Environmental Concerns and Urban Sprawl Over the last few decades, concerns regarding the environment have accelerated at an alarming pace.
Environmental crises such as global warming, air pollution, urban sprawl, waste disposal, ozone layer depletion, water pollution, and climate change are catapulting our planet to the brink of disaster.
As our actions have not been in favor of this beautiful planet, we have seen natural disasters striking at us with greater frequency. One of the cataclysmic factors contributing to the urban sprawl is unchecked development.
Urban Sprawl Environmental Impact
Today, we see rampant and unbridled construction of residences and commercial spaces to accommodate the growing population and their capitalistic views.
While we may not have an answer to the natural cataclysms, we all know that we can give a better planet to future generations if we adopt a particular way of sustainable living. The answer lies in our ancient roots – the indigenous science of Vastushastra.
Introduction to Vastushastra
Vastushastra is a first-of-its-kind ancient Indian edifice science, which has given deep thought to climatic balancing in the premises of residential as well as commercial utility. This has given rise to green buildings, which are nothing but principles and guidelines from Indian Vastushastra.
A Courtyard in the Middle
We are still able to witness such houses in rural India. These premises facilitate air and light from all sides. As a result, the energy pulse and vibrations in these kinds of structures are at their peak and contribute to higher productivity (creativity and efficiency of the inhabitants).
Old government offices and public utility buildings in cities such as Mumbai are still the most comfortable for their occupants.
Lowest Height of Structures in the North-East
Vastushastra strongly recommends structures with low heights to be in the northeast and those with tall heights to be in the southwest.
This ensures maximum exposure to natural light, which, in turn, contributes to energy conservation. This is despite the North and South solstices (uttarayan & dakshinayan).
Open Spaces in the Plot
Vastushastra suggests maximum open space in the North-East and minimum in the South-West. This ensures the overall good health of the residents.
Heavy Structures in the South-West
All heavy and tall structures, including staircases and overhead water tanks, should be planned in the South-West direction. Open spaces in the South-West could bring in negative energies, and the same should be blocked.
All heavy and large expansive trees are strongly recommended towards the Southwest corner of the plot.
Minimum Windows and Doors in the South to West Zone
This facilitates the maximum spread and focus of ultraviolet rays that we get from the morning sun rays. These are beneficial for their insecticidal and de-germinating effect.
Underground Water Storage in the North-East Zone This ensures purification and protection from UV rays.
Placement of Toilets As Per Vastu
Toilets should ideally be built in the West of North-West and in the South of South-West directions. This is due to the high penetrability of infrared rays coming from the setting sun. It also ensures that the premises are free from germs, ants, and other insects originating from the toilet region. At the same time, the presence of the air element helps to diffuse bad odor.
Storage
Due to the effect of infrared rays and the presence of the air element, maximum storage of food grains and luggage plus stocking items of utility is advised to be stored in the North-West zone.
Kitchen Design As Per Vastu
There are certain tips in Vastu Shastra for the kitchen. The Southeast corner represents the fire element. Hence, the presence of a kitchen is essential here. The gas stove should be placed in the South-East direction with a window on the East wall, and the cook is expected to face the East.
The window here would help in bringing positive universal energies from the East, which are received from the Sahasrara or crown chakra of the human body. It helps to maintain the physical and mental activeness of the cook. A window in the South or West enhances the flow of fresh air in the premises.
Conclusion
Vastu Shastra creates a balance between human life and nature. The five basic elements (namely Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth), the eight directions (namely North, North-East, East, South-East, South, South-West, West, North-West), the electromagnetic and gravitational forces of the Earth, the cosmic energy emanating from the planets, as well as the atmosphere and its influence on human life, are all taken into consideration in the science of Vastushastra.
