Are you reading this blog from somewhere within the Greater Toronto Area? If so, you are one of 6.8 million people residing in Toronto and its surrounding neighbourhoods. By the year 2046, it is estimated that the population will surge to 10.2 million. Although it’s difficult to imagine just what the city will look like then, one thing is for sure: Toronto’s unprecedented vertical growth will need to continue. 

“A larger proportion of residents are living in high-rises than ever before, with that number set to increase in the coming years”. Toronto is not the only city with many of its residents living in high-rises; building “up” instead of out beyond the present city limits, is a way to provide housing to a growing urban population. Housing residents in high-rises within a densely populated city, helps to preserve or create more park space and other urban-living benefits. 

Living in a high-rise apartment or condominium building becomes a choice for many people; it does not matter whether this is out of necessity or desire. Many lifestyle and design deliberations, such as how to incorporate Feng Shui, now need to be considered differently. Feng Shui Specialists™ and Consultants need to be versed in both country and city dwellings. Viewing a detached home in a suburb of Toronto is very different from assessing an apartment and its building within the city. 

With millions of neighbours, restricted control over your setting, and limited amount of options within a building, are you able to implement Feng Shui into a condo or apartment? Absolutely, it just requires knowledge and consideration.

Feng Shui and High-Rise Living: The Building

When you begin deliberations regarding a particular condo or apartment, the building and its environment are paramount; both have specific features that can promote and receive good Chi or bad Chi (Sha Chi). Keep in mind that the energy of the building will influence the energy of the units within it. Its characteristics cannot be altered; rather than fight a permanent inauspicious feature, wisely choose your building instead.

To begin your assessment for good Feng Shui, consider the two-mile radius surrounding the building itself. As you observe the area, consider what shape the building is, how tall the buildings are around it, what the surrounding buildings are made of, and what landmarks are adjacent to it. Special attention should also be given to the building’s main entrance.

Shape of the building: In regard to the shape of the building, avoid ones that are lopsided, overly thin, are wedge-shaped, or that have a narrow form. These unbalanced silhouettes can cause Chi to become stretched out or squeezed internally.

Height of surrounding buildings: Avoid choosing a building that is dwarfed by other structures, as the sharp corners from above can cause poison arrows within your unit. The larger the building, the stronger the Sha Chi; surrounding yourself with this negative energy can be quite inauspicious. Views are also paramount; if your building is much shorter than the surrounding buildings, your view will be obstructed and perhaps, unpleasant. Conversely, if your building is taller than the surrounding structures, it has no protection.

Material of surrounding buildings: Avoid apartments or condos in buildings that stand opposite to all-glass structures. The light reflection from the glass can mimic multiple mirrors and can promote Sha Chi.

Surrounding landmarks: Within the two-mile radius, observe the adjacent landmarks. Avoid buildings that are across from a hospital, a funeral home, a cemetery, or anything else that is associated with negative energy.

Main entrance: Similar to a home’s entrance, a building’s entry must be well-lit, clean and uncluttered. The door itself should be prominently displayed, and preferably not atop a staircase, as this can cause energy to leak out the front door. “A door with a strong and balanced quality of energy will attract better Chi for the whole building”. Additionally, the front foyer should be large enough to afford space for “Chi to gather and be received within the building”.

Feng Shui and High-Rise Living: The Unit

When considering the unit itself, its location within the building is paramount. Your assessment should begin with the residence’s position in regard to hallways, staircases, and other units. Please note that although the unit’s characteristics are more or less permanent, Feng Shui remedies and cures can be implemented to counteract the promotion of Sha Chi.

A unit’s location in regard to hallways: Avoid apartments that are at the end of a long corridor. Energy will have a tendency to rush down the long hallway into your residence. This can be solved by placing plants at the entrance of your unit. Choosing ones with large, round leaves will help to slow down the energy as it enters your apartment.

A unit’s location in regard to staircases: Avoid units that are directly across from a staircase. Similar to the energy produced in a long hallway, staircases can create forceful energy that will enter your home. Once again, by placing plants in your entrance, you can help shield your home from this exuberant energy, and slow it down upon entry.

An apartment’s location in regard to other units: Avoid selecting a unit directly across from another apartment or condo. Energy from both units can merge together and promote Sha Chi; this can cause conflict with your neighbour. A Feng Shui remedy is to create a “double door” effect within your dwelling: either place a screen to block the view of the door, or hang a curtain over the doorway to present a second barrier. This will prevent your neighbour’s energy from entering your home.

Living the high-rise-life is reality for many residents in large cities, such as Toronto. Incorporating Feng Shui can be difficult in these non-traditional situations. A Certified Ultimate Feng Shui Specialist™ possesses the required knowledge and training, and can alleviate the ambiguity involved. He/she can assist you in determining what factors in regard to both the building and unit, should be avoided. 

Together, you and the Feng Shui Specialist™ can find your home in the clouds.