Bechtler Museum

Clad in a glazed terra cotta tile that lends it an orange hue and a sleek feel, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, shows Swiss architect Mario Botta shifting subtly from his signature brick and stone.

A mortar-free terra cotta rain screen clads the essential forms of the small museum. The massing block of a fourth-floor gallery reaches out over an entry plaza below, underpinned by a column wrapped in a double-tapered sheath of tiles.



The building's exterior surface combines flat, single-thickness tiles with tiles of triangular cross section, forming textured patterns and creating a play of light and shadow throughout the day. In using the terra cotta, Botta has described his concept of the building as a clay mass carved out by light.

The museum opened on January 2, 2010, as only the second building of Botta's in the United States, after SFMOMA (1995), although his work has flourished in Europe and Asia in the meantime.

Botta says he maintained the open area in an Italian piazza style to give people on the street a sense of being part of the structure. He also aimed to create the feel of a welcoming Southern front porch. Throughout the 36,500-square-foot (3,400-square-meter) building, one gets the sense of being integrated — aware of and able to see what's going on, both inside and out, from all four levels of the building.

Greenpoint Stadium to House South Africa World Cup in 2010

It’s nice to see an example of how architecture and sports evolve together. The pictures below were made in Cape Town, South Africa and they represent the new Greenpoint Stadium which will house the South Africa World Cup in 2010. The previous stadium in Cape Town had a capacity of 18,000 spectators, which apparently was not nearly enough, as the project from Gmp Architekten has a capacity of no less than 65,000 seats. The stadium is not only famous for its future matches, but also for its great architecture. Here is some technical information from the architects concerning the giant building: “The lightweight membrane structure consists of extensive concave features forming a uniform, flowing facade that follows the undulations.







The light-colored glass fiber mesh boosts this effect, its coloration generating depth and vitality. The translucent surface absorbs and reflects the changing atmosphere of the daylight.The angle of inclination means that all the seats have the best possible sighting of the pitch. The interior of the stadium is designed to focus all attention on the pitch, thereby generating an atmosphere of intimacy and excitement”. How is this for an additional reason to stay in touch with the World Cup events?

Amazing Residence in Malibu, California

Located in California, with fantastic views of Point Dume and priced at $13,500,000, this luxurious residence in Malibu is sure gonna bring some piece of mind to its next owner. This place has access not to one, but two private beaches reachable by stairs. And this is not surprising, being given that the building is constructed on an area of 3,500 square feet.













The house also feature over 80 feet of glass walls through which the owners can have non-stop access to the amazing ocean views. And if this is not enough, there is always the possibility of stepping outside, on the large and stunningly-organized patio and have a sit in one of the lounge chairs with a delicious cocktail. The place houses four bedrooms, four bathrooms and spacious living-spaces. How is this for a luxurious escapade?

Vastu for Living Room

According to Vastu Shastra, Living room or drawing room should be located in east or north direction. The ideal location of a living room depends on plot facing. The living room can be in northeast direction for east and north facing house. The living room can be in northwest for west facing house. In south facing house, living room can be in southeast.

Where to Place Furniture as per Vastu

The furniture should be placed in west or south direction. The furniture such as showcase or heavy articles etc. should be in south or west direction. It should be rectangular or square, not in oval, circular or odd shape.

Television, A.C and Telephone Place according to Vastu

T.V. should be placed in southeast direction. Living room vastu opposes to place T.V. in north-east or south-west corner.

Cooler or A.C should be placed in west or north direction. Avoid A.C or Cooler in southeast and northwest. Telephone should be placed in East, North or south-east. It should not be in south-west or the north-west corners.

Aquarium Placement as per Vastu Directions

Aquariums are beneficial to place in the North, East and North-East of living room. The faults related to north-west corner can be corrected by putting an aquarium. Avoid aquarium in south direction as it draws out positive energies from house.

Painting and Pictures according to Vastu

The use of painting can create a pleasant environment in the room. Painting of waterfall, rising sun provides positive energy. Avoid paintings that symbolize death, violence and negative aspects of life.

Vastu Color Scheme

The color of wall in living room should be white, yellow, blue or green. Prefer light color over dark colors. Avoid black and red color in living room.

Vastu and Lighting

Lighting of living room should be bright. If chandelier is in living room, it should be slightly towards west, not at the centre of the room.

Vastu for Doors and Windows

The door of living room should be in east or north direction because doors are very auspicious in these directions. There should not be a photograph of any God in living room or at entrance door. Windows in east and north are beneficial.

Vastu Tips for Living Room

• The East and North are best directions for living room.
• The furniture should be square or rectangular.
• Air-conditioner or cooler should be placed in West direction, not in South-east.
• Portraits of women, animals, birds, scene of war should never be displayed in living room.
• The sitting arrangement for the head of family should be in East or North direction.
• A painting showing depression should not be placed on a wall.

Dining Room Vastu

According to vastu, Dining room should be located in east or west portion of the house. If the kitchen is on ground floor, dining room should not be on upper floor. The room should be located adjacent to kitchen or drawing room. Having meal in such located dining room will be beneficial for you, ensures Vastu.

Vastu Dining Location

Dining room should be located in west direction whereas kitchen should be made in south-east direction. Dining room should not be located in south side. Water arrangement should be in north-east direction.

Color: The color of dining room should be light like pink, light green, cream etc. Avoid black and white color.

Shape of dining table: According to vastu dining table should be in square shape and rectangular shape. It should not be in round shape, egg shape, and oval shape.

Location of TV and electronic appliances: Electrical appliances like fridges should be in south-east direction. Television should not be placed in the dining room.

While taking food Family members should face east, west or north directions. Do not face south direction as it creates quarrels among family members. It’s best to face east or west direction while eating.

Lighting: Lights create positive energy. The décor of dining room should be arranged according to the mood and taste of the family. Lighting should create easy and relaxed environment. Candles and lamps give special effects to any meal. Ceiling lights should fall vertically and mainly focus on the surface of dining table. Scenery and paintings give positive effect in dining room.

Window and Door: Window should be placed in north or east side as compared to south or west side. If the house is located in north direction, the entrance should be in north direction. If the house is located in east direction, the face of entrance should be in the east.

If the room is located in south direction, the face of entrance should be in the South and if it is in north direction, the entrance should be in the north.Main entrance door and dining room door should not face directly to each other. Toilet should not be attached to dining room.

Vastu for Kitchen

According to Vastu Shastra, the lord of ‘Agni’ (Fire) prevails in south-east direction. So ideally the kitchen should be located in south-east of the home. The second best option is north-west part of the home. The stove should be placed in south-east direction of the kitchen so that the cook may face east direction while cooking.

East quadrant is considered an excellent location for kitchen because this area brings prosperity. South-east is the best direction for the kitchen. North quadrant is second option and north-west is direction. In diagonal plots, avoid north quadrant which has ill effects on female members. West quadrant gives average results for kitchen. The kitchen should not be placed under or above Pooja Room, Toilet or Bed Room.

Sink: Sink (wash basin) should be in north-east corner as far as possible.

Storage: The storage racks should be made on southern or western wall Essential commodities like boxes of grain, spices, pulses, etc. should be in south or west direction. The water source including pitcher, water filter, etc. may be kept in north-east.

Flooring: Ceramic tiles, mosaic, marble are good choices for kitchen flooring. Ceramic tile flooring is recommended to accommodate Indian conditions as it is stain-free, dust-free and scratch resistant.

Windows: There should be one or two windows or air holes in the east direction of the kitchen. An exhaust fan in the East is good.

Color Scheme: The color of floor and walls should be yellow, orange, rose, chocolate or red. It should not be black as far as possible.

Children Room Vastu Tips

According to Vastu, keeping everything in positive direction in children’s room results in creative thinking and good health because this room is the hub of fun and joy where children spend most of their time. Your child can grow in such atmosphere and lives a happy and prosperous life.

Vastu Shastra recommends west direction for children's room. The location of bed should be in south-west portion whereas the head should be in south or east direction. The door of the room should not be exactly opposite to the bed. The furniture should not be placed at the centre of the room.

Furniture: The location of bed in children’s room is south-west corner. The furniture should be few inches away from the walls. Almirahs and cabinets should be located in south or west direction.

TV and Computer: Computer and TV should not be placed in children’s room. If it’s necessary, it’s recommended to place TV in south-east corner and computer in north diection of the room.

Study Table: If study table is placed in bedroom, it should be in such direction that child could face east, north and north-east while studying. Thus placed table boosts both memory and concentration and invites new ideas. The books should always be kept in south-west, south or west as lots of books and papers in study room create clutter and mental pressure.

Lights: Use up-lighters at south-east corner in children’s room as it is good for health and generates positive energy. Never use sharp lights and spot lights as it creates mental strain.

Color Scheme: Color affects mood and every aspect of life. Green color is ideally recommended for children’s room as it gives freshness, peace and increases brain power.

Doors and Windows: The door of children room should be in the East or the North. Windows in the East and North of the room are beneficial.

Vastu Tips for Children Room

• The west is best direction for kids' room. Girl's room can be in northwest direction whereas boy’s room can be in northern or eastern part of the house.
• The door of children’s bedroom should in the North or East. It should have one shutter only.
• There is no harm in having small window in west as compared to the one in east or north direction. The window should be opposite to the door.
• Avoid study table, T.V, computer and mirror in children's bedroom.

Vastu Tips for Office

Vastu principles are practical for all buildings whether it is a home, factory, temple or even an office. Office is mainly built to generate financial growth of business. Vastu suggests some rules in building offices that prove to be very functional for economic growth of the organization.

Vastu principles are applied keeping in mind various energy fields originating from different directions. First of all a site should be selected, which is free from any Vastu defect. After selection of the site, the layout of office should be planned by following these Vastu norms.

Construction of Office

The plot of office should be rectangular or square. Heavy structure should be built in the South and the West as these are negative zones. More open space should be in the East or north direction. The slope of floor should be towards East, North or Northeast. The height of building should be equal in all sides. Water bodies should be built in northeast or eastern zone. Water sump is good in the North or East. But overhead tank in northeast is a big Vastu defect. So, the tank should be built in southwest direction. Staircase should be built in southern or western part of the office. Staircase in the center of office is not good. Toilets can be built in the west or northwest. Northeast and southwest directions should not be used for toilet. Office should not be built near temple, grave yard or hospital.

Design reception in northeast of office and receptionist should sit facing the North or East. Waiting room can be in northeast or northwest direction of the building. But northeast corner should be left for temple and flowers can be placed in northeast direction. The office of Chairman or General Manager should be built in southwest or south direction of the building. He should sit in southwest direction facing north. His desk should be rectangular. Employees should sit facing the North or East. Employees should not sit under beam. If any other alternative is not possible, the loft of beam can be covered with wooden board.

Place heavy almirah or safe in the southwest in which important documents are stored. Pantry of office should be built in southeast of the building as southeast direction is a place for fire. The center of office should not have any heavy structure. Paint office in light colors. Avoid dark colors as they make us short tempered. Doors and windows of office should be in the north and east direction. Don’t use paintings depicting sadness in the office. These painting may affect harmony among office staff.

Bed Room Vastu

According to ancient science of directions, ‘Vastu Shastra’ peace and harmony reign through bedroom if the room is located in right direction. A properly located bedroom provides complete relaxation after a weary day and also brings good things into life. Here are given the facts which explain complete vastu for bedroom.

Location for Bedroom

Ideally master bedroom should be located in southern part of the house and all other bedrooms should be located either towards the East or North of master bedroom. Master bedroom may be located in south-west of the house. This room should be used by the head of the family and eldest son of the family. South portion is also recommended for eldest son bedroom. If there is more than one floor, the head of the family should have his bed room in south-west direction on first floor. This bedroom should not be used by young children otherwise unnecessary quarrels can take place in the house.

A west sided bedroom is good for children. An eastern bedroom can be used for children. But this room should not be used by newly wed couples because it can cause unnecessary quarrel between the couple. Teenager girls should have their bedrooms in north-west direction. The bedroom should not be constructed in central portion of the house or in basement as it may lead to mental tension. Also bed room should not be constructed above porch and kitchen. An attached bathroom can be in north-west or south-east of bedroom.

Bed Location

The beds should be of good quality wood and metal bed should be avoided. The bed should be placed in such a way as the foot of the bed should be in North and does not face the door. It should not touch walls keeping 2 or 3 inches distance. Avoid placing bed in corners or under the beam. The space under the bed should be clean and clutter free. Due to paucity of space modern vastu says to use box bed.

Keep storage space clean and clutter free. Do not keep utensils and metal in storage space. This may cause mental stress and diseases.

Cabinet Location

Cabinet/Almirah should be placed in south-west of the room opening towards North. It should be placed leaving south-east, north-east, south-west, north-west corners and east and north directions of the room.

Television and Electrical Appliances Location

Avoid television in bedroom. If you place T.V. in bedroom, it should be kept in south-east of bedroom. It should never be placed in front of bed as it works like a mirror. Thus placed mirror is not good for health. Electrical appliances should be kept in south-east of the room.

Doors and Windows Location

The door of bedroom should be in the East or the North. Windows in the East and North of the room are beneficial.

Color Scheme

Color affects our mind and changes the mood. Vastu recommends light colors. Light colors are better than dark colors. The color of bedroom should be light rose, pink, blue, yellow and green. Avoid black and red color in bedroom. Yellow and white marble should not be used in bedroom.

Lighting

As per vastu lighting is an essential part of bedroom. Comfortable lighting is the key to excellent bedroom. The bedroom should not have too bright or too dim lighting. Keeping an up-lighter in south-east is good.

Pictures

Do not display pictures of war, cruelty, sadness, single bird, any animal and wild animals in bedroom. Generally people having religious nature display idols of God in bedroom. They should place these idols in ‘pooja Room’.

Mirrors

Do not use mirror in bedrooms. If it can not be avoided, keep it in such a position that should not reflect your shadow while sleeping. Keep a curtain on mirror to avoid reflection. To avoid mirrors in bedroom means to avoid unnecessary quarrels between the couple.

Tips for Vastu Bedroom

• As a general rule of vastu, south-west corner of bedroom should not be left empty. Always keep heavy things, furniture etc. in this portion in every room.

• South-west side of the house and of all rooms inside the house should always be heavier than the East and north-east side. Maximum open space should be left in north-east side of the room and house.

• Nobody’s bedroom should be exactly in the middle of the building.

• Some buildings do not get proper east-west and north-south directions. They have corners only. In bed rooms of such buildings, for getting the proper direction, one should not put his bed in an oblique position.

• As far as possible, the almirah should not be in the bedroom. If it is necessary, it should be placed in a way leaving the south-east, the north-east, the south-west and the northwest corners as well as the east and the north directions.

Tips for Bedroom Ceiling Color

The bedroom ceiling design and color combination can not only cherish the mood but make an impression of a large space. Paint ceiling in a soft color, a lighter version of wall color to create a pleasant appearance.

As bedroom ceiling is watched more than the ceilings of other rooms, select color trends that your inner desire expresses.

The shades of medium to dark browns are perfect for bedroom because these shades nurture and satisfy our spirits. Make use of beiges, browns and tans because they are earthier and reflect the colors of rock, stone and soil. A combination of greens and brown is a great for bedroom because of warmth and cozy feeling in your room. Pick right shades of green because some shades are not flattering to skin tone.

Useful Tips for Color Selection

Opt for the color that is lighter than wall color to make bedrooms with low ceiling harmonious and spacious. Use a darker shade to make rooms with high ceiling look appealing.

Choose monochromatic theme for fresh look. You can pick a color that is two or three tones lighter than the color of your bedroom walls for tranquil look.

Go for white ceilings which the people usually tend to do but it is conventional.

Opt for a ceiling color that is in contrast with wall color like combination of light pink and mauve color for different look.

Add a subtle shade of wall color to your bedroom ceiling to give room a soft and serene atmosphere.

Use ceiling as a place for visual expression; create an overhead view of pleasant blue sky or pattern your ceiling with colors and shapes that match up with the décor of the room for dramatic look.

Make a choice for superb ceiling light or even a crystal chandelier that will add a patterned effect to the ceiling.

Vastu Tips for Happy Married Life

Vastu leads to a happy married life which every couple dream of. Life becomes joyful and peaceful if your life partner is compatible with you. Vastu defects may cause non compatibility with life partner. Everybody wants to live a successful and peaceful life. You also want to live a life which is enjoyable and happy, but you do not know why you become sad when you come to your house. You may feel that you are quite happy when you are far away from your house, you can feel some mood swings when you enter in your house.

From a vastu perspective, if your home is not in proper balance, it may cause sadness, problem in relationships etc. Like nature all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) are in balance. Your home can also be balanced there is a need to know the importance of structure that can benefit you. Balance the five elements in your home because each of the five elements is associated with each direction. Northeast of your house is associated with water element. Open space in northeast of house is good for relationship and finances. Having water element in this direction without touching the diagonal axis is good for finances. If your financial condition is good, it has a positive effect on your relationship. An under ground water tank is good in this direction even though over head water tank is also water element, but if it is in northeast direction that can be stressful for you.

Pooja room in northeast quadrant is also good. Bedroom in northeast may be the reason of lot of tension. Toilet, kitchen, store room and a missing northeast corner can cause stagnation in relationship. The southeast of your house is associated with fire element. Kitchen, electrical equipments are placed in southeast of house are good for lively relationship. Avoid water elements in southeast as fire and water cannot live with each other. If there is cut southeast corner, your relationship can also be suffered.

Master bedroom in southeast can cause quarrel in family. The northwest of your house is associated with air element. If there is a cut corner in northwest or less open space in northwest, it may cause lack of communication between family members. Communication is the base of any relationship so it can affect your relationship with spouse. There can be mental instability due to blocked northwest. Toilet and guest room are recommended in this direction this may lead to proper communication which helps in stability of relationship. The southwest area of your house is associated with earth element. Southwest master bedroom is helpful in stability of relationship. An extended southwest or cut corner in southwest can cause conflicts in relationship. A store room in southwest is a good option. Toilet, kitchen and under ground water tank are not recommended in southwest, it may affect a relationship. Center of House (Brahmasthan) is associated with space element. A cluttered center of house or no open space in that part of house can cause poor communication in relationship. Toilet, kitchen and under ground water tank in the center of house may cause disagreement. Vastu tips for happy Married Life DO’S

• Keep bedroom in the south-west of the house.
• Avoid bedroom in south-east as this is a fire place. It may lead to the clashes between the couple.
• Place bed in the southwest portion of the bedroom. Avoid placing bed in northern and eastern zone of the bedroom. It may cause mental stress and financial instability.
• Keep head-side of the bed in south direction.
• Use wooden bed instead of metal bed.
• Always build square or rectangle bedrooms which bring peace and love in life.
• Paint walls in light colors like green, light blue, rose pink. Avoid red color in bedroom.
• Place kitchen appliances/objects like gas and sink that represents fire and water respectively properly. You should place gas in South-east and water in North-east or North.
• Keep money in northern or eastern area of the house as it is an important part of the life.

DON’T DO

• Do not use Northeast bedroom in case you are newly wed couple.
• Never place the bed under a beam. It may cause bad effects on health.
• Avoid mirror in married couple’s bedroom. It may lead to quarrels between the couple.
• Avoid Computer and T.V in bedroom as they will reflect like a mirror. If you place T.V and Computer in bedroom, cover them with a cloth while sleeping in the night.
• Ensure that the under ground water tank is not in the south-west direction.
• Avoid paintings that symbolize death, violence and negative aspects of life.

Vastu for Bathroom and Toilet

According to bathroom vastu, bathroom is located in North or North-West portion of the house. If bathroom is located in wrong direction, it can cause health and financial problems. Bathroom should not be in South, South-East and South-West direction. South sided bathroom can cause adverse effects on the health of female members.

As per Toilet Vastu, toilet should be located in west or northwest direction. Avoid construction of toilet at the centre and in the east, northeast of the house. The toilet seat should be placed in such a way that the person sitting could face the North or the South. Now a day toilet combined with bathroom is becoming popular due to lack of space. Combined bathroom and toilet should be in north-west direction. It should not be adjacent to Pooja Room, kitchen and under the stairs.

Geyser and other electrical appliances like heater and switchboard should be installed in south-east corner of bathroom. Taps and showers are fixed in north direction. Placing bath tubs in east, west or north-east direction is good. Wash basin and shower can be either in north-east, north or east direction. The North is a good direction for vanity mirror.

Water closet should be placed in the West and the South direction of the toilet. A water closet should be placed near a window or an outer wall.

Exhaust fans are necessary if there is no window in the bathroom. The slope of bathroom floor should be in the North. It should not to be in south-west or south-east direction.

Septic tank should be in northwest of the house. It should not be in south-east, north-east, north or east directions. The tank should be higher than floor level of the building.

The door of bathroom should be in North or East direction. It should not be placed in south-west direction. In a bathroom there should be a small and airy window either in East, West or North direction. If the window is in south direction, it would have adverse effects on health.

The color of bathroom tiles can be white, sky blue and light blue. It helps in giving a fresh look to bathroom. Avoid dark colors like black or red. The slope of floor in bathroom should be towards East or North direction.

Vastu Tips for Bathroom and Toilet

• It should not be located in east, north or northeast direction.
• It should not be in northeast and center place of the house.
• It should not be near kitchen and under the stairs.
• If a change room is built in bathroom, it should be in South or West direction.
• The mirror should be on northern or eastern wall.
• The door should not be in south-west direction.
• Washing machine can be placed in south-east and north-west direction directions.

Pooja Room Vastu

Pooja room is a place where we worship God for peace and prosperity. Ishanya or north-east is governed by God and is an excellent location for pooja room. Locating ‘Pooja room’ in north-east brings prosperity, good health, wealth, happiness and peace of mind. North-east is auspicious for other reasons. In morning sunrays fall directly from north-east and give us positive energy.

Location of Pooja Room

North-east is an excellent location for Pooja room. Pooja room in north quadrant provides good results. You can opt east, north and north-east for pooja room. Avoid other directions if possible. Special pooja’s can be performed in Brahmasthana (center of house). In big plots, pooja room can be in Brahmasthan (central portion) of the house. Pooja room should not be inside bed room. It should not be made above, below or next to toilet or kitchen. It should be on ground floor, not on first floor or in basement. Avoid Pooja Room under the stairs.

Planning a Pooja Room
Doors and windows of pooja room should be in North and East. Doors of pooja room should have two shutters. The doors should not have any door closer. There should be a ventilator. Walls of pooja room should be painted in white, light yellow or light blue color. The floor of pooja room should be of white or off white marble. Cupboard for placing things should be in South or West of pooja room. It is beneficial to have a threshold in pooja room.

Interior of Pooja Room
Idols of God should be kept in north-east portion of pooja room. The idols should not face one another and the door of pooja room also. The two idols of same god should not be placed in pooja room. The idols should be 1 inch away from walls. ‘Kalash’ or water body is in North or East of the room. ‘Deepak’, lamp and ‘Agni’ kund are in south-east. We should face East while worshipping. Avoid keeping heavy idols in pooja room. Cluttered and broken idols should not be placed in pooja room. Avoid photos of dead people in pooja room. Keep pooja room clean and clutter free. There should be one pooja room in a house. The room should not be used for other purposes like storage or other room.

Study Room Vastu

The right place is very important for study as it affects the concentration of students. Many times students complain that they are not able to concentrate on studies. The remedy to these problems has been formulated by our ancestors through ‘Vastu Shastra’.

Here are few vastu tips which can help students to achieve success in their studies.

• The study room should be located in the directions which are considered auspicious for studies such as East, North or north-east of the house. As per Vastu, these directions improve the power of concentration while studying. Make sure that there is no mirror reflection in their room. This may have effect of doubling their work load. Make sure that the student does not study under a beam otherwise he or she feels unnecessary pressure.

Locate Study Table according to Vastu

• The placement of study table is important for concentration. You should place study table facing East or North. Do make sure that the child should face East or North while studying. The table should not stick to the wall.
  
• There should be open space in front of child as it augments fresh ideas. The child should have a solid wall behind him as it signifies support.
• The study table should be square or rectangular as per vastu, it should not be too big or too small. A table of small size can be uncomfortable while working and a table of big size can affect working capacity of the child.

Placement of Bookshelves as per Vastu

Bookshelves and cabinets should be placed in the East, North, and North-east directions. The cabinets should not be placed in the center of room. It is best to leave central portion of study room empty. Avoid placing bookshelf above study table. It may create unnecessary stress for child. Study table should not be cluttered with lots of books.

Color scheme as per Vastu

The walls of study room should be painted in light colors rather than dark colors. Light colors are very auspicious according to vastu and enhance learning power of students. Avoid black color in study room.

Proper Lighting

The study room should have proper light. Dim lights are not favorable for child’s education and growth. Sunlight gives us energy for doing work so the windows of study room should be in East and North of the room. A table lamp is another source of proper light which helps in concentrating on the task. If the child is using table lamp, it should be placed in south-east of the table.

Vastu Tips to Create an Effective Enviornment in Study Room

• The room to be chosen for study should be in the East , North or the North-East direction of the house. These directions improve the absorption power.
• Ensure that your child sleeps with his head towards East or South. The head towards east helps in learning whereas the head towards south helps in maintaining magnetic balance of the body or earth. Avoid bed in study room as it may make child lazy.
• Avoid television in study room because it interrupts concentration of students.
• Place computer in south-east of the room.
• Make the room noiseless. The study room should not have any noisy toilet on the floor above or below the room.
• Do let the child study under a beam.
• Make study room clean, clutter free and noise free.
  

Vastu Shastra for Staircase

Vastu verifies to locate staircase of the building in the South or West direction. Staircase is a heavy structure; hence it should be located in negative zones like the South or the West. The staircase in northern or eastern part of house may give adverse effects. The stairs should rise from the East to West or from the North to South. The staircase should not be in the center of the house. Avoid staircase in northeast direction also.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for functional staircase.

DO’S

• Make staircase of the house in southern or western part of the house as these directions are heavy.
• Build staircase in southeast in east, northwest in north, southwest in west and southwest in south if the staircase is external.
• Arise the stairs from the East to West or from the North to South and a turn can be taken to any other side due to paucity of space.
• Make the number of stairs odd. It should not end with zero. The number of risers should be such odd numbers that if divided by 3, the remainder is always 2.
• Paint staircase in light colors. Avoid red and black color.
• Repair broken stairs immediately otherwise it may cause accidents or mental tension due to clashes.

DON’TS

• Avoid staircase in northeast of the house and in center of the house as it will cause loss of wealth. The staircase in any other corner reduces loss.
• Do not make staircase circular as it may cause ill effects on health.
• Do not build any room such as kitchen, bathroom and ‘Pooja’ room under staircase. However it can be used for storage.
• Do not use common staircase for going upstairs and basement.

Vastu Tips for Doors and Windows

The doors and windows are essential furnishing articles of the house. These are used for insulation purposes. They provide comfort in working at the house. The following are important points that one should consider before designing the doors and windows.

• Maximum number of doors and windows should open in the North and East as compared to the South and West.
• The doors and windows should be in even numbers like 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. but not 10 and multiple of 8.
• The main door of house should be taller than other doors. It should be of two shutters.
• There should not be any obstruction in front of main door like big trees; pole etc. There should not be any temple opposite to the house too.
• The doors should not be placed in center of the wall. It should be far from the centre. It should not be in extreme corner.
• For doors and windows one type of wood should be used. Teak wood is the best option for doors and windows.
• The doors and windows should be rectangular. The doors having irregular or square shapes are not auspicious.
• The doors should not close automatically; it may affect the health of children.
• The doors should not be over size or under sized. Its size should be of ratio 2:1 in regard to height and width.
• If the door is making noise while moving, it should be repaired otherwise it can cause quarrel.
• There should not be cracked door in a house. It should be replaced as soon as possible.
• The entrance door should be well decorated with pictures and decorative pieces.
• The main entrance door of two houses opposite to each other should not be opened towards to each other.
• If there is more than one floor in a building, one door over another door should be avoided.
  

Note: Any picture of God should not be hanged at outer side of the door.

Vastu Tips for Plants and Trees

Vastu Shastra being an ancient science deals in residential buildings, factories and industries. Vastu can be applied on flowers and plants in the house. The plants play significant role in activating positive energy to our day to day life. Here is what Vastu says about plants.

Tulsi or Basil plant is most powerful and auspicious plant. The plant should be located in the North, East and North-east of the house. Tulsi can be grown at the front or the back of the house.

Banyan and Peepel tree are sacred trees so they should be planted near temple or sacred place.

• The trees should not be planted in front of the entrance of house.
• Big trees can be planted in the South and West portion of the house. They should not be too close to the building as they block sunlight and roots of the tree can damage foundation. The roots of big trees absorb sunlight and do not allow them to reach the house.
• Small trees can be planted in the East and North side. But no tree should be planted in North-east corner.
• Thorny plants should not be planted in the house as these plants except rose can have negative energy.
• The creepers should be planted near entrance door. It should not be raised on compound wall of the building. It is good to plant creeper in garden.
• Avoid milky trees in the house as it may affect the health of family members.
• Flowering plants should be placed in the South-west portion of the house. Jasmine, Rose, Marigold, Champak, Mogra and Prijat are good around the house as it gives positive energy.
• Money plant should also be planted inside the house as it brings good luck to the house.
• No big tree should be planted in the centre of the house.
• A rock garden should be in southwest portion of the house, not in the northeast portion of the house.

Vastu and Brahmasthan

Brahmasthan is a unique feature of ancient architecture based on Vastu Shastra. It is central, holiest and powerful zone of the house. All directions meet at the center of the house and disperse positive energy in all directions. This positive energy is very useful for living beings of the occupants of the house. Brahmasthan is also important place for factories and industries. The central place is identified by painting ceiling with a different color.

If people want to enjoy riches, harmony and happiness, Brahmasthan should be left open and is free of obstructing objects. In ancient time, it was common to construct a courtyard at the centre of house which was open to sky and to the rooms around courtyard.

Identification of Brahmasthan

Divide the plot into 8 equal parts from East to West and North to South. Now the plot is divided into 64 equal parts. The four squares at the center of plot are the place of Brahmasthan.

Tips for Brahmasthan

• Main hall, Pooja Room or Courtyard can be constructed at the centre of the house.
• Toilets and Bathroom should not be built at the centre of the house.
• Kitchen at the center may have adverse effect on health.
• Generally, in duplex houses staircases are built at center of house. It may affect mental and financial growth of the residents.
• The pillar having a load of structure makes the centre heavy that’s a big Vastu defect.
• Sleeping at the centre place will mess up the life.
• There should not be a beam at the center of house.
• Beams, arches, store room etc. should not be constructed at Brahmsthana.

Colours for Home According To The Vaastu

Colours according to Vaastu Shastra play a vital role in bringing balance to our minds as well as bodies and to stimulate our energy. Therefore colours in one home should be coordinated with the colours of respective planets and elements associated with different directions. This will help in enhancing the energy flow around every individual in the house. Here are some guidelines on particular colours, which will help you to choose the right Vaastu colours for every room.

Red: The colour red represents power and bravery. It is the most dramatic, emotional and active colour comparing to other two primary colours blue and yellow. It is known for evoking a seductive atmosphere of passion and desire. With its versatile effect it enlivens the interior space by creating excitement, warmth and elegance.
It should not be used in bedrooms because of its energizing quality, although some red can be used to enhance sensuality. It can also be exhausting or overpowering and stressful for those who are anxious.

Orange: This colour inspires spirituality as it represents transcendence and an otherworldly aspect. It encourages happy, joyful and social gatherings.

An orange coloured dining room will help to stimulate good appetite. So, if you want to enhance parties, communication, positive feelings and cheerfulness in your daily living, paint your dining room or living room in orange. Peach can also be used as it gives a cool effect.

Yellow: Yellow colour nurtures mental alertness and clarity of mind. It represents sunlight. Remember, if a room gets direct sunlight; do not paint the walls with yellow or peach.

Choose its placement with care, as it is bright and very energizing. However this colour inspires intellectual clarity, comprehensible associations, articulate thinking and joyful energy. For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall colours are just perfect. It is a recommended colour for the logical left side of the brain. It is intellectually beneficial and you might use it with yellow accents instead of painting each wall yellow.

Green: This colour represents nature. Green helps in bringing a harmonious atmosphere that generates calm and inner peace with an energizing quality within the house.

It brings balanced harmony, quick healing and rejuvenation to a room. It can be used as a calming place for people who are disturbed or in need of refreshment. Today most of the hospitals use it because of its quick healing aspects. It can also be used in study room as it enhances intelligence.

Blue: This colour represents Sky. It gives a sense of space and expansion that relaxes body and mind.

It can be used for bedrooms or meditation rooms because of its calming and spiritual energy. It enhances meditative quality and it is believed that blue acts like a colour therapy to reduce blood pressure.

Purple: It helps in reflecting positive reflections and stimulates meditation. This rich colour inspires faith, intuition and trust. It is very protective, spiritual and comforting. Never paint an entire room in purple as it could be overpowering. However an additional light violet colour can provide a very healing and calming atmosphere.

White: white is an elegant colour and works fine anywhere when combined with accent colours. It has an uplifting and cleansing aspect, however too much white can reflect a sterile and isolating quality.

White ceilings are widely suggested by most of the scholars as they reflect light and brighten the room. A room in Northwest direction representing the room should use white and other bright colours like blue and green. Avoid grey and black colours specifically.


Choosing the Paint Color according to Vastu

Bedroom : Pink is an auspicious color for bedroom. Light blue and light green are also good for bedroom. Choose green color for children’s bedroom because it can helps in study of children.

Living Room: Yellow, blue, green, tan and beige are best colors for living room as these colors are pleasant for guests.

Kitchen: The white is the best color for kitchen. Yellow, orange, rose pink, chocolate and red colors are also good colors for kitchen.

Bathroom (Toilet): It can be of white or a mix of black and white or gray colors. Pink and other pastel colors are also good.

Dining Room: The Pink, green and blue colors are good for dining room as this place needs to be painted in refreshing colors for the family eats and entertains there. Avoid black and white or mixture of black and white in the room.