Eastern philosophy has tremendously impacted modern architecture, influencing the fundamental ideas that inform architectural theory and design approaches. Even if Western traditions are frequently the source of modern architecture, incorporating Eastern philosophy has produced a distinctive fusion of concepts that promotes a more harmonious and comprehensive approach to design.
Yin and Yang, a concept from Chinese philosophy, highlight the harmony of opposites. This translates into designs that aim to balance several components, including open and closed spaces, light and shadow, and traditional and modern forms. Zen practices promote attention, simplicity, and a close relationship with the natural world. Zen architecture frequently includes natural features like plants, water, and rocks. The idea is to design areas that inspire peace and balance with the environment.
Feng Shui is an old Chinese art form that emphasises setting up areas to improve energy movement. The ideas of Feng Shui have been incorporated by contemporary architects into their designs, bringing a heightened sense of spatial organisation, orientation, and occupant well-being to bear. The surrounding landscape is frequently used as an extension of the garden itself in traditional Japanese gardens. This idea has inspired contemporary architects to include parts of the surrounding context in their designs, considering the larger environment while creating structures.
Wabi-sabi, rooted in Japanese aesthetics, celebrates simplicity, imperfection, and transience. Wabi-Sabi-inspired modern architects embrace the beauty of simplicity in their works by utilising natural materials and minimalist design ideas. Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural concept that emphasises designing structures harmoniously with cosmic energy. Some modern architects take inspiration from Vastu principles to create rooms that promote spiritual well-being, even though these ideas are only sometimes implemented in their designs.
Sacred geometry and mandalas derived from Hindu and Buddhist traditions are used in architecture to symbolise a closer relationship to cosmic order and spirituality. Contemporary architects can incorporate these symbols into their designs to give places a deeper cultural and symbolic meaning. Modern architects have been motivated by the Taoist concept of accepting change and flow to create flexible and adaptable places that may change to meet the demands of their users and promote harmony with life’s natural evolution.
Eastern Philosophy on Modern Architecture
The Chinese philosophical idea of Yin and Yang greatly influences modern architecture. Yin and Yang, which form a dynamic and harmonic equilibrium, are opposite forces or interrelated and interdependent dualities. This idea is expressed in several ways in contemporary architectural design. Architects frequently employ light and shadow to establish equilibrium in a room. A dynamic and visually appealing environment can be created by introducing natural light through large windows, skylights, well-placed openings, and casting shadows from architectural features.
Contrasting materials are commonly used in modern architecture. For example, elegant glass facades might be combined with wood or stone textures. This interaction of the harsh and soft surfaces echoes the Yin and Yang dualism and adds to a harmonious equilibrium. Architects use positive and negative spaces, in which the constructed environment (positive space) engages with the vacant or blank spaces around it (negative space). The harmony between these aspects enhances the unity of a design.
Zen Buddhism has dramatically impacted modern architecture, which has shaped architectural concepts that emphasise mindfulness, simplicity, and a close relationship with nature. Zen architecture can be seen in many different forms in contemporary architecture. Zen philosophy promotes minimalism and simplicity. This translates to simple lines, clear spaces, and a focus on critical components in modern architecture. To create calm rooms free of excessive decoration, architects frequently aim for simplicity in form and function.
Zen Buddhism dramatically focuses on how humans and the natural world are interconnected. Zen-inspired modern architects use natural features like gardens, courtyards, and water. A harmonious interaction between the built environment and the surrounding natural surroundings is established by this method. Bamboo, stone, and wood are common natural elements in Zen-inspired buildings. These materials give the space a feeling of cosiness and an organic, tactile feel that encourages a bond with nature.
Modern design has been significantly impacted by Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese discipline that emphasises the harmonious organisation of spaces to maximise energy movement. Incorporating Feng Shui concepts into their designs allows architects and designers to create suitable structures and encourage positive energy and overall well-being. Building placement and orientation are essential aspects of Feng Shui. To maximise energy flow and build a sense of harmony, modern architects may consider elements like the orientation of windows, the direction of entrances, and the general layout.
Modern architecture has been influenced by the traditional Japanese gardening and landscape design ideas of Shakkei, especially in incorporating the natural surroundings into architectural spaces. Shakkei, which means “borrowed landscape” in English, is designing a garden or architectural space using elements of the surrounding natural environment, such as far-off mountains, forests, or bodies of water.
Shakkei is the practice of framing and arranging far-off components into a space’s design. To successfully extend the space’s visual bounds, contemporary architects may incorporate windows, apertures, or vistas into their designs that frame and capture distant landscapes. Shakkei-inspired modern architecture aims to create a smooth transition between the built and natural environments. Architects can deliberately arrange structures or incorporate features to blend in with the natural surroundings, making distinguishing between artificial and organic aspects difficult.
Modern architecture has been impacted by the Japanese aesthetic movement known as Wabi-Sabi, which is based on accepting imperfection, transience, and simplicity. Wabi-sabi concepts inspire architects who use them to develop designs that embrace a more organic, unpretentious style and highlight the beauty of imperfection. Using natural materials with their inherent flaws and abnormalities is valued in Wabi-Sabi. Materials like worn wood, raw stone, or handcrafted materials with a patina that develops over time are materials that modern architects may use. The textures and flaws create a feeling of warmth and genuineness, which form an essential part of the design.
Modern architecture has been impacted by the ancient Indian architectural and planning concept known as Vastu Shastra, especially in creating rooms that support peace and well-being by harmonising with cosmic forces. The concepts of Vastu Shastra are a source of inspiration for architects who design spaces that are both functional and promote harmony and good energy. Vastu Shastra places great emphasis on the placement and orientation of buildings; contemporary architects may design rooms with careful regard for alignment with the cardinal directions to maximise energy flow and equilibrium.
Modern architecture incorporates geometric patterns, proportional systems, and symbolic forms influenced by ancient traditions, demonstrating the impact of the mandala and sacred geometry. Sacred geometry, which consists of particular geometric shapes and ratios thought to have spiritual meaning, and mandalas, geometric figures that symbolise the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, have inspired the design principles of modern architecture.
Contemporary architects can incorporate geometric patterns from mandalas and holy geometry into interior elements, flooring, and facades. These patterns frequently support a room’s sense of balance, order, and aesthetic harmony. Specific ratios and proportions are considered to have intrinsic symbolic or spiritual meaning in sacred geometry. These proportional schemes, like the Fibonacci sequence or the golden ratio, can be used by contemporary architects to establish the proportions and connections between different architectural parts.
Modern architecture has been significantly influenced by Taoism, an old Chinese philosophy derived from Laozi’s writings. Taoism values include harmony, balance, simplicity, and a close relationship with nature. Modern architectural design incorporates these ideas in several ways. Taoism emphasises the significance of coordinating human actions with the natural order. Taoist concepts inspired it; contemporary architects frequently create buildings that blend in with their natural environments. This could entail utilising sustainable design techniques, integrating raw materials, and creating areas that mix well with the surroundings.
