Feng shui, a traditional Chinese system of spatial arrangement, and its Indian counterpart vastu shastra, remain culturally significant for billions globally. These traditions offer a resonant approach to spatial design, emphasising harmony, balance and well-being. Billions of design decisions shape the world we inhabit, yet traditional frameworks such as feng shui remain underexplored within environmental psychology, particularly in empirical, scientific terms.


Given that individuals spend nearly two-thirds of their lives in bedrooms and workspaces, these settings offer critical opportunities for studying how feng shui principles influence preference and well-being. This study examined whether such environments, designed using feng shui principles, enhance personal and transpersonal preferences and psychophysiological responses. A quantitative, within-subjects design was employed, using 3D-rendered virtual environments and psychometric measures across a diverse participant sample.


Findings from the preliminary analysis suggest that participants consistently preferred feng shui-compatible environments over incompatible ones. These preferences correlated with increased reported comfort, perceived coherence, and emotional well-being. Notably, specific features such as positioning relative to the door (command position), presence of natural elements, and spatial clarity appeared to significantly impact ratings.


These results support the hypothesis that feng shui-informed designs resonate with users on both personal and transpersonal levels. This research highlights the potential for integrating culturally embedded frameworks into evidence-based environmental design.


Traditional practices such as feng shui and vastu shastra, upheld by billions, are grounded in values of balance, harmony and reverence for nature. These values are not only cultural but profoundly spiritual and transpersonal, offering a compelling narrative for rethinking sustainability. Their potential impact lies in their ability to inspire large-scale behavioural shifts towards ecological awareness and social responsibility. Positioned as vital contributors, these traditions may hold essential keys to bridging cultural heritage with contemporary environmental psychology. Harnessing their wisdom could enrich sustainability agendas with meaning, resonance and transformative potential.