12/10/2023

Home Architecture & Design Principles- Which One's Best For Your Apartment?

A home is built with many dreams and hopes. When we build a house, we ensure every brick is laid with care and cemented with love. We consider a hundred different aspects, opinions, styles, concepts and designs to make the enclosed space our home and finally settle into that 1 option that seems best, based on our taste, financial viability, trend and the ‘me’ness that the decision offers.

As soon as we start building a house or finalizing a house for buying, we begin mentally styling the house, deciding what goes where, and planning everything to ensure there is luxury, space and peace. While some of us let our imagination, creativity, and instincts lead the design process, several others let the tried and tested design philosophies create the best-suited design plan for our home. We adopt ideas trying to bring a classy blend of style, luck, and positivity to the place called home. Today, let us take a look at one of the most prominent aspects that many of us consider adapting during or after home construction- the architectural design principles- with a special focus on some much-adored ancient Asian design philosophies.

VASTU SHASTRA

Vastu Shastra, our very own Indian design principle, is more based on science than style. Unifying Science, Astronomy, Astrology, and Art, Vastu focuses on directions and the Panchabhootas or the five elements of nature, i.e., Prithvi (the earth), Agni (fire), Jala (water), Vayu (air), and Akash (space).

Our ancestors found that there was a tremendous benefit we could attain by using the magnetic field, gravitation, velocity, the movement of the Sun, the Moon and the planets, and other environmental forces to suitably design and construct homes or any other types of buildings for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness.

FENG SHUI

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice based on astronomical, astrological, architectural, cosmological, geographical and topographical dimensions literally means ‘Wind-Water’. The Feng Shui concept prominently relates to life and the environment

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Much like Vastu, Feng Shui too, uses 5 elements of nature to bring balance within structures, the 5 elements being earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. The system is focused on the employability of these elements or parts of them in different ways. In the simplest sense, this traditional system is all about channelling the ‘chi’- meaning energy- that flows through your home to create a harmonious, nourishing and soothing environment for the soul.

WABI SABI

The Japanese aesthetics concept, Wabi Sabi is centred on imperfection and transience. The architectural designs based on this concept adopt the same idea. The Wabi Sabi Architecture embodies 7 principles, namely, Kanso (Simplicity), Funkinsei (Asymmetry), Shibumi (Understated sophistication), Shizen (Naturalness), Yugen (Subtle grace), Datsuzoku (Freedom from habits), and Seijaku (Tranquility).

The core essence of Wabi Sabi lies in accepting and appreciating the most natural and real version of materials (and life)’, and hence uses a lot of rustic materials and earthy tones; irregular, raw, flawed textures; unglazed and unpolished finishes, and also encourages reusing, repurposing, and use of organic and sustainable materials. This is a design philosophy that could help you reduce waste and make a minimal impact on nature

WU WEI

The Chinese concept of Wu Wei translates to ‘Doing Nothing’. It might sound like a style that promotes minimal or no work or something that mirrors laziness, coziness, and relaxation. But it is quite the opposite.

The idea of Wu Wei is to conduct effortless action. It means to be at peace even amidst a heap of tasks and fulfil them skillfully, efficiently, and calmly. This design concept imbibes minimalism in a significant sense, but also curved lines, spaces without barriers/ restrictions, natural and relaxing hues, and adapting nature within the space.

Wu Wei also shares a similarity with the concept of Niksen, originating from the Netherlands, which means doing nothing. It’s main intent is to offer rest and a life that gives a break from the hustle and rush

Bottom line

If you are someone who is buying an Apartment or any other kind of living space in Bengaluru or anywhere else in the world, and if you are still undecided about how you wish to decorate your home, exploring and analysing these ancient principles might be a good place for you to begin with; and if you have already tastefully planned the interiors, it might be worth considering adding some element out of these principles… You never know what can bring you luck, joy, and solace!

All Signature Dwellings Apartments are adaptable to any kind of interior design plan, be it ancient or modern, classy or unconventional. We just wish to give the best to our clients, something that is tasteful while also being compatible with the homeowner’s views. Learn more about various design forms, tips and hacks for the interior design of your home in our upcoming blogs.