Vastu 2.0

XPD: S01P05 | Opinion

'Vastu Shastra' literally translates to 'Science of Architecture' implying it is scientific in its origin. We’ve already established all that formally here, so what’s next?

I believe we need to upgrade Vastu

I believe we need to upgrade Vastu, add new criteria which take into account the development of modern cities & the urban context.

Why I think we need a new version;

Vastu was developed a long time ago, in an age where people were no longer nomads and just started to settle into agriculture, cattle rearing and Trade & Crafts.

There weren’t any/many buildings near their settlement to obstruct/modify the various elements of nature. So Vastu; for that age only considered the natural spatial site conditions. (Climatic, Electro-Magnetic, Topography, etc.)

Today, we have mega-cities! We have very less open space for any natural wind. What’s more? The cities are conjested with multiple skyscrapers, Apartments and Row houses.

HomeOwner: My house is fully Vastu complianced. The only problem is, my kitchen windows now open towards the street dustbin.

While I believe Vastu is a sensible approach, I also believe it sometimes isnt suited for our cities anymore.

CaveBuilder3: You just said my grandma’s science isnt useful to your people! Then, why are you even making scripts and promoting it?

Architect: Here’s why!

1. Vastu is simply a set of scientific guidelines for better living. Which means it can be adapted and applied to any situation.
2. Vastu works more effectively, if every building around yours follow the same principles/version of Vastu.
3. Vastu needs to be upgraded and applied in the community scale, to be of any use for us individually.
4. Vastu will(and has to) vary based on location. Not based on the construction company.
5. Vastu is inexpensive, sustainable, humble, eco-friendly & climate responsive by default.

While Vastu has its problems(that are yet to be solved), it has far more benefits if followed properly. Don’t you think so?

Click here if you are new to X - posed DUCKS

Click here to read the first Vastu Post!

Further Reading: Here is a wonderful article on the practicality of Vastu!