Feng Shui for Giese Memorial Library
The sloped roof of the library helps represent the building as a Fire element.
Furniture with attractive curves helps encourage energies to relish the moment.
The red brick on the exterior of the library encourages activity and is energizing.
Leather and wool materials are associated with the Fire element.
The architecture and interior design of the Giese Memorial Library features several Feng Shui design principles. This new construction afforded the opportunity of building these design elements in right from the very start.In Feng Shui there are five elements which are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of these elements is represented by shape, direction, color and ideal use. Libraries and other places of learning are fire elements. Architecturally, buildings with pointed or sloped roofs are representative of the fire element. Fireplaces are also fire element objects and when placed in the Fame and Reputation area of the space, as in this building, it reinforces the fame and reputation of the library.
The second key Feng Shui concept for this project was the use of curvilinear lines. In nature, straight line winds are destructive, whereas gentle blowing breezes are soft and soothing. The same is true in architecture and design. Straight lines encourage the energy to just whiz by; but curved lines encourage you to take your time, pay attention to where you are going and appreciate the pathway you’re on.
Color is also used in Feng Shui as a supportive element. In this case because the library is a fire element the use of red in the exterior block work, the interior beams and wall color are purposeful. The color red encourages activity and energizes you. The color green is also used in this space; green represents growth, abundance, and new beginnings. In the color wheel, green and red are complimentary colors and will always feel good being next to each other.
The materials associated with the element fire are leather and wool, which is why the fabric choices for the coffee and lobby seating area chairs and young adult chairs are either leather or faux leather.
→ View full set of images for this project
(Interior photos by Josh Stokes Photography)
