Vastu Shastra – Architecture of Harmony and Unity with Nature
Today, many modern architects, including Japanese ones, turn to the Vastu Shastra system when designing living spaces. This system originated in Ancient India over 5,000 years ago.
In Sanskrit, “Vastu” means place, home, dwelling, room, and “Shastra” means science or treatise. Thus, Vastu Shastra is the science of sacred architecture, developed by ancient sages, aimed at creating harmonious living spaces that strengthen human relationships within them.
The Vastu Shastra system allows for the creation of living spaces that promote spiritual growth and encourages the use of natural materials for construction. Vastu Shastra is based on the harmony of the five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and space. The principles of this teaching blend harmoniously with modern design trends. Vastu Shastra has been applied in the construction of offices for companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, the World Bank, NASA, and others.

It has a scientific foundation and a set of key principles. According to this system, living spaces are arranged to ensure the harmonious unity of the five elements. When designing rooms, significant attention is given to the movement of the sun, the cardinal directions, and the circulation of air currents. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial for restoring biorhythms and alleviating sleep disturbances.


Each element is also associated with a specific type of energy:
- Earth – the energy of stability
- Water – the energy of fluidity
- Fire – the energy of warmth
- Air – the energy of movement
- Space – the energy of openness
Vastu Shastra dictates clear rules for the arrangement of living spaces, whose validity has been proven over centuries. All elements, along with their respective energy flows, are considered when designing spaces according to the Vastu Shastra system.
Colors in Vastu Shastra are determined by how they reflect sunlight and their impact on human psychology. Colors are also distributed according to the directions of the compass.
If a person chooses a residence where the five elements are in harmony, they become one with nature, thereby strengthening their connection with a higher principle. Achieving this requires careful planning, especially when designing one’s living space.

A great example of a living space designed according to Vastu Shastra is the Purusha Mandala private residence in India, designed by Khosla Associates.
According to Vastu, the bedroom is located in the Earth zone, the kitchen in the Fire zone, the pool and entrance in the Water and Air zones, and the placement of doors, the direction of the staircase, the arrangement of beds, wardrobes, tables, and even the location of the toilet and bathroom are all determined by the laws of energy flow.


The house has a modern design with numerous flowing spaces, open and semi-enclosed courtyards, and green insertions. This design is reminiscent of modern Japanese architecture.

Ideologist has experience collaborating with specialists familiar with Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui. One of the innovative projects is the “Residence in Shepelevo on the Shore of the Gulf of Finland,” a project created in collaboration with the Japanese architectural and construction firm Takahashi Yusuke Architects.