BEAUTY AT SITES

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Beauty in Bangalore is no longer skin deep. Nor it is in the eye of the beholder. It is not connected with the skin at all  it is the land. The depth spans one or two cellar floors and several floors above the ground. The beholder is the real estate fraternity.

House sites in Bangalore have turned beautiful during the past decade or so. People are now used to read the site Advertisements with the adjective ‘beautiful’. The site has become a beautiful sight for many.Small sites appear to be most beautiful for some since the price is still below the double-digit lakh.

Brides in matrimonial Advertisements may not claim themselves to be beautiful, but the site their parents can part with could be the real beauty depending upon its location and size. In this context, large sites are more beautiful.

Let us ponder a little. What are the features, which contribute to make a site beautiful? The terrain, location, jurisdiction are but a few of many features.

Terrain seems to matter little. Even a deep ravine is OK, as it does not require much digging for cellar. Soft soil on an ex-tank bed can also be accepted since the excavation is easy.Location holds the real key to beauty. Sites closer to business centres are the most beautiful. Next in rank are the sites of prestigious roads. Other factor is the distance from City Market, M.G. Road, Vidhana Soudha and Majestic. These distance are mentioned depending upon the geographical location of the site. Fewer Kilometers would contribute to more beauty.

Sites located within Corporation limits command the highest level of beauty followed by BDA, Sanitary Boards, Gramathana, Attibele, Hosur and the Wilderness. Sites where only electricity and transport are within easy reach are not so beautiful right at the moment, but can blossom into real beauties in the next decade.

Corner sites are a class by themselves. These are the beauty queens. These are, by precedence, amenable for violation of all building codes. Ex-manure pits and cow dung heaps are also becoming beautiful. Today these exude a sweet fragrance of currency.

There are no ugly sites in and around Bangalore. There are some ugly sights over, which realestate fraternity has no control.

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REDESIGNING HOMES AS PER VAASTU WITHOUT DEMOLITION

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Vaastu science encompasses the knowledge of disciplines like geometry, geology, philosophy and astrology.

Assuming we all are aware of basic features of Vaastu I would like to throw light upon certain facts of the subject which are present in our Vedic scriptures and vaastu science itself but have either been neglected to not followed due to lack of deep study.Having gone into depth of the subject with, my co-practioners,architects and researchers.I have practically brought into use and concluded certain methods that could be followed instead of demolition or renovation.

Lets us start off with a few scenarios posing a problem for the homes owners. As per the vaastu texts, if north west of the premises is west of my premises is weak or defective or negative, the person will have problems in movements of finished goods.He will have tension anxiety etc, so the related planet to North West being Ketu (the presiding God Ketu is Ganesh) Ganesha Yantra should be installed in the North West.

Similarly if Northeast is weak is weak, starting trouble for commencement of any work or Venture might exist,difficulty in arriving atright decision slow pace of the weak etc.The governing planet being Buddha(the presiding god of Buddha is Vishnu)Vishnu Yantra should be installed in the North East, as per the different direction.

It is essentially the art of correct placement. Whereby man can place himself, whereby man can place himself in such a manner so as to absorb the maximum benefits of the five elements (Pancha Bhutas) which are Earth, Water, Light (Sun or fire) Air.Sky as well as the influence of the magnetic fields surrounding the earth.The scientific use of elements creates a perfectly balanced environment which ensures enhanced prosperity healer and well being,Scientific use of elements creates a perfectly balanced environment which ensures enhanced prosperity health and well being.

The Scientists are aware of these energy fields that envelope the earth and have done research on the subject to locate the sources of energy.Our scriptures also reveal that an exact and intimate knowledge of the manipulation of these energy fields can be obtained by various symbols, mantras, yantras, forms and shapes.

Geo biology, a part of modern science explores the science explores the scientific basis to traditional geomantic rules and gives credence to these facts. Every form has energy and the energy level of every symbol or yantra remains the same, irrespective of the material used.The best example is the Swastik and Pyramid which has an energy level of I million Bovis(a unit of energy).

Marma is another basic feature of Vaastu. Marmas are powerful energy points in a Mandala. Corresponding on the nine points of the body,namely Head, Heart,Shoulders,Knees, Sex. Navel and Thigh on which there should be not structure or fire as it would effect these very points on the body of the users of this space.

These Marmasthanas are determined by interception of Vertical Sunrays and Horizontal rays caused by the movement of the earth (rotation) called as Bio Electro Magnetic grid. As per the observation of ancient vaastu studies and application the center portion of the building structure was kept open.A deterrent to ancient Vaastu toda is the fast that a time where space is limited and costly certain structures a Vaastu cannot be followed nor make the kind of the structural changes that Vaastu requires in a pre constructed premises.

The latest study and research in Vaastu address these problems have solutions in the form of Yantra Pyramids, Gems, Vedic Scriptur and Symbols that emit powerful energies equivalent to the nature elements which should be installed at these vital am critical Marmasthanas.

The governing features Vaastu Shastra that enable to absorb the maximum benefits of the nature thrau positive energies flowing around are:-

•Shape of the plot.

•Geometry of the building.

•Effect of the direction, orientation, inclination.

•Effect of Ultra-violet rays, infrared rays,Bio-Electromagnetic rays, thermal, chemical, electronic rays.

•Surrounding atmosphere and eco structure.

In order to achieve the benefit of these effects one should either demolish and reconstruct as per the law of Vaastu or construct the building as per Vaastu rules and laws which is impractical in today's lifestyles. Hence the usage of Yantras,Colors,Iconography,Pyramidology,Geomancy, Vedic scriptures and Symbols is very beneficial and convenient.

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INTERIOR DECORATION

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If it is not possible for you to have a garden outdoors, don't worry. You can transport all the greenery, freshness and beauty of the outdoors into your patio, verandah or terrace by having an indoor garden. Most ground plants, ferns, orchids etc bloom well indoors but they may have some difficulties. They will need more care than outdoor plants do which means that they can't be left untended while you move out on a holiday. Mysterious ailments may attack them so its wiser to select plants that need little care.

There are some tough but pretty evergreen plants like coleus, begonia, bougainvillea, azalea, marigold. Watering plants in excess is sure to kill them and so will moving pots from shade into direct sunlight. The plant should not be allowed to become fully dry or it will damage the root system. Before it looks like it needs watering it should be caught. To prevent the root from rotting, water should drain out from the bottom when watering and pots must not be left standing in water holders.

Lilies are plants that take to pots and grow from the bulb. The base of the pot should be lined with chipped pottery, soil should be added and the bulbs planted close together leaving the tip above the surface. They will take around six weeks to develop leaves.

Another way of varying plant arrangements is to firstselect tall, squat, large or small containers and group together plants with different shapes, sizes and textures in one pot. You may put Fucia, Spiky Downers and a palm in one container which will make an eye- catching arrangement.

Houses abroad make use of window boxes but here in this country much importance is not given to window boxes and window sills. A window with flowers outside it looks attractive. Keep a metal planter and screw it into the wall with brackets. Individual pots can be put inside or the soil can be directly laid. After letting it settle for ten days, you should get some cascading plants.

A plant with long bushy greenery is Asparagus meyerii or squirrel tail. Its cylindrical leaves grow in thick clumps and it should be placed in the centre so that it has space for growing. Let the water soak through the soil and let it dry before watering any further. Take a narrow,watering can with a spout and water the plants in the windowsill well without dislodging the soil. Fertilize them now and then.

African violets look lovely on windowsills. They need fertile soil and sunlight and are pink and mauve which becomes dark purple in colorful blooms. You can propagate them by dividing the roots into many smaller clumps. It should be done gently. Another plant that is simple to grow and has colorful foliage is Coleus. It should not be exposed to strong sunlight.

If you happen to stay in a flat that doesn't have a verandah, you should take a new look at your terrace. It could easily be converted into a pleasant garden to be enjoyed on warm summer evenings and during house parties.

Before you actually begin, it would be wise to consult a professional builder for advice regarding the structure's capacity to bear extra weight of the soil, water, containers and people who will be there. For permanent beds you may have raised beds built with bricks as permanent features, but it would be more advisable to use plastic containers or growing bags. Light packing cases can form a terrace with built-up beds at various levels in which different flowers can be planted.

A space of 8 feet into 10 feet can be transformed into a luxuriant display with all varieties of flowers, creepers and shrubs. You should have a bamboo trellis as a wind breaker secured tightly to the wall as there is likely to be a lot of wind. As the temperature will be higher and plants have to weather the elements they will need sufficient watering except during the monsoon.

A decorative Bottle Brush tree will grow fast and its leaves are ornamental with red plumes of delicate flowers. The Christmas Star plant or Euphorbia pulcherrima is ideal for this tropical weather. The red and white star shaped flowers will create a good climate when used as border plants as they thrive in the winter.

It is really luxurious to have a lawn on the roof top but its surface has to be protected by a waterproof covering like a plastic sheet. About 18 inches of well nourished soil can be spread on which you can put the lawn that is ready grown or it can be cultivated with lawn grass that requires little upkeep.

The terrace can be beautified through short growing plants, creepers and plants that hug the ground. Petunia, geranium nasturtiums, carnation, hibiscus, cornflowers, fuchsia and short stemmed lilies carefully chosen will form a riot of color in the place. The wind breaker can be adorned with trailing sweet peas, jasmine and ivy.

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VAASTU-A PERFECT SCIENCE

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Vaastu, as many consider, is not a bundle of superstitions, but a comprehensive science towards understanding geography, topography environment, physics, more importantly tapping the nature for happy living. It recommends suitable size, shape and orientation of the structure in relation to the site, soil and surroundings and also personality of the inhabitant.

Everybody agrees that natural elements (Panchabhootas) have direct bearing on the life of every human being. Vaastu aims at bridging the sources of these natural elements.

The human body according to Nadi shastra has seven chakras. They are Mooladhara chakra, Swadhistana chakra, Manipura chakra, Anahat chakra, Vishudha chakra, Ajnachakra, Sahastrara chakra. They are Centers of power and by activating them, enormous power can be generated. They are intimately associated with water, fire, air, earth and sky-the five elements of Vaastu.

Each direction of the plot represents a certain element and it is essential that provision is made to tap the particular energy on that prescribed direction only. The northeast (Eeshanya) is meant for water, Southeast (Agneya) is for fire, Northwest (Vayauvya) is for air and Southwest (Nairuthya) is for earth element and the central portion (Brahmastal) is for the sky.

Let us examine, whether these prescriptions have any scientific value. Vaastu mandates that any water body, well, bore well, sump tanks should be placed in Northeast direction as water will be purified by morning sunrays.

Nobody disputes the efficacy of the rays of the rising Sun. The southeast is prescribed for fire. Solar radiation is very important to human life. The intensity of sunrays is most powerful at southeast. This would help in heating. Positive energy of sunrays is received from east, north, north east, southeast.

Vaastu also recommends keeping more open area in north and east to derive maximum benefits of the early morning sunrays.Vaastu mandates to close the west, south, southwest and place heavy furniture in those directions and those areas to be more elevated. This would block the harmful rays of the evening sun. The water bodies are not recommended in this area, since; the water would absorb the harmful sunrays in the evening. Expose your body to the morning Sun, it will be soothing and invigorating compared to the evening Sun, which would be harsh and irritating. This establishes how realistic Vaastu is.

Another important requirement is proper ventilation, flow of natural light. Fresh air abundant with oxygen improves the health of the inhabitants. Northwest or Vayuvya is a source of abundant air, hence northwest is linked with element of air and Vaastu recommends windows in this directions.All of us have read that earth is a magnet or acts as a magnet. The magnetic energy flows from North Pole to South Pole.

This magnetic energy affects life on the earth. Everybody is aware that unlike poles attract each other, that is South Pole attracts North Pole and North Pole attracts South Pole. The mind is associated with North Pole. That is why bedrooms are prescribed in the southwest direction, and people are advised to sleep placing their head towards south and legs towards north. So that when opposite poles attract each other the body gets activated. Leaving more vacant space in east, north, north east and closing the south, west and southwest would help in maximum utilization of magnetic energy.

The sky element is linked to Brahmastal, which is central portion of the house. Many would have felt the difference of the comfort felt in old houses and modem houses. In olden days the central space was kept open and structures were built surrounding the open central space. This would keep the entire house cool and ventilated, where as the modern houses, where this principle is ignored, turn out to be stuffy and sultry.

Present the Fire, Water and Earth elements are being well utilized, the other two elements Air and Sky are neglected which is the cause of many problems.

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VAASTU PRINCIPLES FOR A BETTER LIVING

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Vaastu is the oldest science of building constructions and selection of sites, for residential as well as commercial purposes. Since early 90's there has been some awareness among the people and today it has become "almost a must" a practice to consult some Vaastu consultants before taking up a construction or moving on to residential dwellings or flats in the cities and metros. Before much is said or written about this beautiful ancient science, it should be clearly understood that nobody can change the destiny of a person. Vaastu does not give any assurance to the individuals of the prosperity or the health of the family, since the prosperity or otherwise is according to the destiny of the individuals which is governed, if one believes, by the planetary positions.

As per our (Indian) traditions, generally prayers are offered and blessings sought before commencing any ventures, going for examinations, before getting into marital propositions or tying a knot. This practice of praying all mighty and seeking blessings of the elders before actually taking up the ventures will have direct bearing on lives. So thinking about the Vaastu principles for betterment of the individuals life styles can simply be equated to following the age old practiceof offering prayers and seeking blessings before commencement of construction or occupying the house.

Vaastu is a science which regulates construction of buildings and their interiors. Vaastu principles ensure harmonious balance between human beings, nature and the environment around. This results in better health, happiness and in turn prosperity. Vaastu tenets are used for building a good, safe and happy homes.

In the present days however it is difficult to follow all the principles laid down in Vaastu Shastra for various reasons. Reasons could be, lack of suitable land in the cities, inadequate funds, and prevailing building bye-laws of the local bodies and in many cases the disbelief in the ancient Shastras and scriptures.

Some people even comment that the Vaastu Shastra is too rigid about the placing of the doors & windows, which according to them is simply not possible to follow. It is often said by some people (who are well placed in life and feel that they don't have any problems) that Vaastu cannot be followed because of various limitations in terms of location, size of the land & the ever-changing situations and the necessities of life.

However such thinking or expressing doubts about the Vaastu principles is simply not acceptable. Vaastu consultants and the pandits are of the firm view that these are affordable and simple ways to alter the living space suitably. The Vaastu principles which are based on five elements namely earth, space, fire, air & water have to be followed to the best advantage. It should be remembered that the very existence of the man is totally dependant on these five elements and is controlled by the said elements. All possible efforts should be made to harness the effects of the five elements. Vaastu main idea is to bring about harmony between the life and the environment around it.

Who would not like to benefit from knowledge, wisdom, health, wealth, strength & happiness! In view of the fact that the Vaastu Shastra regulates the construction of the buildings, whether residential or commercial, it would be wise to remember some of the important regulations or say the basics namely- enjoy the sunlight from the eastern side, place the kitchen in the South East comer, place the beds South-North (with head at South) or East -West directions, have the front door or back door made of a frame of four pieces, store water in the North East comer (sump-borewell) of the site.

Further try to understand the eight directions and their importance. Remember, try not to break or modify the existing houses/buildings but alter them suitably. Breaking and reallocating would be foolish. To justify this a simple example could be: if the kitchen is not in the specified direction, the things like gas stove could be placed in the proper place namely- South East comer of the existing kitchen.

Finally, Vaastu Shastra is nothing but an ancient science of constructions of buildings. Vaastu lays down the principles of building, designing & planning to ensure happy living in the good environment. It would therefore be worthwhile to consult the vaastu experts before commencing construction of any building, there is certainly nothing to lose. A good house built on Vaastu principles certainly gives the peace of mind and ensures harmonious living.

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DELIGHTFUL EXTERIORS TO BUILDING

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Treating the facade of a built structure with accessories can beautify an ordinary exterior turning it into a visual delight. Cladding is one treatment that can transform a wall from just a vertical feature to something of character form and proportion in any home. Normally, the front part of a building receives treatment as it is the part visitors are greeted with. Where a building is situated in a large estate and is open to view from all sides elevation treatment can be given to the whole exterior.

Very often there are multiple uses for accents. For instance when a concrete or brick wall is covered with flamed or polished granite, the wall is protected by the hard stone, maintenance costs are reduced and it increases the elegance and splendor through the elevation. If it is desirable to decrease the feeling of expansiveness and hardness of this material one can have grooves and striations to divide the whole into smaller parts. There can be colored grouts or metal strips such as brass to produce an effect and to create a focus on framed areas. Differently colored granite will induce interest and lessen the dullness of a solitary material.

For an ethnic feel clay tiles can be used to clad walls with a theme running through the entire home. One can utilize translucent glass blocks to form a wall that is used at the entrance and leads into an enclosed, dimly-lit space giving privacy. Simple doors and windows are made into special openings through the treatment of fenestration. The shape and size of the frames and shutters, the security grills and the chajjas lends a visual decorative quality.

Though they are flat traditionally, when they are sloping they can change the architectural face into a traditional or Grecian one if decorated with a pediment and pilasters. An appealing extra is a window box for plants. The garden is elevated to eye level where it can be seen and gives an accent to the opening with lovely greens and flowers. The grills usually of cast iron or mild steel or aluminum can be very ornamental for traditional style or simple and smart for contemporary homes.

When the built form is dynamic through the alteration of profile heights or a varied mixture of solids and voids or through combining flats and slopes accents are possible.The illumination should create a play of shadows making the simple facade into a splendid one.

Pillars, patios, pergolas and water bodies can be distinct pieces or merged with the building. Design languages with foreign elements such as skylights, dormer windows and a faux fireplace can add drama. You can treat these particular items in a different way to give them an emphasis thus upgrading their effect. For impact use textured paints.

Ornamental eaves for sloped roofs, moldings and cornices along walls and ceilings, and creepers growing up stone walls are some ideas to add to the outer design plan. Mosaics and murals, exposed brick walls and artifacts can also be incorporated. Accents should be used moderately to add refinement.

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CONSTRUCTION TIPS FOR NARROW SITES

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Your site has a narrow frontage, but good depth. Designing a residence on such a plot undoubtedly poses a host of problems. Particularly in terms of circulation of natural lighting and ventilation.

Nevertheless, it’s the kind of challenge any creative designer seeks. At the outset, imagine what happens if the site is situated in a continuous building zone. Isn’t the natural light and ventilation blocked out from either sides of the plot?

Apart from the basic ventilation and lighting, the building also must have some aesthetic character to it. So how does one go about achieving this?

It is easy to give up considering the constraints the site poses. But if one’s intention is to achieve quality space rather than letting the built-up space occupy the entire space, then some interesting solutions are possible.

Let us go through a few important points to be considered in dealing with the narrow sites:

Ø  Leave good frontage. Do not start the building right on the street.

ØIf one is forced to start on the street line because of the space constraints, provide car porch or entrance lobby immediately. This will act as a buffer zone between the main building and the street in terms of privacy, noise and dust pollution to a certain extent.

Ø  Do not put up any structure above the ground floor space close to the street. Leave it as a terrace or have asloped roof. This will help to maintain the scale of the building, especially when the streets are narrow.

Ø  Do not provide balconies close to the street. This will give a feeling of a street house. Exclusivity will be lost in the process.

Ø  Try to leave at least 3 ft. on one side of the building. It will help not only to improve the lighting and ventilation, but also provide better circulation and direct access to service area at the back.

Ø  Side open space also will help to provide the service lines like sanitary, plumbing, rainwater harvesting and cable properly.

Ø  Instead of small OTS (open to sky) areas, provide sufficient sizes of multiple courtyards.

Ø  Multiple smaller courtyards provide an excellent natural ventilation system to keep the inner temperature reduced considerably.

Ø  Multiple smaller courtyards are ideal and flexible in terms of present culture and lifestyle compared to a large single courtyard of olden days.

Ø  These courtyards will act not only as an the extension of the adjacent rooms, but also serve as a multi-purpose space.

Ø  Grilles or concrete/stone/wood will help to make the courtyard secure.

Ø  Inner courtyards bring lots of diffused light cutting down harsh sunlight. One can enjoy soft and even sunlight throughout the house.

Ø  Inner smaller courtyards could help to avoid monotonous feeling of corridors that link the various units of the house.

Ø  Create volumetric link between ground and first floor. This will open up the tightness and linearity of the internal space.

Ø  Many air vents at the roof will help the hot air to escape, thus reducing the inner temperature considerably.

Ø  Having covered terraces, opening towards the courtyards will make the house look spacious and open. Covered open terraces are also excellent multi-purpose areas.

Ø  Combination of both overlapping of spaces and corridor links will create very interesting interlink between the units.

Ø  Donot think building every space available in the site will enhance the usage and value of the house. In the long run, the benefit out of smaller quality space is incomparable with large inconvenient dingy space.

Ø  Be it a small apartment, or building at the narrow site, or huge palatial bungalow or informal farm-house, go for the ‘quality’ space definitely not quantity.

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