Let’s find out from our top architects and interior designers how feng shui has influenced Philippine architecture.
Joey Yupangco, architect: There is a growing adherence to feng shui globally, not only in Philippine architecture. Surprisingly, I have not dealt with feng shui with clients except for an occasion or two, and in both cases, the adherence did not oppose the context of design I believed in. In my opinion, feng shui does not necessarily affect the form and structure in architecture, rather it offers another way to use orientation as a means of stabilizing unseen "forces." In the end, Philippine architects that are using feng shui and/or subjected to feng shui by clients still gain their own preference in style.
Tessa Prieto-Valdes, interior designer: Unlike Hong Kong where the buildings are feng shui-proofed, Filipino architecture is influenced by feng shui mainly with the interiors. It dictates auspicious dates to begin construction. It influences the positioning of the rooms, the color scheme and the placement of furniture. It affects even the manner and the time of entering into a space for the first time after construction is done.
Filipinos tend to exaggerate sometimes so the feng shui treatment is lost in the translation. Lucky objects like Buddha figures, jade cabbage, frogs with coins in the mouth, and fortune plants are placed all over to draw luck. Maybe if feng shui was considered also in Filipino architecture more often, we would be a more progressive nation.
Ramon R. Antonio, architect: Today feng shui is a highly-accepted aspect in Philippine architecture. It has in a large scale influenced our architecture since it serves as a guide in building structure that would bestow to its occupants harmony, good health and prosperity. Definitely, a challenge to architects in the formations of functional and aesthetic designs, solutions in accordance with the requirements given by the geomancer.
Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa, Architect: Feng shui has definitely influenced architecture in the Philippines. Although we do not take up geomancy in our schools and universities, practicing Filipino architects today are aware and use it more so with Chinese clientele. Since my practice is expressed strongly in the culture and traditions of the country, Filipino beliefs and values such as tumbok, oro plata mata, buwenas malas, plantings, climactic conditions, etc...become part of our design forms. In the past 30 years, feng shui has been integrated as part of Filipino beliefs.
Sonia Santiago-Olivares, interior designer: Feng shui has influenced architecture greatly in this millennium when most are aware of the need for harmony in the environment –
• removing clutter to clear space for an easy flow of energy which is "minimalism"
• using colors that are neutral to give a feeling of rest and repose; materials in their natural form and texture and sheen.
In ancient China, it is said, "If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."
Maja Olivares-Co, interior designer: When I moved back to Manila 12 years ago, feng shui to most meant "superstition and sticking the little glass mirrors on walls to repel the bad energy (chi)." Today, the awareness level is much broader. Architects and designers in collaboration with their clients have integrated the application of feng shui in the very early conception of planning and design. This I feel provides effective and well-designed spatial solutions for many living situations, minimizing ill fortune and maximizing comfort and harmony.
Antonio Rodriguez Mendoza, architect: Feng shui has brought about a lot of limitation in terms of designs as a product of trying to ensure luck in one’s life. This is all brought by the quest for a better life and/or keep the good life insured. Whether true or not, one must realize that to follow the basics may be good but to make it your primary consideration will totally limit the freedom of making full use of your architect’s and/or designer’s talent as far as creating a beautiful design is concerned. So more often than not feng shui opposes the structure’s full capacity as far as beauty is concerned. Although if one believes in it we can work together in spite of its given parameters in attaining a beautiful design. I for one follow it but not to the point of making it rule my design. Having said that I find it less important as I strengthen my belief in God and life.
Ivy Almario, interior designer: Feng Shui has influenced design considerably, since the formidable aspect of feng shui that’s hard to ignore is its effect on the client’s health, wealth and general well-being. It has become second nature for us designers to follow feng shui. The upside is that feng shui’s origin is rooted in pragmatism and common sense. So the results are rarely disastrous. Oftentimes, you hardly notice it was feng shui, because the concerns were addressed on the planning stage.
Conrad Onglao, architect: It makes good sense most of the time. However, sometimes it can present an architectural challenge especially when dealing with the principles of balance and symmetry, which are the essence of my design.