A STUDY OF CHINESE GEOMANCY IN THE CONTEXT OF TOTAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

To the sceptics and disbelievers, Chinese Geomancy would often be dismissed as superstitious beliefs. However, upon the examination of its history and applications, this ancient knowledge appears to share the same goal as Total Building Performance of delivering an optimal environment for occupants that promotes their well-being. Hence, this research attempts to evaluate the relevance and applicability of Chinese Geomancy principles with respect to Total Building Performance. The research examines Chinese Geomancy‟s Form Theory, Yin and Yang Theory, Classical Compass School and Black Sect School with respect to the six building performance mandates in terms of psychological, physiological and sociological aspects. Chinese Geomancy principles are assimilated in the context of Total Building Performance mandates with the support of evidences from existing literature. These principles vary from considerations concerning openings, colours to surrounding amenities and building height. Subsequently, the assimilated principles are tested through a survey questionnaire. The t-test indicated that 25 out of 26 principles and 12 of the 20 scenarios are significantly applicable for Total Building Performance mandates at 95% confidence interval. This supports the hypothesis that there are common denominators between Chinese Geomancy and Total Building Performance. However, it is also observed that specific scenarios of Chinese Geomancy concerning openings, key occupancy locations building height, trees and roads are not applicable for all contexts. Further consultations with different experts of Total Building Performance and Chinese Geomancy is carried out to identify the reasons for the inapplicability of certain scenarios which are namely, (1) different climatic and cultural context of application, (2) failure to account for technological advancement and (3) evolution of Chinese Geomancy. This research provides a macro perspective on the relevance and applicability of Chinese Geomancy principles with respect to Total Building Performance and revealed some possible limitations in actual application to the context of Singapore today.