Vaastu Shastra_ Utilisation of Ancient Indian Science in Modern Architecture

Vaastu Shastra: Utilisation of Ancient Indian Science in Modern Architecture   The art and science of designing spaces, called “Architecture” have  always been an integral part of humanity’s progress and  development. No culture is untouched by the beauty of architecture  and its evolution along with the civilisation. Structures and buildings  that seem like wonder to our eyes today date back to several  centuries! The modern architects can never cease to be surprised by  the beautiful and enduring architectural miracles that stand tall in  different cultures, be it the magnificent Taj Mahal or the Leaning Pisa  Tower.   Designing spaces in today’s world is more than just planning the  placement of structures and columns to facilitate longer durability. It  goes way beyond that where architects look at ideas and 

inspirations to design spaces that focus towards the overall  well-being of the people who live in the spaces. One such biggest  source of inspiration for modern architects from across the world is  the Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science that lays principles  and guidelines for planning and designing spaces, laying the  foundation of mindful architecture that fits the best interests of the  people living in.   Your space defines your lifestyle and ultimately the innate you,​ and  hence you should leave no stone unturned in planning your spaces  mindfully that brings out the best in you. Vaastu Shastra is primarily  aimed at creating congenial and comfortable living conditions,  taking in a more holistic picture into account. Modern architects  across the world are turning towards Vaastu Shastra as a guiding  science to layout the architecture plan of buildings. Furthermore, the  interior designers too are using Vaastu Shastra to effectively manage  the interior spaces in the most optimal ways.   The foundation principles of Vaastu Shastra  Understanding the key foundation principles on which Vaastu  Shastra is based is important before knowing its applications. Ancient  Indian sages like Rishi Kashyap, Maya, Agastya and others have  written various books on this science and the foundation principles  laid out in their books are the following:   ● Man is a cosmic being who must live in harmony with the other  cosmic elements of the universe.   ● The five basic elements of nature which are Vaayu (Air), Jal  (Water), Agni (Fire), Ambar (Ether or Sky) and Prithvi (Earth)  which are the natural forces that have a direct impact on our  living. The harmonious flow of these natural cosmic forces in 

any space is essential for ensuring the holistic well-being of the  occupants. The lives of the occupants can get out of balance  when the synchrony amongst such forces is tampered or  disturbed.   These are the two guiding principles on which the application of  Vaastu Shastra is based upon. The following is a brief overview on  how Vaastu Shastra has been or can be utilized by interior designers  or architects in the light of modern-day architecture.   Vaastu Shastra and Directions…  Vaastu Shastra is majorly influenced by the sunrise and the sunset,  governing the eight directions, each covering a 35-degree area of  space. These directions define what part of houses are best planned  in what directions, keeping in mind the holistic overall well-being of  the residents.   ● The main entrance of the home must face the eastern side.  Any construction that concerns the main entrance area like the  veranda, garden, store-house, water-fountain etc must be  planned on the eastern front of the house.   ● The central segment of the house which is called as  “Brahmastan” is best kept lightly occupied or vacant. In  modern-day architecture, this is the central part of the living  room area which is generally the carpet area surrounded by  sofas or seating furniture around. ​Home interior decoration  items l​ ike large mirrors, comfy seatings like bean bags and the  various throw pillows etc must be planned around the main  sofa or recliner sets instead of being randomly tossed around  the carpet area.  

● The South-East corner of the home is the best place to plan the  kitchen. It must also be planned at a higher level, meaning it is  recommended to have large compartments and drawers for  storing cooking utensils, groceries and more. Interesting and  trendy kitchen home interior decoration items like antique  copper finish utensils can be hung around to add more  character to space, and to guide new users to the utensil  storing section of the kitchen.   ● The work area of the home should best be planned on the  South-West side. In modern-day contexts, this means that study  rooms for children and home-office sections of your home must  be planned in the South-West, ensuring enough ventilation and  just enough sunlight.   ● The Master bedroom of the house should face the Southern  direction with the attached bathroom occupying the  South-West direction. Since the Master bedroom is the place  where the head of the family and the spouse reside in, it should  be planned as a resting and recreational place, with enough  natural sunlight and air passing through.   ● The Dining Room must occupy the Western end of the home,  facilitating an easier movement of food from the kitchen to the  dining room with less barriers in between.   ● The Pooja room or the place of worship must be planned in the  North-Eastern direction. Additionally, the idol of God,  photographs of Gods and Goddesses, and any home interior  decoration items concerning the worship must be placed in the  West or North directions. Rest of the place must be left vacant  or lightly occupied, allowing the person worshipping to feel  comfortable while being seated for prayers.    

Vaastu Shastra and colours…  The second most important factor to consider while applying Vaastu  Shastra to modern architecture, after directions are the colours. The  colours regulate the thinking patterns and an overall emotional state  of the residents and thus it is a defining factor to consider before  planning your space.   ● The colour white represents peace, grace and purity. It shows a  sense of expansion and thus is most suitable to be used in the  living room and to paint the ceilings of all the rooms.  Additionally, h​ ome interior decoration items​ follow any theme  from the modern and minimalistic styles to the retro and  wooden styles or the antique and metal-finish styles, the colour  white acts as the best neutral palette that will highlight and  draw attention to any piece of home interior decoration items.   ● The colour Blue signifies the depth of emotions, inspiration,  devotion, new beginnings and the truth. It is most suitable to be  used in the bedroom and the guest rooms to ensure peace of  mind.   ● The colour Green represents prosperity, hope and offers a  harmonious and positive ambience, making it best suitable for  study rooms or home-offices. Different shades of greens can be  mixed and used to create a beautiful palette of patterns.  Additionally, home interior decoration items like ​indoor plants​,  rich in green colour can be used in study or workrooms.   ● The colour Orange represents power, spirituality, optimism,  health and happiness. Orange is a colour that is appropriate to  be used in any room of the house according to Vaastu Shastra.   ● The colour Purple signifies royalty, trust, richness and gratitude.  Light shades of purple can be used in the living room or any  area where members of the house gather around to create an 

uplifting mood and ambience. Several ​home interior  decoration items​ sync well with the various hues of purples and  can best be used to create peppy and perky spaces at home.