URBAN PLANNING

The key to proper urban planning is respect for the historical integrity of existing neighborhoods, respect for natural resources and to improve the existing environment while accommodating the client’s particular needs.

Location:
Learning the unique characteristics of the terrain is the first step in proper planning. It is critical to ascertain what types of building would best fit into the existing environment.

For example, if the site in question is surrounded by a cluster of hospital buildings, it would be best to avoid building residential units in that area. Because hospitals are mostly yin energy (Qi), it would be more fitting to build convenience stores or landscaped areas as a smooth progression or transition to more yang energy oriented sites such as office and apartment complexes

If an area has problems with criminal activity, it may be due to a high-density residential area, which results in excessively high concentrations of yang energy. Therefore, it would be helpful to incorporate relaxing elements such as libraries, community centers, educational facilities, gardens,, etc. Another possibility is to convert some residential units to other uses in order to reduce the negative energy (Qi) in that area.

In short, there are many factors that planners need to consider to respect the energy and “look and feel” of a location. Even if the client insists on building a residential unit next to a hospital complex or building a highway in a nice area, the planner needs to incorporate some beneficial architectural elements (e.g. trees, fountains, murals) to break or reduce potentially negative energy.

Orientation:
Orientation is as important as location. For example, where a building faces will dictate what type of energy will prevail; in other words, a building absorbs the dominant energy of the facing area. This could effect the appeal and long-term usage of the building.

Often a very prominent building opens to a narrow street or faces a wall. Both from an aesthetic and urban planning perspective this is a waste as it obstructs the natural flow of energy (Qi), thereby precluding public use and enjoyment of the building and environs. For instance, what makes the Golden Gate Bridge, the Louver and Tian An Men Square such universally popular and appealing locales is precisely their open and expansive layouts. If those structures were hidden or closed off the general public would not be able to appreciate the aesthetics, or enjoy the views. These structures have made an invaluable contribution to our lives

The same idea also applies to small buildings and residences; different building types require different scales. Urban planing is like music notes insofar as it must conform to a natural rhythm and flow, with a logical progression from high to low and horizontal to vertical.

Paving
Modern paving materials contribute to environmental problems. They effectively seal the earth, thereby cutting off all oxygen. Although Feng Shui practitioners could find a perfect location for users, however the development of modern industry and urbanization has destroyed the earth’s surface; if the earth cannot breath, the energy (Qi) is obstructed.

Trees
The importance of trees to human life is indescribable. They act as virtual magnets for oxygen, Yang or Yin energy (Qi), and they are natural protectors of the environment. Proper deployment and use of trees around buildings and streets can have appreciable effects on the natural and physical environment.

There are many ways to pave by using environmentally friendly materials, such as grass stone. It is important is to know how to use them carefully.

Parking

Parking has always been an issue for the environment. If planners can create parking spaces inside of buildings, or plant more trees or green areas around a parking lot, that not only protects nice views and preserves air quality but also protects humans from the dry and strong Yang energy (Qi) emitted by large open paved surfaces which potentially contribute to aggressive behavior and sickness.

As a conclusion again: Protect yourself, protect your environment.