Vastu: the secrets of Indian bio-architecture

by Sara Costi

About Vastu

The Vastu discipline represents the science of Vedic architecture for building design and home furnishings; the term ‘Vastu’ indicates a living space that is balanced in all its parts, in synergy with ‘dharma’.

Dating back at least 5000 years, the Indian art of Vastu seeks - by cancelling negative energy fields and boosting positive energy - to create a state of harmony and balance between the home, conceived as a microcosm, and the macrocosm that is the Universe, in order to aid beneficial, harmonious flows of pranic energy able to constantly cleanse the metabolic loads of the household.

According to the holistic wisdom of ancient India, the art of building and living is all part of a comic design, in which the microcosm of human life on Earth is indivisible from the macrocosm represented by the planets, so through the study and knowledge of solar energy, the movement of the heavenly bodies and Earth’s magnetic field, Vastu in architecture seeks to design constructions conducive to the physical and mental well-being of the people who live in them.

Vastu in architecture

The ancient Indian tradition of Vastu teaches us not to focus our attention on objects, but to consider space first and foremost, developing sensitivity to places and the energy they give off. The doctrine of Vastu in architecture and design urges us not to be too rigid and categorical in our choices, but to express our individuality in design, listening to our inner voice to perceive the best solution for each of us, bearing in mind that no two individuals are the same.

The principles of Vastu can be used to understand the right shape and layout of the building plot, and to choose the right materials and colours, whose effect on the psyche is of fundamental importance for Vedic science.

The plot of land for building on must provide a stable, solid base, so it is important to assess the characteristics of both the layout and the shape: Vastu recommends the shape be as regular as possible. The north-eastern side should be designed to make it as light as possible, with the creation of a garden with a fountain or a pond, and a decorative path with sand, coloured pebbles and stones. To the north-west of the garden, it is advisable to plant fragrant flowers and herbs.

The principles of Vastu advise protecting the building from the rays of the afternoon Sun towards the South and West, while it recommends that doors and windows should be positioned facing North; this is primarily evident in the number of doors and windows and the direction they face in, but also in how verandas, loggias and balconies are positioned. In addition, to obtain maximum benefit from sunrise, the main façade of the home should face East, with large doors and windows open to the light of dawn.

According to Vastu, homes should be built using a single material, because the use of more than one is believed to weaken the whole construction. In addition to stone and wood, Vastu considers clay the best construction material. Known since ancient times in its fired form of bricks, ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware, thanks to its excellent thermal qualities, a relatively low energy balance and non-toxic nature, it can be used both inside and outside in all parts of all types of buildings, to cover walls, floors and even roofs, thus allowing for a continuous, even flow of positive energy through all the rooms.

How to improve the Vastu of the living room

The best location for the living room is to the north or east. Rectangular or square shapes should be preferred over irregular or circular shapes; it is also best to avoid round or asymmetric furnishing elements, and heavy furniture such as sofas and armchairs should be placed on the south and east sides. Lights should not be placed in the centre of the room. For the floors and walls, the colours that should be used are white, yellow, light and dark blue and green; red and black should be avoided.

How to improve the Vastu of the bathroom

According to the ancient Vedic tradition, the bathroom should be located in the south-eastern corner, on the east side of the house. This position is considered ideal because this is the direction of the sun’s rays at dawn, the moment we wake up. The door of the bathroom should never be opposite the main door of the house or in front of the dining room door, while the floors and walls should be in a pleasant, light colour, such as white or sky blue; red and black should be avoided.

How to improve the Vastu of the outdoor areas

Vastu designers believe plants are essential for a healthy, pleasant, purified atmosphere. Because not all points of the home are equally rich in energy, arranging them around the home based on their specific need for sunlight to grow makes a significant contribution to re-establishing protective and rebalancing energy for the health and well-being of the inhabitants.

For thousands of years, temples, homes and entire cities have been built in India to obtain maximum benefit from the free circulation of prana throughout, thus encouraging a constant flow of positive energy. The science of building according to the principles of Vastu is today receiving widespread recognition worldwide, and many architects are adapting this ancient wisdom to the requirements of modern living.

Casalgrande Padana stone, wood and marble effect porcelain stoneware tiles, composed of a small and carefully proportioned number of natural elements such as earth, fire, air and water, free from plastic and harmful substances, non-allergenic, antibacterial fire-resistant and completely recyclable, combined with the wisdom of Vastu, will be able to create a significant amount of vigorous harmony in any setting.