The new Parliament building was opened in 1999 after the Singapore Parliament decided that the old Parliament building was too small for the purpose. The new building accommodates 93 members, an increase from the original 51 in 1965 when Singapore gained independence.
The new Parliament is just behind the old Parliamentary building.
The Feng Shui Community of Singapore has commented that the new building is facing away from the front of Singapore. They are puzzled by the position of the new Parliament.
The Old Parliament.
This building is now The Arts House. It is not only the oldest government building but the oldest surviving building in Singapore.
It was designed in the Neo-Palladian style. It is impressive and stands with dignity.
The New Parliament
Architecture: As soon as you look at the building, you know it is a building of authority. It is significant, imposing and has pillars of power. It is not a lavish government building as seen in neighbouring countries. It is in keeping with the founding Prime Minister’s attitude – it is functional but not extravagant.
Singapore and Feng Shui
It is well documented that after the independence in 1965, the road layout design was assisted by the Feng Shui consultant – the Venerable Hoon Choon. It was also his idea to issue octagonal $1 coins prior to the digging of the rail tunnels of the MRT (Mass Rail Transit). I am sure that he also assisted in other Government projects, but they have not been documented.
The Venerable Hoon Choon passed away in 1990, and the Government have used the Feng Shui services of consultants based in Taiwan. The feng shui masters of the Imperial Court in Beijing moved there in 1949 with the communist takeover of mainland China. These Feng Shui Masters have assisted many Governments and major corporations throughout the world in their projects. Their methods and their lineage can be traced to the Imperial Court of the Qing Dynasty. Taiwan is the centre for the practice of Traditional Chinese Feng Shui.
The Singapore Government has been using their services, and allegedly, the current Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong had visited Taiwan to seek Feng Shui Advice.
Difference in Methods
The published methods in Feng Shui are primarily based on two formulae. They are Eight Mansions and Flying Star. These methods identify the auspicious and inauspicious locations within the property. The Flying Star formula also involves the time cycles in Chinese metaphysics. These two methods are for the interiors of a building. For the exteriors, it is the armchair configuration: a backing mountain and two supporting “arms”.
We call this method Energy Mapping. The formula presents a map of the characteristics of the energies within the property.
The Feng Shui Masters in Taiwan, who practise Traditional Chinese Feng Shui, use a very different system. It is called energy tracing. Energy tracing methods involve working directly with the energy in the environment. The source of energy is identified, and a “path” is traced to the entrance of the property. As with all branches of Chinese Metaphysics, it is a holistic system.
There are two factors that determine the energy:
Quantity: This is determined by the surrounding landscape.
Quality: There are a number of influences which include the compass direction of the energy, speed and condition of the energy flow, amongst others.
The Building:
It is an expansive building exceeding 110m (Google Earth) in width. The architecture design shows its importance and authority.
The central tower shows the crest of Singapore and an imposing red roof.
The building shows authority with the presence of pillars. The style of pillars is very much like the Old Parliament.
The Location:
This is the point of discussion amongst the feng shui consultants in Singapore. Why should the back of the building face the front of Singapore? Most of the significant Government buildings face the seafront. But, the most important legislature building faces the other way – Why?
The Reason – Traditional Chinese Feng Shui:
The building faces the flowing river. Energy is carried by the river water moving downstream. Energy escapes from the flowing water to the surrounding riverbanks. Therefore, the building is appropriately positioned to receive this constant supply of energy from the river.
Quantity of Energy: The Singapore River flows consistently and constantly. Therefore, there will be a constant flow of this energy when the energy passes on to the land.
The energy then flows to the large field in front of the building, which acts as a Ming Tang (bright hall). This field is about 50 metres in depth. It serves as a place for the energy to settle before entering the building.
The Parliament occupies the entire width of the building plot. Therefore, the energy is held within the field.
From the design of the forecourt, the primary way for the energy to enter the building is through the main entrance.
Quality of Energy:
The energy coming towards the building is from the Northwest. Northwest is the sector of Qian – the father. The father of the family symbolises authority, paternalism and wealth. The family consists of both parents with six children; each family member is represented in a sector of the Bagua). This Qian energy is ideal for any Parliamentary building.
The energy flowing into the entrance is the ideal type of energy – slow and steady. This is the result of the large Ming Tiang and the River flow.
Architecture:
The design of the building is imposing to show its importance and authority to the Nation.
The symbols of authority are:
- The central tower shows the crest of Singapore
- The width and stature give the building importance.
- The pillars.
The Central Tower
The roof design of the central tower is the fire element.
This show that the building is for debates and discussions.
The roofline is well illuminated at night to enhance the fire element.
Comment: The Singapore Parliament reflects the mindset of the founding Prime Minister – Mr Lee Kuan Yew. It is a functional building but shows its authority without being extravagant.
Result: This is an excellent example of the execution of Traditional Chinese Feng Shui principles on a new build. It is a significant building to the Nation. They have commissioned a very highly regarded and respected Feng Shui consultant to assist in the design of this building.
Like all things, it is the results that count. What has happened to Singapore since the new Parliament was commissioned?
The reputation of Singapore has soared immeasurably and become one of the most trusted nations in the world today. It is also one of the wealthiest countries per capita.
I have written a post on the other projects involving the Singapore Government – Does the Singapore Government still use Feng Shui in its Projects?
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