Fengshui Revealed: Iconic Places in Singapore Designed with Fengshui
Credits: Paragon.com.sg
Published: 3 August 2023
Here’s the inside story from the fengshui consultancy firm that was consulted to help make some of our Lion City’s buildings harmonious and prosperous.
Most people are aware that Hong Kong is a city shaped by feng shui, but did you know that right here in Singapore, fengshui masters are also regularly consulted to design spaces beyond residential units?
Grand Master Tan Khoon Yong, a professional fengshui practitioner from Way Fengshui Group with almost 40 years of experience, has been contributing actively to the transformation of Singapore with fengshui advice – from well-known spots like Paragon in Orchard to Duo Residences in Bugis!
As we celebrate our nation’s 58th birthday, here are some fengshui stories you didn’t know about iconic places in Singapore. Read on!
Paragon at Orchard: A model of the God of Wealth
Did you know the Paragon shopping mall was once two separate malls? Known as the Promenade (宝龙坊) and Paragon (百利宫) in the late 80s, the two malls were integrated as one in 2003! Besides boasting a premier upscale retail mall, the Paragon building, which resembles a huge model of the God of Wealth, comprises medical suites and office property.
One unique feature of this feng shui formation is that it requires frequent upkeep and change in order to maintain its powers. As one of the seven “stars” in this formation (the “Tiger Star”), Paragon has undergone several renovations since it opened. The 14-storey Paragon Medical centre that was added in 1999 deftly added in some feng shui adjustments to turn it into a model of the God of Wealth!
Most people would pale at the mention of tigers. Paragon just happens to sit on a plot of “Tiger Land”, which invariably has some negative effect on business. Hence, the building’s owners followed the advice of a famous feng shui master and renovated its exterior to take the shape of a “God of Wealth riding a tiger to welcome guests”, in order to suppress the aggressiveness of the “tiger”. While passing by Ngee Ann City, slow down for a moment and look at Paragon – you might be able to discern that “God of Wealth riding a tiger” (including the 14-story medical centre). It’s even more obvious when you look at Paragon from a height! However, it’s difficult to find an angle where you can get a complete view of Paragon.
Why the God of Wealth model? Well, it may seem complex to fengshui beginners (read this for the full story) but to make the long story short, Paragon sits on the ‘Tiger Star’ upon a fengshui land formation of “Seven Falling Stars” in the Orchard Road vicinity. What’s unique about this feng shui formation is that it requires frequent upkeep and change in order to maintain its powers. Ever wondered why Paragon has undergone several renovations since it opened?
Also, sitting on a plot of ‘Tiger land’ will inevitably have unfavourable impacts on business. Hence, during the renovations In 1999, the 14-storey Paragon Medical centre was added along with feng shui adjustments to transform Paragon into a model of the God of Wealth, Zhao Gong Ming, to suppress sha qi (negative energies). This resulted in a transformed fengshui formation of “God of Wealth Riding a Tiger to Welcome Guests”,
The next time you are at Orchard, slow down to take a look at Paragon from across the road at Ngee Ann City. Remember to include the 14-storey medical centre as you try to identify the “God of Wealth riding a tiger”!
Parkview Square: Steady like a mountain
Credits: parkviewsquare.com
Located along North Bridge Road, Parkview Square is an awe-inspiring building that never fails to capture the attention of passersby. Clad in granite, bronze, lacquer and glass, this iconic building in Art Deco style is also known as Singapore’s very own Gotham Building! From the fengshui perspective, Parkview Square stands tall and balanced with curved edges in yellow and brown colours, reflecting a strong Earth element.
Why the strong Earth element? Well, the Earth element – symbolised by mountains – in fengshui context is particularly important for spaces that need positive energy in the areas of stability, support, and nourishment. Parkview Square (completed in 2002) definitely needs this because of its proximity to The Gateway (completed in 1990).
Comprising buildings in a trapezoid shape, The Gateway has really sharp corners, which accounts for its bizarre, flat-building effect! In fact, many fengshui practitioners termed The Gateway as having ‘Killer Blades’ that can eliminate buildings in proximity with its negative qi.
Nonetheless, Parkview Square can counter this with its strong Earth element, akin to being a steady mountain absorbing the negative qi. Plus, the Earth element is actually mutually generative with the strong Metal element produced by The Gateway.
Curious about more fengshui aspects of Parkview Square? Read this to learn about the recurring number 4 in the building complex and the golden crane statue at the courtyard, which is more than a pretty piece of artwork.
Marina One: Auspicious land where three Dragons converge
Credits: Floornature.com
Lucky you if you live or work here! We are not just talking about the impressive views or upscale address. Located in the Marina South area, Marina One is an integrated development that comprises luxury residential units, retail shops and offices such as Meta (Facebook) APAC! This integrated development is built upon the reclaimed land of Marina Bay, recognised as a fengshui treasure land (here’s the full story).
How is it a fengshui treasure land? From the feng shui perspective, Singapore has a total of Five Dragons (i.e. five dragon pulses) and three of them, namely the Western Dragon, Central Dragon and Southern Dragon, converge at Marina Bay. Coincidentally, Marina One Residences sits on this particular meeting point, which holds the earth qi. Ahh!
Comprising two towers of luxury residences and two towers of offices and retail space, with the former occupying East and South and the latter sitting in the West and North, Marina One is designed like a valley. This aids in accumulating wealth and positive energy. The firm and sturdy design also creates a sense of stability, meant to bring forth positive influences to its residents and office users.
Most of the units at Marina One Residences are “square-shaped”, which avoided the feng shui taboo of missing corners. Also, the majority of the units are accompanied by the exterior scenic view that can be seen from the living room as well as the bedroom, considered to be beneficial in fengshui as the house can garner qi from various directions.
Duo Residences: Tai Chi at its best
Credits: Floornature.com
Located between The Gateway, with its strong negative qi, and Parkview Square, which is sturdy and unmoving, in the Bugis vicinity, let’s just say that DUO Residences is in a tough position. So, how can harmony be maintained? The answer is Tai Chi.
Why Tai Chi? The essence of this age-old martial art lies in countering brute force with gentleness, or in transforming the hard and unyielding into something pliable. The Gateway’s outward orientation represents “hard” strength in terms of Singapore’s economy and technology, while Parkview Square has a “soft” cultured air. This coupling of forces results in a fertile ground for DUO Residences.
With design contributions by Grand Master Tan Khoon Yong, the DUO Residences is the perfect example of integrating Tai Chi into architecture. The two towers’ multiple concave walls help to deflect and soften the strong and direct qi from both The Gateway and Parkview Square, allowing residents to still benefit from this high-energy environment.
According to Grand Master Tan, Beach Road reflects the “Twin Dragons Holding Up a Pearl” formation, and thus he tried to introduce a “pearl setting” into the design of DUO Residences. If you look carefully at the two towers, they not only look like pushing hands in Tai Chi, but also like a framed setting for a pearl.
Some may not be aware but fengshui takes into account both external and interior considerations. The surrounding space in one’s environment can have a greater fengshui impact than the interior space, hence the importance of getting the right location from the start. Learn more about our commercial fengshui services here.
Fengshui places in Singapore
Singapore’s cityscape is ever changing but some buildings built upon prime land continue to thrive while others in the vicinity are no longer around. Could it be pure luck, fengshui or the mere efforts of businesses striving to sustain?
Our take is that all these factors play a part.
With over 30 years of rich experience, Way Fengshui Consultancy understands the importance of working closely with contractors, architects and interior designers. Without the constraints of a ready structure, construction projects are perfect opportunities for our consultancy team to build the best possible fengshui work environment and create a framework that is unique to each organisation’s profile and goals. Learn more about our services here.
