Vaastu for neighbourhoods

Every property, right from its inception, is associated with numerous ideas regarding planning, creativity and design. When all these are in sync with the principles of vaastu shastra, we achieve a vaastu-compliant property.

Although vaastu shastra is most commonly applied to smaller properties, its principles are also applicable to much bigger projects such as high-rise towers, medical institutions, shopping malls, educational institutions and even in planning community developments. The principles of vaastu do not change with respect to size, but the objectives definitely change to a certain extent with the nature of the property.

When talking of community developments, one usually refers to a self-sufficient environment. This may include features such as schools, medical facilities, shopping malls, entertainment venues and clubhouses, apart from residential units. For such projects, vaastu considers various aspects such as the shape of the property, the natural gradient of the property and the zoning and planning.

Shape of the property: When considering the size of a project, it is next to impossible to have a uniformly shaped property. This does not mean one is going to end up with a not so positive project. Depending on the irregularity of the property, the flaw can be handled to achieve a balance within the property in its raw and natural form. The remedial measures taken for this vary from one property to the other based on its flaws. Just as no two finger prints are the same, the individual energy of any unit of land is variable.

Natural gradient: Considering the size of the project, it is likewise not possible for different properties to have similar or uniform inclines. This is a flaw that has a strong impact on the growth of the property. However, it is definitely one of the flaws that can be controlled by proper understanding of the unit, with not much effort.

Zoning and planning: This is one of the most important and painstaking steps that require maximum effort. Depending on the size, shape and natural gradient of the property, the measures taken may vary.

• Entertainment zone: This generally includes anything from cafés and sports venues to club facilities. The core idea behind this zone is a happy and healthy social life. To promote this idea, it is important to plan and design this zone such that one fulfils the main purpose of entertainment. Considering varied interests of people, it is a little difficult to create such a zone. Nevertheless, the principles of vaastu make it easier. Depending on other factors, this zone may be located north, west, north-west, east, north-east or south-east.

• Educational institution: When planning any kind of educational or learning institute, it is very important to locate it properly. Learning is a never-ending process. The main entrance, the shape of the structure or zone, the colours and the placement have a strong impact on creating a space apt for positive learning. This is easy to handle at the initial stage of planning. Ideal zones for such properties are in the north, east, north-east and south-east.

• Health institution: Being related to the physical and mental health of an individual, this is best located in the eastern zone. Proper planning can help create a zone that promotes a faster healing process.

• Centre of the property: The core or centre of any property is the true energy source of the property. The centre of any property is most effective when left and planned as an open space. This centre can be utilised for parks, landscaping or religious congregations. This has the ability to not just yield positive energies, but also allow the energies to circulate in a manner set by nature. When energy flow follows the norms of nature, it has the ability to build strong positive forces that impact the entire neighbourhood in a blissful manner.

• Residential zone: This is the prime zone in the entire property. This is the key area for the people responsible for making any neighbourhood successful. It is very important to locate this zone appropriately. The most appropriate zone for this would be south-east, south, south-west, west or north-west. Priority needs to be given to this zone when it comes to planning and designing the neighbourhood.

The success of any community development project depends on the occupancy and utilisation of the features provided. Vaastu shastra has the ability to build momentum such that the entire process, from beginning to end, moves smoothly without many hitches, resulting in a pleasant and thriving community.