Eco-Architecture III 97 98 Eco-Architecture III

are now considered superstitions; however, applying them may be useful in

designing buildings in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.
Keywords: principles of Vastu Shastra, the sun rays, magnetic zones, Geopathic
Zones, concentric squares, the surrounding environment.

1 Introduction
Based on the chronic approach to the history of architecture, the patterns of
primitive constructions were the inspiration of the natural forms and features.
The principles of Vastu as Therefore the surrounding environment has always imposed certain shapes and
a traditional architectural belief system from geometries to architectural constructions from the ancient times until the modern
era. In contrast to such an approach, the followers of the cultural approach
an environmental perspective believe that the forms and patterns of traditional dwellings were the consequence
of religious beliefs and the faith on sacred realms. However the architectural
efforts of traditional societies are in fact the result of considering many factors,
H. Fazeli & A. Goodarzi including both environment and religion, often called by the French word, 'genre
Department of Architecture, University of Malaya, Malaysia de vie' signifying all the matters of shelter, material, technology, site, defence,
economy and religion.
Basically environment as the first manifestations of shelter has always played
Abstract a significant role in the process of man’s evolution. Technology of construction
as well as the geometrical patterns and sacred symbols are all derived from
The shortage of technological discoveries in traditional architecture - which has nature and its dominant laws. The laws of nature are basically beyond the
now made it possible to warm and cool any area regardless of considering the physical tangible forces that used to constitute the principles of classical physics
proper direction or geometrical shape - used to lead the habitants to make use of and contain all the intangible energy fields emitted from the earth as well as the
natural phenomena to provide physical and emotional comfort. Therefore, other heavenly bodies, such as the Sun and the moon. The principles of ancient
traditional architecture is always accompanied with a set of rules and principles sciences of architecture including Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui denote the great
that are to some extent based on environmental criteria as well as the dominant knowledge of ancient civilizations over the universe, its orders and its analogy to
belief system of the specific culture; these two variables seem to be inter-related the human body, which seems to be the sum experiences of traditional societies
and in some situations dominating one another. Although assigning auspicious over generations. Therefore, along with the cultural considerations, a great
directions, auspicious geometrical patterns in the plan configuration, the concept number of principles in ancient architectural design were a response to the
of concentric zones, elongation of the whole complex and the façade surrounding environment.
considerations seem to be religious in basis or due to cultural values, still a great
amount of such principles in traditional architectural guidelines are derived from 2 Two distinctive aspects of traditional architecture
the environment; thus a number of common characteristics of vernacular
architecture, such as the presence of vegetation in the buildings’ site, the use of Basically there are two different aspects of architecture as high and low. First
local materials that create a micro-climate adaptable with human comfort and concerns the cosmic rules to define proportion, geometry and ritual acts as
structural forms associated with the climatic positions, which can also be applied representation of the universal principles in domestic art. Association of earth to
to other cultures with the same climate, are present as parts of all traditional vault of the sky, vertical axis and the symbolic forms of space are all
structures. manifestations of the high aspect. The latter on the other hand deals with the
Vastu as one of the most ancient architectural belief systems, similar to other climatic issues, the use of materials, technologies and construction methods.
traditional architectural sciences such as Feng Shui, also deals with the principles While the cosmic aspect is achieved by the prolonged esoteric studies, the low
designed to make the most use of the environment and more specifically climate scheme depends on the sum experience of generations [1]. In fact, traditional
as one of its dominant factors. Based on the knowledge of the Sun Rays, the architecture is shaped in connection with culture while culture is largely
Earth’s Magnetic Poles and the Geopathic Zones, many rules have been dependent on the environmental context as well as cultural beliefs; along with
legislated in ancient Indian architecture dealing with environmental criteria that the importance of the belief in supernatural powers and interpretations of the
cosmos in forming the traditional architecture of every nation, the physical

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 Eco-Architecture III 99 100 Eco-Architecture III

conditions and economical criteria as well as its relations to the land and the ritual behaviour and folklore literature, there are few written architectural
structural crisis which the dwellings are based on are also fundamental. In this guidelines remained today which Vastu Shastra is one of them [3]. The main
way culture will shape due to four variables of space, time, meaning and concept of Vastu Shastra knowledge of architecture was to guide people to create
communication as means to define the cultural activities and the ways of spaces which harmonize with nature and with the universal forces. The use of
performing them not only in space but also in time. Based on these four Vastu which is rooted in Hinduism philosophy dates back to the Vedic period
variables, the same set of space organizations and architectural configurations appeared between 4000 and 2000 B.C. A section of Yajur Veda called
may be found in different cultures with different climatic criteria. Thus ‘Sthapatha Vidya’ which means the art of building, mainly deals with the
comparing traditional domestic architecture in various cultures, one must principles of architecture and housing. In fact there are nearly 32 books written
consider the system of activities take place in dwellings rather than focusing on on the subject of Vastu from 3000 B.C. to 600 A.D. by various authors in
the individuals [2]. Based on this theory, despite having different environmental Sanskrit language dealing with the construction methods, special placements of
background, the traditional buildings of different cultures may still share some the house features and the rituals to be done in each stage [5, 6].
similar concepts. Vastu in its general sense means the place where living beings dwell while in
Concerning the low aspect, a number of common characteristics of vernacular Rig Veda it has been applied for home. Originally Vastu is derived from the
architecture can be the presence of environmental context in which they are Sanskrit word, ‘vas’, meaning to reside [7]. However, in ‘Samarangana
raised, the use of local materials which creates a micro-climate adaptable with Sutradhara’ the origin of Vastu is defined as ‘Vasu’ or ‘the earth’ so that the
human comfort and structural forms associated with the climatic positions which mother earth and all the creations above it are called Vastu. Literally Vastu is
can also be applied to other cultures with the same climate. Furthermore, the applied to both the site of the building, and the building itself. Hence selection of
economical status of each culture and its habitants used to suggest the size of the the site, architecture, landscape and the science of the structures as well as
house, its properties and decorations. In fact traditional architecture was astrology are all components of Vastu science [8].
completely dependent on the social and economical situations in the low aspect, Vastu as a traditional guide to architecture aims to design buildings in
and was basically developed to provide some specific requirements within each harmony with the natural laws of the universe. “As Einstein Proved, everything
cultural environment [3]. in existence, sentient and non-sentient, is a field of energy. In this case ‘Vastu’ is
However, no environmental factor is more important in the development of referred to pure subtle energy that underlies everything while ‘Vaastu’ is the
human life and culture, than climate. “The practical limits of human existence manifestation or expression of that energy as matter” [9 p. 141]. In fact, Vastu is
are largely defined by physical and psychological tolerance to extremes of heat a science of working with energy fields which used to guide the architects to
or cold, while the effects of climate upon the distribution of vegetation have design buildings in a way that their underlying energy fields are beneficially
direct bearings on life support.” [3 p. 125]. manipulated due to proportion and direction. Thus Vastu views the dwelling
It seems that combining the climatic factors with the dominant beliefs of each places as living entities that nourish our lives, rather than a ‘machine for living.’
community which defines its culture, may provide the characteristics of its In this science, home is a symbol of physical body which is interrelated with the
traditional built space. Therefore the face of the buildings rarely changes through universal energy field and at the same time a microcosm of its existence [10].
the time unless the dominant culture changes in a profound level either According to Rig Veda, architecture of the ancient times was closely
environmental or ideological [4]. In fact the environmental criteria in proposing associated with religion, and building a structure was recognized as a religious
certain shapes and configurations to architectural efforts of traditional societies is act. Basically it was not religious in origin but since Vastu similar to Yoga and
completely inter-related to the cultural beliefs and is proper to think that nature is Ayurveda, denotes the connection between the laws and processes that governs
the context from which all the sacred forms and symbols have been derived and the world of nature and the laws which govern the human body, it has been
transferred to next generations through a set of rules and principles of perceived as religious for the ancient societies. Therefore its principles should
architectural design. The existance of such knowldege in the sacred scriptures of not be interpreted as mythic superstitions, rather based on laws of nature and the
India and more specifically the Vedas reveals the importance of environmental surrounding environment [11].
considerations of dwelling construction for the ancient civilizations which
beyond symbolical interpretation, need a scientific observation. 4 The environmental principles of Vastu Shastra
3 Vastu Shastra as a traditional architectural science The environment as the first manifestations of shelter has been the subject of
many rules and principles of Vastu science of architecture. Its presence in the
Ancient sciences of architecture are basically a combination of rules and rituals spatial configurations of the plan, its geometry and directions, besides the
being applied by the master builders or the local craftsmen. Although these rules arrangements of water pools and vegetation around the building construction is
were applied in almost every traditional culture which is also evident in their highly evident through Vastu guidelines.

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 Eco-Architecture III 101 102 Eco-Architecture III

The first geometrical pattern applied as the floor plan is usually a mandala appropriate for the praying or studying while the southwest as the hottest and
from which the rest of the concepts and patterns will be originated. The symbolic most destructive corner should be kept closed. In ancient times southwest was
patterns and geometries of mandalas are environmental in origin and picture the reserved as armoury to keep weapons [8].
natural phenomena and their influence in built space [12]. Based on the position of the Sun in the sky during the day time, the coolest
From the environmental features which suggest the shape and spatial location in the house is north direction. Hence the rooms with higher priority and
arrangements of the patterns in the mandala, the Sun Rays, the Magnetic Poles, importance are placed in the north direction. Cow shed and paddy storage is
the Geopathic Zones and the Concentric Zones are the most significant of all placed in the northwest while the treasuries are kept in the north location.
which together has dictated certain principles of architectural construction. Library also can be a proper function for the north direction. Daily Meditations
For example the concept of the eight directions of Vastu Shastra science and or prayer activities are done in the northeast portion, as it is the coolest corner.
their associated deities, from which the four cardinal directions are the most East offers the morning sun which is pleasant. In modern Vastu, bathroom is
important, is in fact based on the climatic features of each direction. The Vastu placed in this direction and near the entrance hall. However in ancient times
Scientists has perceived the effects of each direction in the human system over bathroom was not even included in the house planning. As southeast provides
centuries and found out that proper orientation with the cardinal directions aligns enough light throughout the day which has a sanitary effect, kitchen is the most
the built space with the energy grid of the earth and brings harmonious benefits. proper function to be placed in this corner.
It also allows the house to absorb energies emitted from the sun, moon, stars and The light and heat of the sun in the southern portion is excessive and
the earth itself properly. Further they have observed that energy is poured forth destructive, thus bedrooms should be placed in this direction. While bedrooms
from the centre and the outer space to the inside through the directional lines are mostly used during the night the harmful rays flowing from this direction will
which are called ‘Yonis’ or ‘life lines’ in Vastu. That’s why in Vastu the not disturb the habitats. This portion should be kept high, dark and closed [12].
building should be built in alignment with the four cardinal directions [10]. Western portion of the house also receives the negative sunrays in a lesser
In fact the categorization of each direction as either auspicious or destructive degree during the day. Thus it is a better place for dining room, while only a few
in Vastu is based on the following concepts: hours in a day will be set for dining activities.

4.1 The principles of sun-rays Table 1: Spatial organization of dwelling areas based on the position of the
sun.
Sun rises from the east, passes through the south and sets in the west. However
due to the 23.5˚ inclination of the earth from its vertical axis, the east is not the East Southeast South South west
West North North Northeast Centre
first direction that receives the sun rays; it is northeast. The same application can west
be applied to the cardinal west. Hence if we draw an imaginary line from Entrance Kitchen Bedroom Master Dining Cattle Treasury Meditation Central
northeast to southwest, the southern half will be the light zone with positive Hall Bedroom or Room Storage Room Courtyard
energy while the northern half is the dark zone with negative energy. In this case Storage
the southeast which is in the middle of the light zone will have the natural light
throughout the day and is recommended for the kitchen [8]. In this way every function in the dwelling area used to have a suggested
Sun ray consists of visible white light together with invisible infrared and spatial organization in the Vastu Purusha mandala which was decided through
ultraviolet rays. Approximately from 6 am the effect of infrared rays starts which having the knowledge of the Sun Rays and their influences on the human health.
is beneficial to the human health and has purifying effects. Hence water present
at east, north or northeast becomes bacteriologically safe without deterioration of 4.2 The principles of magnetic poles
the ingredients. From 11 am to 3 pm the effect of ultraviolet rays will be very
high which is harmful for the body. From 3 pm until the sunset the effect of “When a magnetic needle is suspended freely, free from any outer influence, it
infrared rays in heat quality will increase [13]. That’s why in Vastu guidelines it ends rest along north-south direction of the earth’s magnetic field,” which proves
is advisable to located the water pool in north, northeast or east directions as an the existence of magnetic energy field of the earth.” [8 p. 27].
auspicious for placing the entrance door and openings while the southwest is Basically the earth is composed of a metallic inner core in the same size as the
often suggested to be kept heavy and closed [14]. Moon. The temperature of this metallic core is equal to the temperature of the
Morning rays of the sun are naturally cool. Gradually the rays become hotter. Sun’s surface and this heat in fact causes churning in the liquid outer core of the
Sun is in its hottest mood during the afternoon hours while passing through the Earth. Based on the magnetic dynamo theory, the rotation of the Earth which
southwest. By drawing an imaginary line from northwest to southeast, the hot transforms into a whirlpool of liquid, swirling around the Earth’s axis, converts
and cold zones can be pointed. Thus the sector points are the best places for the planet into a geo-dynamo. Such materials that are capable of conducting
activities requiring balanced heat. Northeast in the middle of the cold zone is

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 Eco-Architecture III 103 104 Eco-Architecture III

electricity are called metallic that have some free to move electrical charge. One 4.3 The principles of Geopathic Zones
of the elements in this liquid layer is compressed hydrogen which is in a state
where some of its electrons are squeezed out of the atoms and are free to move Geo biology is a branch of modern science deals with the various energy fields.
around. This moving charge will generate a magnetic field and the faster the It often falls under the category of pseudoscience and operates through
planet rotates, the stronger the produced magnetic field. Therefore the planet geometrical patterns which are the subjects of sacred geometry. The cosmic
earth has a strong magnetic field due its fast spinning rate and material energies are emitted from heavenly bodies such as the Sun and the Moon;
composition of its liquid core which is more iron and nickel [15]. whereas, these radiations are called ‘telluric radiations’ and are originated from
In fact earth has two magnetic poles which based on the compass seem to be the Earth. The energy grid of the planet earth can be perceived as a web that
steady; whereas in reality they are constantly moving. Ephemeral undulations, links the Earth altogether and is influenced by many variables such as electricity,
known as micro-pulsations, ripple about the ionosphere and produce magnetic magnetism, heat, sound, light, colour and matter.
disturbances capable of reaching the ground level which are common and at the The Earth’s energy grid works through specific geometrical patterns which
same time hard to detect. The Earth’s magnetic field which is also called the follow certain symmetries. The grids meet at many intersecting points creating a
Earth’s aura in fact protects the life of its occupants from the radiations of the matrix which is very similar to acupuncture points of the human energy body. It
Sun by deflecting the solar flares. is believed that the platonic solids including cube, tetrahedron, octahedron,
The north magnetic pole is near the south geographical direction while the dodecahedron and icosahedrons are the evolved geometrical patterns derived
south magnetic pole is near the north geographical direction. The force lines of from the study of the Earth’s geometrical grids [16].
this magnetic field travel from the north magnetic pole to the south magnetic Doctor Manfred Curry first hypothesized the existence of a grid network of
pole. Scientifically this will provide the north geographical direction with energetic pathways flowing from northeast to southwest and from southeast to
antibiotic properties which can control infection. Thus north direction is served northwest at a distance of 3 m to 3.5 m. This Bio Electro Magnetic (BEM) grid is
as the purifying direction while the south direction, has energy giving properties sometimes called the first global diagonals which is helpful to the growth of
which can be manifested as warmth. Therefore, while the northern half of the cells. The crossing points of these lines have double positive or negative effects
plot is full of positive magnetic rays, the southern part will be empty or depleted. that can be harmful for the balance of the body. Dr Curry later linked these
The manifestation of such phenomenon used to decide the auspiciousness of the points with diseases and found out that sleeping on negatively charged points
directions and their appropriate function in Vastu Shastra guidelines [8]. will cause inflammatory diseases while sleeping on positively charged points
In fact, cosmic energy is abundantly received in the northeast direction and will cause cancer; thus, to remain healthy one should sleep within the grids.
directed towards the southwest. Therefore the cosmic energy will become Later, Dr. Hartmann discovered another pathway of energy flowing from
weaker while flowing towards southwest. Northeast will be the positive terminal north to south and east to west. These lines are called Hartmann lines with the
and southwest as the negative one. Hence the shape of the building is crucial in spacing of 2 to 2.5 m that are essential for the formation of bones in the human
the energy flow pattern [9]. body. Hartmann grid is basically the BEM grid in the cardinal directions. The
Based on Vastu guidelines, the northeast section of any property should be Hartmann grid has been known in Chinese geomancy as Yin and Yang; while the
built lighter and in a lower level compared to the southwest section to receive the Yin or north-south lines generates a cold energy field which acts slowly and is
beneficial effects of magnetism in its highest level and to facilitate the smooth associated with cramps, humidity and all forms of rheumatism, the Yang or east-
flow of mahnetic waves without any hindrance. Furthermore it is believed in west lines produces a hot energy field that acts rapidly and is associated with fire
Vastu that the slope of the plot should face north or east which again is designed and all inflammatory diseases. These lines are also dangerous for the human
to make use of such natural forces. However lack of enough knowledge in health. By compiling the two grids in Vastu Shastra system, the square of neutral
studying Vastu guidelines has ended in treating the concepts of auspiciousness as habitation zone will be produced [8].
merely superstitious or religious beliefs. In fact the researches has proved that, ancient civilizations were aware of such
In fact the Earth behaves similar to a living organism and seems to have the planetary grids and used to consider these energy fields during construction. For
intelligent of its own. Based on biological discoveries, the oxygen level of the example, in the Himalayas the houses of Buddhist monks are oriented due to the
planet has virtually remained unchaged through the centuries and the tilting of BEM grids to be placed in the neutral zone.
the Earth through the northeast direction has helped it to receive the maximum Besides Curry and Hartmann lines, geopathic stress can also cause imbalance
amount of beneficial cosmic energies. Aligning any built structure to the axis of of energy field. Buildings with ill energy effects are called ‘sick building
the Earth will generate similar effects; therefore the northeastern half of the plot syndrome’ today. Day describes ‘sick building syndrome’ as a common disease
will be full of fresh beneficial cosmic radiations while the southwestern section due to the improper use of materials and designing methods in today architecture
will be empty [8]. which can be reduced by reapplying the principles of vernacular houses. Sick
building syndrome which is now so common and well recognized, continues to

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 Eco-Architecture III 105 106 Eco-Architecture III

be developed in high rise buildings, “over-glazed and under-day lit” places

which extremely use the synthetic materials causing the electromagnetic
confusion. Their detachment from nature has made these buildings energy
dependent and unhealthy. Thus the awareness of how buildings can attach to
nature and remain in harmony with it seems to be substantial for human health as
well as the energy reduction. This syndrome in general includes “headaches,
irritability, hyperkinesias, learning disability, fatigue, dermatitis, asthma,
rhinitis, flu mimic conditions, and irritations of the bronchia, mucous
membranes, throat and eyes which are all easily mistaken for normal ill-health.”
[1 p. 309].
In fact negative energy exists as a cloud which can move into the building;
“stress clouds are examples of the negatively charged locked energy fields.” [8 p.
37]. Basically and due to the science of subtle energy, negative and positive Figure 1: The concentric zones [8].
energies flow like water. They can be created due to various reasons such as
death of a person, and can flow or trapped according to the structural forms and complete geometrical pattern. While three is the connecting link between the
figures. “Some of the symptoms of such negative cloud formations are sacred realm and the built form, four is the symbol of created objects and
palpitation or increase in the pulse rate, home ants and termites, beehives, represents ‘the first born thing’ [17]. Therefore square or rectangle were always
dampness, coldness or hotness of a specific floor area, cats frequenting the used in designing the plan of every dwelling to represent the world of
house, uncommon accidents in the rooms or dogs barking at night while looking materialization or the realm of mundane which man is living on while the ceiling
at south or southwest without any visible reason. These stress clouds affect one’s was considered the realm of the divine which man should ascent to [8]. The same
Bio Electro Magnetic level, which has a great influence on his aura or energy concept is also indicated by Lao Tzu as the concept of creation which should
body.” [8 p. 38]. also occur while constructing a new dwelling since it is the inferior example of
The rules and principles of Vastu applied while in the construction of any the world’s creation. “The Tao gives birth to one. One gives birth to two. Two
property proves the existance of such knowledge in traditional societies which gives birth to three. Three gives birth to all things.” [18 pp. 10, 11].
might not be completely discovered by scientists yet. Apart from the symbolic significance, based on the studies of Kumar, square
is the best geometrical shape in economical and structural considerations
4.4 The principles of concentric zones followed by rectangle since it requires the lesser amount of construction
materials on its periphery while providing the broader inner area compared to
While square is known as a proper shape for building, pattern of concentric other geometrical figures. In structural terms, “square- and rectangular-shaped
squares in Vastu Purusha mandala is an archetypal pattern which establishes a buildings can transfer the load safely even where the bearing capacity of soil is
potent, energetic and healthy effect based on the ancient teachings. This pattern low, while other irregular shapes provide large contact areas more than they
which is found in many cultures such as Egypt, America, Europe and Asia and in critically required.” [8 p. 41]. The symmetrical shape of rectangular figures also
works of many famous architects and artists is fundamentally composed of creates a predictable behaviour in terms of structural calculations and
concentric squares which infinitely recede to the unseen centre of the universe constructional methods which involve tortional behaviour problems and stress
from which all the creation emerge. Pagodas and Step Pyramids are the examples concentrations. Therefore symmetrical structures can perform better under the
of this pattern in architecture [10]. earthquake or wind forces.
In Indian traditional geomancy, one is the symbol of the creator or God, the Above all, based on the Vedic teachings, the geometry of square is in
infinite reality or the absolute unity which is shown by point in geometrical complete harmony with human proportions as illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci
expression. Bindu in the centre of the Vastu Purusha mandala which indicates since human can fit harmoniously inside both square and circle [19].
the navel is the manifestation of this sacred concept. Two, apart from its In fact the ‘concentric squares’ is another symbolic diagram which was
quantitative application, is the symbol of duality in creation which is represented applied by Vastu Shastra specialists from ancient times in constructing their
by yin-yang symbol in Chinese Feng Shui. Duality of Shiva and Shakti or the dwellings. In this diagram four belts of energy field can be recognized; the centre
male and female forces is symbolized by line in geometrical realm and is known part is the Brahma Pada which is a highly charged zone called the ‘hot zone.’
as the source of creation of the physical world. Three on the other hand is Around the centre is the ‘luminous space’ or Deivika Pada while the third belt is
symbolized by triangle and is called the mother which signifies the process of called Manusha Pada or ‘conscious space’. The outermost area is the ‘gross
creation from the two abstract geometrical shapes to the triangle which is a material space’ or Paisachika Pada. The two innermost areas are the zones which
should be open or constructed with minimum walls or heavy items while the two

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