architecture to culture our bodies and ourselves
by chris adamson, this month's y chromosome guest author

When I was asked to write an article on Vedic architecture and was told the theme this month was “our bodies, our selves”, I thought: "How perfect!"

For the last four years, my wife Sarah and I—although trained in more traditional architecture and engineering—have been practicing Vedic architecture which has its roots in the ancient Vedic tradition of India that views our selves, our bodies, and our environment as all springing from one field of nature’s intelligence.

All the technologies that have sprung from this tradition over the millennia – including Yoga in its various forms, AyurVeda (health), and Vedic architecture (Vastu or Sthapatya Veda) have one purpose: to connect us seamlessly with that natural or universal intelligence. The value of this is in the bottom line: no stresses or obstacles should be experienced in life, and energy should be abundant for the fulfilment of our desires. Vastu – handed down through a living tradition of masters – may even predate the more well-known Chinese architectural tradition of Feng Shui.

So what are the “nuts and bolts” of Vedic architecture? Firstly, I should say that it is completely compatible with green building practices and modern cutting-edge building technologies. There is an emphasis on natural building materials, but nothing needs to be sacrificed in terms of elegance, beauty, and human comfort. In fact, contemporary building materials, practices, and methodologies, designed to conserve energy naturally and promote a healthy, non-toxic living environment can be used to great effect. A Vedic building is like an osmotic membrane – allowing in the positive, life-nurturing influences from the environment while holding back influences that would be a drag to life. Protection, yes, but non-stifling protection.

A recent anecdote I heard was how forest fires in California were stopped at the vastu fence (the carefully calculated plot boundary) of houses designed according to Vedic architecture. Temples in India designed following rigorous vastu principles have stood in the face of hurricane force monsoon winds since the 4th century whilst contemporary structures have perished.

Vedic houses are always aligned to the four cardinal directions with main entrances to east and or north. Room placements tap the energy of the sun and its different qualities as it moves around the house during the day. The kitchen catches the vibrancy of the morning sun, while living rooms and bedrooms favor the western light of the setting sun. In the center of the building is the “Brahmasthan” – the central silent core – a hall or courtyard. All the dynamism of the living areas finds a balancing counterpoint in this space.

Vedic Architecture transcends style and practical utility, although these certainly are present. The primary benefit of this science of placement, dimension, and proportion is that we remain connected with nature’s freshness and scintillating intelligence at all times.

So what is the secret of success? In the same way we skillfully use the space (the air spaces in the fibers of our clothes) to protect our bodies from the cold outside space, so through precise calculation we can design the myriad spaces within a building (its rooms) and outside (the building’s form) to resonate constructively with the environment. We useproportions, dimensions, orientation, characteristics of the occupants, and placement of rooms both within the building and the building in the landscape, so that occupants think more clearly, enjoy more energy, feel happier, and experience increased success.

Also in the same way that clothing can have a huge range of colors, styles, and materials, Vedic buildings can follow virtually any architectural style. Anyone can benefit from the value of Vastu or Sthapatya Veda at home or in the workplace. It is a matter of “feeling” is believing. With Vastu, faith in the method is born of the experience, of the testing of the knowledge in time, and most recently by scientific research.

You really have to go inside Vedic buildings to feel the difference. The tranquility, peace, and light are immediately apparent. The experience of joy, prosperity, and health to the occupants and owner are seen as long-term benefits.

Here are some great websites where you can read more and actually see Vedic houses built in the USA:

General and scientific research: sthapatyaveda.com
Online exhibition: mgc-vastu.com
Images of houses: vedahouse.com
Renewable/Sustainable: raama.com

Chris Adamson, M.Sc., educated in Britain, is a consultant in Vedic Architecture practicing in the Asheville area with his American architect wife Sarah. [ Raam Consultants, Inc.; 828 252-1144; raam@boone.net ]