Feng Shui, literally meaning “wind” (feng) and “water” (shui), is a traditional Chinese practice aimed at creating living spaces in harmony with nature. Rooted in Chinese metaphysics, this system has been in use for approximately 3,000 years. The primary goal of Feng Shui is to enhance people’s well-being, health, and happiness by balancing the flow of “chi” (life energy) in the environment. This balance is sought through the physical arrangement of spaces.

Core Principles

The philosophy of Feng Shui is based on the principle of yin and yang, the two fundamental, opposing yet complementary forces of the universe and nature. It also relies on the theory of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The interactions and balance among these elements are expressed through the colors, materials, and spatial arrangements used in an environment.

In Feng Shui, directions and compass measurements are of great importance. Factors such as the geographic orientation of the space, the position of windows, the location of the entrance door, and the usage of rooms directly influence the flow of energy.

^{The Five Elements in Feng Shui Philosophy (Generated by artificial intelligence)}

Areas of Application

Feng Shui practices are implemented by organizing living spaces such as homes, offices, and gardens. Some of the methods used in practice include:

• Bagua Map: This energy map, which includes eight directions and a central point, enables the association of areas with specific aspects of life (such as love, career, health, wealth, etc.).
• Use of Colors and Materials: Each element is associated with particular colors and materials. For instance, the water element is represented by black and navy blue, while the metal element is associated with white and gray tones.
• Furniture Placement: The arrangement of furniture is carefully planned to avoid disrupting the energy flow. For example, it is not recommended for a desk to directly face the door; instead, it should be arranged in what is called the “command position.”
• Inclusion of Natural Elements: Plants, water features, and natural light are often used as tools to balance energy.

Feng Shui Today

Today, Feng Shui is widely adopted outside of Asia as well, functioning as an interior design approach. When combined with modern design principles, it contributes to creating both functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Especially in office environments, Feng Shui principles are used to enhance productivity and motivation. In this context, factors such as the use of natural light, organized spaces, the positioning of electronic devices, and the placement of personal items come to the forefront.

Criticism and Evaluation

Feng Shui is sometimes criticized for lacking a scientific foundation. Concepts such as energy flow and chi are not based on measurable physical phenomena. Nevertheless, the sense of order and aesthetic quality brought about by Feng Shui practices can positively influence user experience and psychological well-being. In this sense, Feng Shui is evaluated within the framework of psychological environmental design and perceptual aesthetics.