Feng Shui has made Boa Vista a low carbon, delightful place to be

 

Feng Shui and Civil Aviation?

 

by Dawn Gibbins MBE

 

Since posting my item on Intel's use of Feng Shui, people have been asking What other 'hard nosed' industries use Feng Shui?

 

The answer is that all business sectors can benefit. Take for example Civil Aviation. My good friend Simon Brown, current chairman of the Feng Shui Society, has done a lot of work in that sector with architects Hans Fischer, Richard Brosch and Danilo Stravato.

 

Boa Vista is a perfect example – an airport terminal designed from conception using feng shui. An overriding design aim - this is a tourist destination - was to achieve a unique airport that would stand out as being special.

 

"We wanted the holiday experience to start as soon as passengers left the plane," says Simon."  So, Feng Shui concepts were used to lift the spirits and make the arrival process as welcoming as possible.

 

Recognising the island's low rainfall, the main areas of the airport have no conventional roof. Sails are strung across the open areas with cable to provide shade, significantly cutting construction costs and reducing the need for air conditioning, which offered the added benefit of lowering the carbon footprint.

 

Feng Shui principles were used to create an emotional journey for passengers. Feng shui water features, music, natural materials, plants and the imagery of the island all feature. "This is probably one of the most natural experiences you can have in an airport," says Simon. "Warm fresh air wherever you are. The surfaces are made from local natural materials, mainly stone and wood. The water feature draws on the island's fame for turtles and wind surfing. And wind surfing shaped sail provide shade."

 

Passenger feedback has been fantastic, with some claiming it the best airport they have used.

So there you have it - Feng Shui has an important role to play across the whole spectrum of business and commerce.

 

To learn more about the Boa Vista project, visit: www.chienergy.co.uk/boavistafsairport.htm