that is farthest from the door yet not directly in line with it. The individual closest to the commanding position should be in a position that is diagonal to that door. This provides a clear line of sight directly to it. Ideally, the commanding position will be squarely in mind when the building is first designed. Additionally, when furniture, cubicles and other objects are put into position within this space. Such furniture and other items should have a diagonal alignment with the commanding position, if possible.
Above all, the entry point to the building should be clearly seen and accessed without even the slightest obstruction. Feng shui design principles require that qui energy flow from this point of entry through the room without interference. Basically, the use of a large, open foyer or a vestibule will promote the uninterrupted flow of qi energy from the entryway to everyone inside. This is regardless of their specific position.
Consider the Bagua Map of Feng Shui
The bagua component of feng shui energy refers to an unseen map that is superimposed over the floor plan of the building. Bagua translates from Chinese to English as “8 areas.” These eight areas pertain to life circumstances including career, wealth, family, etc. The bagua areas have their own unique shapes and colors. The final area of bagua is the well-being of people within a building. Bagua is useful when designing and organizing a building’s interior as the areas pertaining to knowledge should align with the facility’s entryway.
If you are planning on building a new space or looking to design the interior of your building with feng shui in mind, refer to the bagua map. This map facilitates the analysis of energy within the space, suggesting specific elements that will enhance the flow of energy. There is a traditional map and a Western map. Make sure to take a close look at both, plucking insights from each for the construction and design of your building. Overlay the bagua map to the building’s floor plan and ensure the doorway faces south. The proper alignment will set the stage for your building to bring out the best in your employees in the short-term. And also across posterity.
Strategic use of Metal
There should be a careful incorporation of metal in a workspace or other interior space. Feng shui proponents insist metal helps improve the energy balance and mental clarity of those within a room. If your building has metal objects, small sculptures, diminutive statues or other decorative items made of metal, place them in prominent positions that can be seen with ease.
The Verticality Component of Feng Shui
Feng shui for office requires verticality. This is not to say the building you are are constructing or renovating needs a ladder similar to those that lofts or any sort of climbing wall use. Rather, the implementation of vertical shapes and even vertical lines will promote expansion and growth. Feng shui design principles require that the building’s construction allows for light to travel into the space. Likewise, it should be able to move upward.
A subtle addition such as a small indoor tree or other tall plant in the corner of a room will do wonders. It has the capacity to enhance the vertical component. Another way to enhance verticality through feng shui is to add tall bookshelves, which creates the feeling of height. This will improve the flow of energy between the interior space and everyone who steps foot in the room. To learn more about how you can incorporate feng shui into your next project, contact our Toronto construction location.