The world of form

Places and buildings have color and shape. Both these aspects have an energetic quality. As we have seen, specific colors are associated with The Five Energies. Even without studying anything about this, we know that we have a natural, intutitive response to color. Nowadays, it is common to explain our response to color by referring to the vibrating energy of the electromagnetic spectrum, but the essential response of the human organism to the energy of different colors has been known and studied for countless years. You can easily imagine the difference, for example, between cooking in a kitchen painted in black, or in warm yellow. Your response is more than a question of personal preference, although the color you feel most comfortable with in that context could tell the Feng Shui practitioner much about you.

Shapes, too, have a particular energetic quality, affecting the flow of energies within them and around them. As with color, we respond differently to angularity and to roundness -  and our responses will vary according to the conditions and circumstances in which we encounter any particular shape. In the therory of The Five Energies, specific are associated with Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. When it comes to painting or choosing construction materials, the selection of color is important to ensure the overall harmony of the various energies.

Square Shapes

A square shape denotes Earth. This is a common shape for many homes, either with flat roofs or ones that slope very gently. The shape itself expresses the supportive, secure, and stable quality of Earth. Warm tones of yellow and brown and ideal.

Round shapes

A round structure, such as a water tower or geodesic dome, has the energetic quality of Metal. Its energy is directed inward. Such structures will function most harmoniously if they are of the color associated with Metal: white.

Curving, horizontal shapes

A building that has a curving or indented, horizontal shape is expressive of the flowing and constantly changing aspect of Water energy. Such buildings are best constructed of dark materials or painted in the dark blues or black of Water energy.

Rectangular shapes

Buildings that have a strong rectangular shape express growth, expansiveness, and power. This is typical of Wood energy. Shades of green are best suited to them, including green-tinted glass.

Triangular shapes

The inspiring, exciting upward rush of Fire energy makes the triangle the shape for buildings such as temples or other places of worship. The color most perfectly suited to such structures is red. For example, the red brick and stone that is common on certain churches, and the brilliant red paintwork on the pillar of many oriental places of workship.