Orchard Road's buildings and feng shui.. here's an article i stumbled upon taken from http://www.lisfengshui.com/__case-studies/orchard_road.htm. Look at the final paragraph.. interesting.

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Five Elements of Orchard Road's Buildings

Orchard road got its name from the numerous plantations along the area, which now form part of the Central Business District. It is Singapore's major shopping district where most of the 'Five Star' hotel whether big or small shopping complex and offices are located. Amongst them, creating a number of Business Tycoons.

Every year about seven millions of tourist visited Orchard Road. Tourist would not miss Orchard Road. It is hard to believe that this place was just a small kampong (a little village in Malay word) forty years ago. Scattered in this area were big colonial style bungalows. It was said that it cost about forty thousand dollars in local currency for a two acre land together with the mansion but now due to appreciation of the price, it is well above the region of ten millions dollars. The big appreciation can be quite alarming. Those with foresight had said that those landowner are really wealthy.

The inflow of water at Orchard Road is from TUI as Zhen Shen and outflow of water from ZHEN in the direction of Yi Shan. 7th Age TUI as Zhen Shen is at its peak, ZHEN as Ling Shen the unlucky direction. This coincides with the law of inflow and outflow of both the lucky and unlucky water respectively, thus creating the bustling Age of 7.

From the perspective of Xuan Kong Gua

Inflow of water -Gua Age is Eight

Outflow of water -Gua Age is Two

The combination of the Gua Age 8 and 2 equals to Ten. This indicates that there will be a time of prosperous during Age of 8th.

Within everything is its own Tai Chi, The Centre of Orchard road is situated at the Junction of Scotts road and Orchard road. This chapter is about this stretch of road.

CK Tang (Mariott Hotel)


This short stretch of road leaves a deep impression on the tourist. Major activities are confined within the distance of Five major buildings (its prosperity is that of Hong Kong's Nathan Road from Dundas Street to Argyle Street) situated at this central is C K Tang Department Store. Its unique outlook of octagon shape is similar to that of a Pagoda, outer facade is painted green thus activate the energy of Chi Lu Wen Qu No wonder this buildings has become a memorable mark for Orchard Road. Chi Lui when enhanced promote fame. The sitting and facing position of C K Tang is Chia and Ken respectively. Let us analyze respectively its Xuan Kong Feng Shui for both chart of Age of 6th and 7th. It is obvious that during the 6th Age, both sitting and facing were auspicious.

This signifies prosperity in both populations and wealth. The inflow of water is at Xu Flying Star 37, dominating the influx of wealth as signified by activating the number seven star (the future prosperous Chi) during the Age of Sixth. The outflow of water at Bing Flying Star 94 is that of the faded Chi Star.

Changes in Flying Star position during the Age of 7th resulting in the formation of Fountain on Top and Water Below, bringing about the loss of descendant and wealth. For readers who understand the Xuan Kong feng shui, I am sure you have realized the reason behind this periodic change of luck.

Inflow of water at Xu Flying Star 61 during the Age of 7th, number one star is activated. Although numbers one, six and eight stars are lucky star but during the Age 7 - 9 it is fading Chi (i.e. loss of wealth). Water outflow at Ping Flying Star 94 is that of fading star.

Wheelock Building

Wheelock building was invested by a group of financier from Hong Kong. It was built like a shape of a harp, to signify a continuous progress. It's concourse sits on Hai and facing Si. The Building was erected during the Age of 7th, thus resulting in Up mountain and Below water formation”. It's pointed entrance at the concourse is at Zhen Flying Star 64 which does not signify wealth. Inflow of water at Ping Flying Star 31, outflow of water at Chou Flying Star is 29. This does not fit the requirement of the theory, which demand a lucky inflow and unlucky outflow directions.


Thus within a short span of nine months, Lane Crawford Department Store has sized down their operations from five floors to two floor and ceased business later. This was due to financial problems.


Shaw Centre

Shaw Centre is round in its outlook. Due to high speed of car passing by at Scotts Road, the situation whereby water is being dragged is present. Chi cannot accumulate at the front of the door; this will damage the Building's financial luck.

Fortunately, the basement design of the block is circular (reflective effect) with the top of the block, a concave (for absorption). The turbulence-overwhelming chi can thus be stabilized. The ground floor concourse is spacious thus enable to save chi from outside. The sitting and facing of the concourse is Ren and Ping respectively, completed during the Age of 7th. This is an auspicious period for both manpower and finance.

Inflow of water at Ping Flying Star is 77, Outflow of water at Chia Flying Star is 14 matched with the theory of the auspicious and the unlucky direction. Thus it is often crowded both in the shopping area and the cinema.

The building itself has a formidably design formation with the erection of a circular clock facing Wheelock building with a metallic sounding at intervals of fifteen minutes. Using the Five Elements method of dissolving the Shar, that is, to dissolve the Fire Elements of Wheelock Building. On the other side of the building facing C K Tang, a similar clock is also erected there. This is to enslave C K Tang.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn1096.jpg
(Wheelock Building on the left with the clock outside Shaw Centre)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn1097.jpg

(Note C K Tang is Wood in element. Gold suppresses Wood. Those elements I suppress become my wealth).


Wisma Atria

Wisma Atria outer facade is painted solely in light blue colour. Its sitting is Wei with Chou facing, completed during the Age of 7th. Both stars are present, determine population factor. Its facing chart no is 14, which stands for popularity, with inflow of water at Qian Flying Star is 32 , predicting quarrel. Outflow of water at Zhen Flying Star is 68 predicts a loss in wealth, thus the building is known for its popularity and the presence of many people here all year round. Every Sunday, hundreds of Filipino maids congregate here, just like Hong Kong.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn1112.jpg
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn1095-med.jpg


Ngee Ann City
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103taka.jpg
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/103takashimaya.jpg

Ngee Ann City opened in 1993. Both its outlook and star formations have acquired that of superior level. This building is formed by two squarish blocks together with a huge shopping area, giving a sense of stability similar to that of a castle. It sits on Kun and facing Ken, with presence of both stars, indicating prosperity.


Outside the main entrance is a huge fountain to activate the money luck Flying Star is 77. Inflow of water at Hai 59, outflow of water at Chen Flying Star is 32, exactly that of the theory of the auspicious and the unlucky direction.


The basement of the building is linked to both the MRT and pedestrian crossing with entrance at Qian. There is an estimate hundreds of thousands of passengers here daily, thus activating that of forecoming positive Chi. In the shopping arcade, a Japanese invested departmental store has achieved its yearly earning forecast within the short period of eight months. From this, I believe that you, my intelligent readers have already come to a conclusion that the Flat land Feng Shui is indeed detrimental all over.


Most people understand the theory of enhancement and suppression between the five elements. However, few understand the Xuan Kong five elements of the outlook of buildings and their colours. Now, let us take a look into this aspect. Gold circular, Wood straight, Earth broad, Water curved, Fire sharp is that of the five elements of shapes. Gold white, Wood green, Earth yellow, Water blue (Black), Fire red is that of the five elements of color.


Summary:


C K Tang outlook like pagoda, colour green, five element is wood.

Shaw Centre outlook like round shape, colour metallic white, five elements is metal.

Wheelock Building outlook like cone and sharp shape, curtain wall, five elements is fire.

Wisma outlook and the logo like wave and curves shape, colour light blue, five elements is water.

Ngee Ann City outlook like castle and board shape, colour is reddish, five elements is fire/earth.

From the map we can easily find out that their position and sequence is in destruction and not in construction, after all those five buildings built up and the retail business in Orchard Road becomes negative growth since 1993. This is the Xuan Kong feng shui phenomenon.

So it is 'unlucky' and 'unauspicious' there?

Originally posted by redstone

So it is 'unlucky' and 'unauspicious' there? Perhaps we need some new building at the space above ORchard MRT for some addition of "postitive" elements to set things right. :D

I don't know why, but I felt very irritated after reading that fengshui text.:moods:
But now I'm okay.:)

btw, this is the first time I EVER used that smiley.:)

Originally posted by Cliff

I don't know why, but I felt very irritated after reading that fengshui text.:moods:
But now I'm okay.:)

btw, this is the first time I EVER used that smiley.:) Haha..coz it sounds too negative or something? :D

Anyway, wait till you see the fengshui stuff for OUB....some are very critical of it, while others are quite positive. But I recall the Gateway was a fengshui disaster! ;)

Ah! Do you have the fengshui for OUB? Please please!:D

I also heard about the Gateway, another of my fav.s
Isn't the Concourse also suffering from Fengshui disasters?

Suntec City's Feng Shui:

The Suntec City is the latest among Singapore's megastrucutres. Documented in the 1998 Guinness Record, its total floor area 7 Million square feet, 888,000 sq. ft. shopping space, 3,200 units of parking lots. 1,000,000 sq. ft. of conference area and outdoor fountain occupying 18,018 sq. ft. This is the world's largest outdoor fountain ?the spring of wealth. It spans over 18018 sq. ft. of the basement, of 46 feet height, with a diameter of 66 feet. Constructed of pure copper weighing 85 tones, its manufacture cost was S$6 Million.


This one of a kind fountain designed is allocated the pivotal position. From its formation, four outer main roads embraces it, providing influx of water whilst the form inner lanes interlinked represents the reverting of four flows towards its depository. The four inner lanes are respectively situated on Qian, Sun, Kun, Ken round a circle. This circulation of water enables the utmost perfect display of pivotal water. Qian, Kun, Ken, Sun water is termed "Official water" which according to a classic book ?Tian YU Classic depicts the visiting of officials. No wonder the numerous international conferences held with lots of international organizations taking up space for its offices.

The Suntec City is a combination of five blocks of offices, three malls and a conference cum exhibition hall. Each of these buildings is unique, with the aggregation of every two office blocks forming the Tui Gua, - the caving in at the top with the base protruded. (The I-ching states: Tui is the exclusion of the apex).

This is utterly agreeable during the 7th Age Tui Gua which span from 1984 to 2003. Metal cannot prosper without earth thus the location of a squarish building by its side. (Square depicts earth).


The roof of the conference hall is makes up by the assembly of numerous pyramids. Western mystics believe in the power of pyramids for energy storage, the sealing in of freshness of food and the ground for meditation. Thus the adoption of pyramids as tombs in ancient Egypt in the hope of resurrection and the continuation of power. The ensemble of these pyramids offers immense motivation and optimism.

I cant find OUB's feng shui info yet, but here is a very interesting related article about this:

"Feng shui is also at the heart of the battle of banks. Overseas Union Bank (OUB) has very sharp edges pointing at United Overseas Bank (UOB) — sharp edges are not good feng shui, especially for banks. So OUB built a platform in the middle resembling a chopping board to neutralise the sharp edges. Nearby Standard Chartered is also hurt by the sharp edges (not to mention by the sculpture of a big bird sitting on a pile of money, with the tail facing Standard). To counter this, Standard has slanted almost everything in its building: the staircase at the entrance, every tile, ceiling, even planters and windows!"

OMG!

And can we say that Maybank gives Bank of China bad fengshui?:D
Funny thing is that UOB and OUB were designed by the same guy, Kenzo Tange..he should know what he is doing:cool:

Sharp edges of OUB
http://www.ktaweb.com/works/image/oub/oub01.jpg

Originally posted by RafflesCity

OMG!

And can we say that Maybank gives Bank of China bad fengshui?:D
Funny thing is that UOB and OUB were designed by the same guy, Kenzo Tange..he should know what he is doing:cool: Haha...but I think its usually the clients making requests to architects to make modifications due to fengshui concerns. ;)

BTW, I think the article has a typo....it is more likely refering to the UOB adding a "middle platform".....the low-rise building joining the two UOB buildings....a big chopping board? :bash: :D

Originally posted by huaiwei

I cant find OUB's feng shui info yet, but here is a very interesting related article about this:

"Feng shui is also at the heart of the battle of banks. Overseas Union Bank (OUB) has very sharp edges pointing at United Overseas Bank (UOB) — sharp edges are not good feng shui, especially for banks. So OUB built a platform in the middle resembling a chopping board to neutralise the sharp edges. Nearby Standard Chartered is also hurt by the sharp edges (not to mention by the sculpture of a big bird sitting on a pile of money, with the tail facing Standard). To counter this, Standard has slanted almost everything in its building: the staircase at the entrance, every tile, ceiling, even planters and windows!"

That is so interesting!

No wonder UOB(I assume, since there is the word 'mddle') has that cover for no apparent reason. ;)

Now I also know why the Gateway has such bad fengshui.
Actually, triangular buildings have sharper edges, so this may be why Central Plaza in Hong Kong has it's sides 'cut' off.

I pity Standard Chartered.:D

It's like

OUB to Kenzo: I want you to design a building to give my neighbour bad luck.

Kenzo to OUB: Ok, I'll cut your building into half so there will be sharp edges pointing at UOB's eight sided building. But you must understand, when I cut it in half, you will loose vaualbe office space.

OUB to Kenzo: Then think of another way, this land is expensive you know.

Kenzo to OUB: I know, I'll add a smaller triangle at the side to make up for loss pace and still have the sharp edge pointing at UOB.

OUB to Kenzo: Good, let the construction begin!

OUB Centre is completed.

UOB to Kenzo: Your design is killing our company, I want you to design something to give my building its luck again.

Kenzo to UOB: I know, I can add a platform resembling a chopping board next to your building to neutralise the effect. But you must buy more land to build this Chopping Board.

Kenzo shows the plans

UOB to Kenzo: WHAT?! so much land is wasted on that roof with no use? This land is expensive you know.

Kenzo thinks: These Singaporeans! Wait till they see the price list for land in Tokyo!

Kenzo to UOB: I can shorten the chopping board and add the tallest building in Singapore, same as OUB.

UOB to Kenzo: Ok thats good, let the construction begin!

UOB Plaza is completed.

Many years later, they merge, and draw posters of the buildings being connected by a bridge - :baaa:

well, that's my little story:D

@Cliff, your story doesnt sound far-fetched at all! If you were the owner of a bank you might think like that:D

And UOB has this golden coin in its entrance..good fortune?
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0166a.jpg

Actually, there was a book about FengShui in Singapore, with several examples in cartoon form. Quite fun reading:cool:

Nice story cliff. :D

I think it's silly to assume these things actually affect our "luck". :bash: We're a modern society remember? :)

But those are just my views, you are free to have yours. :)

Here's a real life story of mine involving fengshui...

I used to live in this masionatte (sp?) that was facing a sharp edge of an opposite block. When my parents wanted to sell it to downgrade to a 5 room flat, seveal supersitious possible buyers who visited our flat commented on it and refused to buy even though our price was reasonable.

Thats just my experience. Please share if you have any stories about fengshui (but do not attempt to sell or promote it to us, please :tongue3: )

Does anyone recall those jagged-looking metallic sculptures that once used to hang at the main entrance/lobby of the new SIA building? I overheard someone mentioning that they were removed not long after that.. No prizes for guessing when and why.

Originally posted by TropicalSQ744

Nice story cliff. :D

I think it's silly to assume these things actually affect our "luck". :bash: We're a modern society remember? :)

But those are just my views, you are free to have yours. :)

Here's a real life story of mine involving fengshui...

I used to live in this masionatte (sp?) that was facing a sharp edge of an opposite block. When my parents wanted to sell it to downgrade to a 5 room flat, seveal supersitious possible buyers who visited our flat commented on it and refused to buy even though our price was reasonable.

Thats just my experience. Please share if you have any stories about fengshui (but do not attempt to sell or promote it to us, please :tongue3: )

My sister used that exact excuse to get a bargain for her condo.:D

Foster's Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank building in Hong Kong sits on the original HKSB building. The old building was considered a great contribution to Hong Kong's prosperity. It had to be demolished to make way for the new building. Some attributed the collapse of the Hong Kong stock market in 1982 to the demise of the old building.

Foster's building was nonetheless considered an auspicious design. It sits on a dragon position. That would explain why the ground level is left open (this open space is the "Lucky Plaza" of HK on Sundays).

Wow, I never knew that!

There is also that sotry about Singapore having some dragons and the CTE Tunnel cutting through the dragon's eye resulting in the recession?

Somemore........

I.M. Pei's Bank of China building nearby is in contradiction, considered to be bad Feng Shui because of the building's crosses and angles. These crosses and angles are considered to be "poison arrows" and will affect other buildings in the vicinity badly. The building itself however, enjoys very auspicious Feng Shui as it is encircled by curvy roads that are likened to a blade cutting into the building and bringing auspicious "Chi".

More:

The Lisboa Hotel and Casino, Macau's most luxurious hotel is designed like a bird cage, and the decorative top resembles numerous blades pointing down. The main door to the casino is a tiger's mouth.

I wonder why.....:D

Originally posted by Kit

Somemore........

I.M. Pei's Bank of China building nearby is in contradiction, considered to be bad Feng Shui because of the building's crosses and angles. These crosses and angles are considered to be "poison arrows" and will affect other buildings in the vicinity badly. The building itself however, enjoys very auspicious Feng Shui as it is encircled by curvy roads that are likened to a blade cutting into the building and bringing auspicious "Chi".

Wait...Won't The Peninsula in Hong Kong be the unlukiest building? The Kowloon Hotel, also by Peninsula just behind it is covered with sharp edges(around 50 rows) pointing at the back of Peninsula.:)

Originally posted by Cliff

Wait...Won't The Peninsula in Hong Kong be the unlukiest building? The Kowloon Hotel, also by Peninsula just behind it is covered with sharp edges(around 50 rows) pointing at the back of Peninsula.:)

Well, I guess they made it up with $25 volkas... :cheers:

seriously, anyone who visits HK should go to Felix(at least once) for a $25 Volka and remember to visit the toilet..... :D

I stayed at Kowloon, so my room was one of the hundreds giving Peninsula bad luck.:D

Too bad I don't drink Vodkas. Btw, is there a law in Singapore about the minumum age that someone can drink alcohol?

I also heard that the Merlion faced East for some reason.

http://english.wayonnet.com/images/Five%20Dragons_images/dragon_eng.jpg

Singapore
Assembly of The Five Dragons

Many feng shui masters were convinced that Singapore, a small dot on the world map, could not possibly possess any dragon vein or prosperous den.

As Singapore lacks natural resources, what other explanation is there for her rapid economic progress and status as one of Asia's four dragons, if not for her dragon vein?

Of Asia's four dragons, Hong Kong is frequently assailed by typhoons, Taiwan has to endure the occasional earthquake and South Korea has to suffer riots. Singapore is definitely a rare dragon's den as she is spared from all these natural calamities and man-made catastrophes.

Although small and considerably flat, she is surrounded by mountains. For example, in the north are Malaysia's Kota Tinggi and Kelang Patah; in the west and south Sumatra shields her; and in the east Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei act as her natural screens.

http://english.wayonnet.com/images/five%20dragons_images/five%20dragon.jpg

Singapore: A Golden Treasure Basin

On the map, these places seem to form a round basin. Singapore also bears the shape of ancient China's gold ingot. The overall formation is known as a golden treasure basin. As the golden basin is situated on the sea routes of both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, the Straits of Malacca naturally acts as the neck while Singapore is like the Adam's apple. Hence both Singapore's geographical and feng shui locations are very auspicious.

Gold ingots
http://www.all-about-feng-shui.co.uk/images/golden-ingots-large-six.gif

Different feng shui masters have differing opinions on the region' s feng shui. Some insist it is the land of pearl, while others claim it is the land of tortoise, the land of tiger, etc. However, looking at the entire formation, it seems that Singapore is not the land of the strong dragon but the land of the prosperous dragon.

As Singapore's land form is much lower compared to that of her neighbours', it has the shape of a basin. What's more, this basin is not set among mountains but rests comfortably amidst the seas and the mountains. To top it off, the earth is largely yellow, red and black, an indication that the water and fire elements support each other.

The whole formation can be further classified into many minor formations. Hong Kong's land form is known as nine dragons disgorging a pearl -an unusual piece of auspicious land. Singapore and the Malay Archipelago can be classified as having a carp spewing a pearl land form. At the same time, the tall mountains surrounding Singapore has created a treasure basin formation. As the saying goes: Good adds to good, excellence adds to excellence.

History records that the famous Chinese admiral Cheng Ho dropped by Singapore's Bukit Timah Hill on one of his trips and later moved up north to Malacca. There he started Singapore's dragon vein beating, for it was closely linked to that of Malacca's, and it gradually gained vitality.

Likewise, the farsighted Sir Stamford Raffles, who landed at the mouth of the Singapore River and ascended Fort Canning Hill, helped activate Singapore's treasure basin formation.

Such a situation brings to mind the efforts of an ancient feng shui expert, Master Lai Buyi. While visiting Wuyang City (literally five goat city) in Guangzhou, he activated it and the great revolutionary Sun Yat-sen was later produced. The movements of the five goats in turn woke up the nine dragons. Years later the pearl of the orient was disgorged. The pearl is located in Hong Kong where the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Bank of China are sited. It is said that the nine dragons disgorged three pearls, one of which landed in Hong Kong and another in Singapore. As for the last pearl, no one has any idea where it is.

Topographical and feng shui analyses reveal that Singapore has a total of five dragons. Known as the Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth Dragons, they all possess mountain veins. These five inseparable creatures enjoy such close bonds with one another that they seem to share the same vein. Not only are the dragon veins highly unusual, they are also littered with many dens, rendering these dragons more powerful than Hong Kong's.

Other than the five mountain dragons, there are two important yang dragons (Water Dragons). They are the Singapore River and Kallang River. As they have merged well with the Gold, Earth and Fire dragons, a prosperous commercial and financial district in the southern part of Singapore has been created.

______
Found this online :cool:

Harmony lies in the direction

Feng shui, a combination of science and art, is a practice that believes that the environment influences almost everything in our lives, says NEELAM MATHEWS after a visit to Singapore.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2001/12/02/images/2001120200430701.jpg

DISCORD is evident in the world around us, making many turn to age old sciences like feng shui for instance to bring back harmony and balance. Singapore and Hong Kong are known to have adopted its principles in the construction industry. The ideas date back at least 3,000 years, yet a growing number of architects and decorators are integrating feng shui ideas with contemporary building design.

Feng Shui, or Geomancy, is the ancient Chinese practice of harnessing the powers of nature to promote business and one's general well-being. Feng shui — literally means wind and water. The practise believes that the environment influences our mental state, health, family, career development. A combination of science and art with a dash of common sense, this practice is very much alive in cosmopolitan Singapore. Despite its modernity and sophistication, it has many feng shui devotees, from the man on the street to professionals and millionaires.

Stuck in your career? Trouble in your love life? The root of your problems may be in the design of your home, say practitioners of feng shui. Donald Trump is using it. Virgin Atlantic Airlines, the Bank of England and the United Nations have embraced it. Just like Vastushastra, it is very much an environmental science. It is incorporates the natural environment, the earth's magnetic field, yin (female) and yang (male) forces, mountains and rivers. A site with good feng shui generally sees its tenants prosperous and happy while a place with bad feng shui sees few occupants or those who are sick, poor and seemingly ill of luck. Singapore Tourism Board's innovative "In Harmony with Feng Shui Tour" gives an idea of Chinese geomany and how the Lion City embraces its principles.

Singapore's location in Asia is apparently blessed with good feng shui, a reason why it continues to be prosperous and devoid of natural catastrophes. The tour begins with a visit to Way Geomancy in Fu Lu Shou Complex, owned by Master Tan Khoon Yong, one of the 45 full practising geomancers in Singapore. Unlike other masters who are low key, Master Tan has opened his office to visitors. His company has even achieved the ISO 9001 certification and has a website: www.waygeomancy.com. His harmonious office is testimony to good feng shui — from the overall office layout and colour to the positioning of the money box and his slightly elevated table.

Here one finds out where the five dragons, auspicious mythological creatures lie in Singapore and as one rides into the city centre, one sees if their positions have indeed contributed to the island's prosperity.

http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/finalists/me_lui_hock.jpg

In the city centres, feng shui's rich symbolism and imagination have been subtly incorporated into the orientation and design of many prominent commercial and residential buildings. The Hilton Hotel, for example, has indoor status of two life-sized warriors. To lessen the qi, energy, which was too strong, the warriors were moved outside the hotel. Conrad International Hotel has the number 13 on its entire facade; the number is lucky in feng shui circles and in Cantonese sounds like``bound to live''or guaranteed to prosper. The popular shopping centre of Wisma Atria is painted blue, making it look like a large aquarium. Water is good for feng shui, which is why a lot of houses and buildings have water fountains, ponds, aquariums and "waterfalls".

Geomancers believe Singapore's icon, the Merlion, had good feng shui in 1972 when it was placed at the entrance of the Singapore river. Not so anymore because its view is blocked by the extension of the Marina Bay . Because the Merlion does not have open access to the sea, it is interpreted as a sign of wealth being blocked, as seen during the recent financial crisis. My guide says plans are on to shift the Merlion.

Feng shui is also at the heart of the battle of banks. Overseas Union Bank (OUB) has very sharp edges pointing at United Overseas Bank (UOB) — sharp edges are not good feng shui, especially for banks. So UOB built a platform in the middle resembling a chopping board to neutralise the sharp edges. Nearby Standard Chartered is also hurt by the sharp edges (not to mention by the sculpture of a big bird sitting on a pile of money, with the tail facing Standard). To counter this, Standard has slanted almost everything in its building: the staircase at the entrance, every tile, ceiling, even planters and windows!

SunTec City is designed to symbolise a giant hand. The four, 45-storey office towers represent the fingers and the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre represents the thumb. The palm is displayed as the Fountain of Wealth, from which fortune flows. Walking clockwise three times while touching the water is said to bring luck and blessings of fortune. I do the ritual in the hope that the good fortune of the Suntec city will touch me despite troubled times.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2001/12/02/stories/2001120200430700.htm

The 'chopping board' of UOB Plaza.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9boatsg8.jpg

The merlion was moved to its new location in 2002.
http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/me_fi_i1.jpg http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/me_fi_i2.jpg

http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/me_fi_i3.jpg http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/me_fi_i4.jpg

http://www1.visitsingapore.com/articles/images/me_fi_i5.jpg

Cliff did bring up a good question about that UOB chopping board.....the UOB is not really pointing directly at it..or was it? :?

Well the corner of the OUB projects in between the two UOB towers. maybe that is unlucky and hence the chopping board?

http://home.earthlink.net/~bolandse/forums/singapore/skyline_from_boat_quay.jpg

Hmm....but the flat surface of the tower is actually facing UOB and the river?

But the other face perpendicular to it seems to be angled somewhat in between them...oh well:baaa:

Originally posted by RafflesCity

But the other face perpendicular to it seems to be angled somewhat in between them...oh well:baaa: I dont noe...I was basing it on the maps, which shows them perpendicular to each other? Hmm..........

Fengshui seems to be quite successful at beautifying our cities. After Cliff's intruiging realization of that direction thingy, i've begun to see that maybe SIngapore's cities are more organised than i've previously thought.

Originally posted by EyeToEye

Fengshui seems to be quite successful at beautifying our cities. After Cliff's intruiging realization of that direction thingy, i've begun to see that maybe SIngapore's cities are more organised than i've previously thought. As if our city isnt organised enough? The direction thing suddely puts everything in a "worse" perspective in terms of non-confirmity! :D

Well, one must admit that Singapore looks awesome. Surely, fengshui must have had a part to play.

Originally posted by EyeToEye

Well, one must admit that Singapore looks awesome. Surely, fengshui must have had a part to play. Not all cities with fengshui look as good you know? :D

Regarding RC's 5-Dragon post, I heard that the tunnel that CTE enters was dug from a hill, which was one of the dragon's eyes, and when the tunnel was completed, Singapore suffered from the financial crisis.

Also, Singapore's shape resembles a crab, and a red crab is a dead crab, so the government started planting trees to make Singapore "live" again.:)

Originally posted by Cliff

Regarding RC's 5-Dragon post, I heard that the tunnel that CTE enters was dug from a hill, which was one of the dragon's eyes, and when the tunnel was completed, Singapore suffered from the financial crisis.


They said that kinda happened once that bridge was built blocking the merlion's old position. Thats why the merlion was relocated.

then that must be the second financial crisis, since the Espalnade Bridge is quite new.:D

1997 and 2001:angel1:

Originally posted by Cliff

Also, Singapore's shape resembles a crab, and a red crab is a dead crab, so the government started planting trees to make Singapore "live" again.:) Oh....I actually tot the best permanent solution was to reclaim our way into a new shape!! :D

Well Singapore's reclamation have strengthened the crab's claws in the form of Marina South & Marina East:angel1:

?? So the crab claws are supposed to be facing south?

Originally posted by huaiwei

?? So the crab claws are supposed to be facing south?

yup..and the mouth of the crab is around the CBD area:cool:

Originally posted by RafflesCity

yup..and the mouth of the crab is around the CBD area:cool: Er..any graphic representration of that? Somehow the crab shape dosent seem to figure! :D

Claws of the crab and the mouth

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103319b.jpg

Huh...the claws so small and the rest of the island so big for the body?? :D

Originally posted by huaiwei

Huh...the claws so small and the rest of the island so big for the body?? :D

Would be freaky if the shape of the island actually resembled a crab 100% isnt!:moods:

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Would be freaky if the shape of the island actually resembled a crab 100% isnt!:moods: Haha..but a bette resemblance would make better sense rite? :) I prefer the analogy of the dove which i saw in a fengshui book. :cool:

Originally posted by huaiwei

Haha..but a bette resemblance would make better sense rite? :) I prefer the analogy of the dove which i saw in a fengshui book. :cool:

Thats the first I heard, did they mention anything on how that affects the destiny of SG?

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Thats the first I heard, did they mention anything on how that affects the destiny of SG? I dont think so, but there was a graphic of a dove over the island, and it looks damn perfect! :D

The head is where the CBD is lah, and it explains why the MRT route was good, coz it is like the three main arteries of the bird. That was before the woodlands extension appeared, of coz. ;)

Hmm... I can't really imagine a dove.:D

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103319b.jpg
Btw, if the new reclamed land is removed, then where would be the claws?

The head is at the city (the beak facing the east), the tail is the that area up in the north between Kranji and Seletar rivers. One wing goes to the west and folds up towards Lim Chu Kang. The other goes towards Changi. ;)

Originally posted by Cliff

Btw, if the new reclamed land is removed, then where would be the claws?

Not sure, but I know the Singapore River and kallang river form part of the mouth area of the crab....hmmm..

So it only become a crab thanks to recaimation? Fengshui is so odd! :bash: :D

The Gateway at Beach Road has affected the feng shui of the buildings nearby.

The Parkview Square ,if you notice ,is perfectly framed by the twin towers.This is to avoid the sharp edges from runnung into it.But ,unfortunately ,The Gateway East's edge runs into the Raffles Hospital.



The Concourse's characteristic mulit-faceted façade has something to do with Jalan Sultan running into it.

The same goes with Balestier Point's dizzying multi-recessing façade.
http://www.rdca.com.sg/images/projects/balestier-point01.jpg

Originally posted by redstone

The Concourse's characteristic mulit-faceted façade has something to do with Jalan Sultan running into it.


Hmm..... I thought Concourse's design was just another Paul Rudolph's trademark facade. You can spot an almost similar building in Jakarta but scaled down. Then there's also the former Lippo building in HK. Different facade finishing but similar form.

Originally posted by redstone

The Concourse's characteristic mulit-faceted façade has something to do with Jalan Sultan running into it.

The same goes with Balestier Point's dizzying multi-recessing façade.
http://www.rdca.com.sg/images/projects/balestier-point01.jpg

Whats wrong with Jalan Sultan and does it run into Balestier Point too?

It is said that if a road 'runs directly into' your property ,it is unlucky ,so you have to change the wall or the intrerior or something.

Kim Keat Road 'runs directly into' Balestire Point.

Originally posted by redstone

It is said that if a road 'runs directly into' your property ,it is unlucky ,so you have to change the wall or the intrerior or something.


Interesting:cool: The Concourse is also octagonal shaped.

Perhaps of the road thing ,The Concourse is rather empty ,both the shopping mall and the office tower.I don't know about the apartments ,though.

The Furama Hotel is another fengshui design and resembles a palm of the hand with fingers.

The Furama Hotel is another fengshui design and resembles a palm of the hand with fingers.
Where you get this idea from? There seems to be more then 5 fingers! :D

Where you get this idea from? There seems to be more then 5 fingers! :D

Thats true....hmmm anyway I read it from a fun book of fengshui in Singapore :cool:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/103furama.jpg

Looks like row of books! :D

Has anyone noticed the gold-roofed Robinson Point located smack in between the 2 towers of SGX Centre?

I wonder if there is a significance to that

Found this article

Feng Shui And Architecture

( Excerpt from "Make A Difference" published by Hunter Douglas & Windows Furnishings, Singapore. Issue 6, January 2001)

In the talk presented at the dinner on 3 November, in connection with the Singapore Institute of Architects -Hunter Douglas Design Competition 2000 Award Ceremony, Master Ong Thiam Peng from I-Ching Geomancy Centre, elaborated on the influence of geomancy on building design and construction.

It is relevant to point out that today western doctors and the Chinese 'Sinseh' are still trying to outdo one another in the medical field, the latter carrying on the traditions of thousands of years ago, when people were dependent on the spiritual healer who prayed to the sun and the moon.

In the same way, as technology is increasingly influencing the design and construction of buildings, there is an important role for the application of ancient truths which have been recorded and transmitted through academic publications. This is particularly significant as we are addressing a group of intellectuals and professionals.

Understanding Chinese Architecture

There are several key points to note when looking at traditional Chinese architecture.

Planning is based on the 'courtyard' concept that adopts Confucian precepts. Structural design and construction are based on the 'column-beam frame', guided by the Imperial system and controlled by the feudalistic system.

Landscaping design and skills are based on the ideology of Taoism and the principles of Landscaping design and skills are based on the ideology of Taoism and the principles of Feng Shui. The metaphysics is derived from the I-Ching and Feng Shui theories. The decorative motifs are based on Chinese legends and abstract auspicious values.

Characteristics of traditional Chinese architecture

Ancient Chinese philosophy, aesthetics, psychology, geology, hydrology, and landscaping, are used in Chinese architecture, for site location and environment studies, planning and construction.

The context and understanding of how human beings respond to the natural environment resulted in the development of Feng Shui, which has been used in the selection of sites for towns and villages, and in urban planning and architectural design.

Roof formation and decoration

Traditional Chinese architecture is quite consistent all over China, due to the control exerted by the Imperial and feudalistic systems. However, one distinctive feature, where there is differentiation, is the roof. In northern China which possesses a richer culture but a weaker economy, than the south, the architecture is characterised by straight roof ridges that are easier to build. In central China, the roofs are lifted slightly upwards at the end, and in southern China, which has the strongest economy, highly tilted roofs with curved ridges, which are costly to construct, define the architecture. Traditionally, roof tiles possess a natural grey colour, except for Imperial buildings which can afford glazed roof tiles.

The edges of roofs and ridges are usually terminated with the forms of auspicious animals. An odd number of these animal forms are usually positioned along the roof tip, so that it does not 'offend' neighbouring buildings.

Colour

Most of the ancient buildings have a natural tile colour. The columns, brackets and roof supports are all made of treated hardwood and painted dark brown for protection against the weather.

In later years, buildings, especially those belonging to the Imperial family or Chinese temples, incorporated varieties of colours. The colour schemes were based on the I-Ching theories of Yin and Yang and the five elements and their attributes.

For example, red represents the warmth of a 'fire'; green, the longevity of 'wood'; and yellow, the power of the 'earth'.

Walls & decorations

Walls did not provide structural support and serve essentially as room partitions. The thickness of and material used for the wall, depend on its function and on climatic.

Columns

Columns are the main elements that support Chinese buildings, and are usually made of hardwood or concrete. Even when wood columns are used, these rest on a concrete base which prevents the wood from coming into contact with the dampness of the ground.

Roof tiles

There are basically six types of roof tiles. From the metaphysical viewpoint, the most the butterfly and roof edge tiles. The butterfly tiles streamline the rainwater flowing down the roof, into pearl-like droplets, symbolising 'heavenly wealth' and thus ensuring great prosperity. Different parts of the building, on all four sides, have roof edge tiles that are decorated with specific auspicious animal forms, to guard against evil and bring peace and harmony, throughout all the seasons.

Doors and openings

Imperial and official doors are heavily brass studded. Only Imperial buildings have 9 x 9 rows of brass studs symbolising the 'ultimate supremacy' of the numerical values obtained from the studies of the I-Ching. Officials and Imperial courts have smaller numbers, usually an add number of rows such as 7 x 9, 5 x 9 etc, the number of rows reflecting the social status of the building and the owner.

According to the I-Ching numerical studies, odd numbers represent 'Yang' attributes and even numbers, the 'Yin' attributes. That is why one or three joss sticks are used as Taoist religious offerings. Number '9' is the ultimate 'Yang' element. Hence, it is the most popular number of door studs and animal forms used as Imperial roof edge

Floor tiles

The internal and external pavements are usually made from stone and brick. Gardens and landscaped areas are finished with concrete or granite slabs and stone pebbles designed with auspicious graphics or patterns.

Windows and openings

Windows and openings are not only for the purpose of ventilation. Many shapes and forms are incorporated within the same building, each revealing a breath-taking scene beyond.

Lions

Most of the main entrances of major buildings and even graves are decorated with a pair of granite lions. The Chinese regard lions as the sentries outside a garrison, deterring any kind of intrusion. Traditionally, a female lion sits an the right of the building, with its mouth closed and holding a cub, while a male lion sits on the left of the building, holding a ball, with its mouth open, reflecting the chauvinism of early Chinese society.

Found this online
http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/fengshui/fengshui2.html

Singapore is another city that has had phenomenal financial growth. Its good fortune has been attributed to the persistent practice of Feng Shui by Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. When building the Mass Transit Railroad systems in the eighties, the construction caused a decline in the economy. During a Feng Shui consultation, Mr. Lee was told that Singapore's fortune could be improved by hanging up a Ba Gua, the eight-sided Feng Shui symbol. Since the government was not sold on the placement of such a Chinese symbol, Mr. Lee instead introduced a Ba Gua-shaped one dollar coin. When the economy still did not recover, he created road tax disks in the shape of the Ba Gua and the economy immediately improved. (And consequently, every car in Singapore began hanging this symbol in their windshield.)

Years later, Mr. Lee was told that a dragon placed looking over the mouth of Singapore River and the Merlion, Singapore's symbol, would ensure Singapore's good fortune. So on the top left-hand corner of the country's fifty dollar bill, Mr. Lee placed a scene of the Singapore River, harbor, and Merlion. In this way the dragon would be forever symbolically poised above the Merlion, thereby safeguarding its prosperity forever.

Elemental forces

18 Aug 05

The practice of fengshui is alive and well in offices throughout Singapore. TAN SU YEN tracks the ways in which this ancient Chinese art is interpreted in the CBD and beyond

VIOLET Lim isn't fanatical about fengshui, far from it. But when she was looking for business premises last year, Ms Lim figured that playing it safe would not hurt.

http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2005-08-18/syfengshui-192936.jpg
Everything in its proper place: Singapore's 'fengshui queen' Lynn Yap says companies that contemplate the services of a fengshui master are typically concerned about the allocation of space such as where to put the managing director's room or the sales and marketing department.


Says Ms Lim, executive director of Lunch Actually, a lunch dating service catering to business executives and professionals: 'We liked our present premises in Clifford Centre because it was within walking distance from the Raffles Place MRT. It also has a partial sea view and in fengshui, water is equated with wealth.'

When it came to renovating her premises, Ms Lim went along with the fengshui advice of a Taoist monk her mother consulted. She recalls only half in jest: 'Our office faces a service pantry at one end of the corridor and a staircase at the other. So we carefully placed our main entrance between the pantry and the staircase so our good fortune wouldn't tumble down the stairs or go down the pantry sink.'

In the office that she shares with her staff, Ms Lim positioned her desk diagonally across from the door. 'My Mum reminded me that as a business owner, I should have an unblocked view of the office, so I have good control of the business.'

Call it serendipity or call it superstition but Lunch Actually seems to be doing swimmingly. Business volume has increased four-fold in the first year of operations.

Discreet enquiries reveal that Ms Lim is not alone. Fengshui for businesses is alive and well in Singapore. Just ask fengshui Master Lynn Yap, also known as Singapore's 'fengshui queen'.

Well-hidden

Master Yap, a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore, has a client list that reads like a Who's Who of the Singapore business scene. There is the foreign bank on Shenton Way, the listed energy company, the computer MNC with its own industrial park building, the beer company with the clever ad, to name a few.

According to Master Yap, companies that contemplate the services of a fengshui master are typically concerned about the allocation of space such as where to put the managing director's room, the sales and marketing department or even the server.

Banks agonise over where to place the safe, which many regard as being the heart of the bank. Usually, both local and foreign banks end up placing the safe in a well-hidden spot on the eighth floor, 8 being an auspicious number for the Chinese.

From the perspective of the fengshui practitioner, offices are divided into two sectors representing wealth and power.

Says Master Yap: 'The rationale behind this thinking is that whatever is placed in the wealth area is set to grow or multiply. We usually allocate the wealth area to the sales and marketing department so that they will be very busy and generate a high volume of sales for the company.'

While the wealth sector thrives on a constant buzz, the power sector is often the preserve of just one person - the most powerful man or woman in the office.

Says Master Yap: 'By seating the MD in the power sector, facing his most favourable direction, we ensure that the MD is truly powerful and that the company emerges as an industry leader.'

And forget about doing away with office hierarchies. Master Yap says that the ancient Chinese art of fengshui decrees that for the business to prosper, the MD should have 'the biggest room of all rooms and the largest table of all tables'.

And just to be doubly sure of a good run, he may want to place a painting of fu, or the Chinese character for prosperity, on the wall facing his table.

A wider vocabulary of auspicious Chinese characters doesn't hurt either. The MD of a subsidiary of a listed energy company placed the Chinese character for wan or 'ten thousand' (as in 'ten thousand days of fabulous profits' perhaps) facing the side of his desk. And yes, business did apparently improve after that.

And speaking of the boss, banish all thoughts of sucking up to the boss by being constantly in his line of vision. Master Yap says that executives 'should never sit directly opposite their bosses' lest conflicts erupt. In open-plan offices then this means workstations for all staff should face the same way.

And what about the facade and structure of commercial buildings?

Master Yap says: 'A building with good fengshui should be tall, regular in shape and pointed at the top to represent power.'

Buildings with round or sloping tops are discouraged as 'they may look like a coffin and how can you prosper in a building like a coffin?'

Glass walls

A proper driveway is another positive feature in commercial buildings. One such example in Raffles Place is Republic Plaza 1. Master Yap explains: 'Cars carry qi or energy into the building, creating more activity and leading to the creation of wealth in the building.'

In contrast, buildings with sharp, angular edges pointing at your offices are fengshui no-nos. Buildings with glass walls on all four sides also meet with Master Yap's disapproval as 'qi can pass through glass so it doesn't stay in the building'.

But fengshui masters aren't all about business. Occasionally, they help clients out of tight spots. Take the company with limited window offices for its managers. To solve the problem without causing offence, Master Yap analysed the birth dates of its managers. Those assigned windowless rooms were informed that 'based on your birth date you should sit in a windowless room so the company can prosper'.

Master Yap happily reports that these once hapless managers 'actually clinched a big deal five months down the road'. But did they get their window offices eventually? She is not telling.

http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2005-08-18/syfengshui-192730.jpg
An example of a building with good fengshui is UOB Plaza