Incorporating Vastu Shastra into Modern Interior Design

Originally from India, Brand Creative's technical designer Sherin has lived in Dubai for over 10 years. Here he gives us an insight into his architectural studies, where he discovered a fascinating ancient philosophy on the optimal way to build a home. Vastu Shastra is a traditional system of architecture that derives from traditional Indian civilization. Originating over 5000 years ago, the discipline developed from an in-depth study of nature and philosophy. It deals with the science of architecture and explains how a building can be planned to channel positive energy in our lives. Vastu was first recorded many centuries ago in Sanskrit, the Indian Latin, and describes precise instructions on how to design flourishing homes. The implementation of such techniques has brought peace and prosperity to many households for centuries. There are five elements that are key in practicing Vastu Shastra. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space Ancient Indian philosophers had profound knowledge about the five elements that constitute the Universe. They exhaustively studied the earth’s gravitational and magnetic fields, the position of the earth, velocity of the wind, ultraviolet rays and the intensity of rainfall to develop their theories. Application of this collective knowledge ensures that the design and construction of the house is both scientifically and spiritually aligned, with the method having been tried, tested and proven in many case studies throughout the years. Through understanding the rules and incorporating the alignment guidelines within interior design, Vastu harmonizes cosmic forces to make life consistently positive. Each physical and spiritual element has its own positive or negative energy that radiates at a specific frequency and Vastu Shastra acts as a bridge to channel only the good energies into your life. In order to further understand Vastu Shastra, it is also necessary to study the Vastu Purusha Mandala, which is a metaphysical square diagram depicting energy arrangements in relation to the body of the mythical monster Vastu Purusha. The legend comes from an ancient story in the Matsya Purana, where the monster grew so large and overbearing that his shadow formed an eclipse on the earth. As a result, ‘Astha Dikapalakas’– the Gods of the eight cardinal directions were summoned by Brahma, the creator of the universe to hold him flat against the ground. To ease the unfair punishment, Brahma made the monster immortal and stated that he would be worshipped by any mortal who builds a structure on earth. As such, the Vastu Purusha is believed to be present in each and every plot from major commercial complexes to small residential properties. As you can see in this diagram, the figure has a peculiar positioning that covers the length and breath of the square. This example is the original plan that subsequent Vastu guidelines derived from, representing the way the monster was pinned to the floor. In the illustration, every part of the Vastu Purusha’s body is sacred and contains affirmative powers to enable a content and peaceful life. These defined energy fields are indicative of how to make interior design decisions according to the ancient teachings, signifying how to manage the outer structure design and interior arrangement of rooms according to their intended purpose. The practice of Vastu Shastra continues to influence many architects and branding agencies to this day as a way to optimize space, sunlight and function in their designs.