Fengshui principles applied to farm planning design in the Canterbury region New Zealand : A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of using Fengshui principles in conjunction with landscape ecology principles as a lens to view farm design in order to improve the environmental conditions of farms in the Canterbury regions. This was an inductive qualitative research that involved collecting non-numerical data to understand the landscape characteristics, environmental conditions, and farm environment layouts. Three farms in the Canterbury region were selected for the case study. The research firstly analysised the layout design of each farm by using Fengshui principles. Then, it compared the redesign of each farm based on landscape ecology and Fengshui principles. The research finally discussed the possibility of applying a Chinese design approach to reduce the environmental impacts on the New Zealand landscape. The results showed that Fengshui could identify the existing environmental issues based on the concept of “Qi”. These issues could also be mitigated followed the Fengshui principles. Other than this, Fengshui design considered the living quality of humans and, followed landscape ecology principles focusing on the living habitat of livestocks. After analysis and comparison, these two concepts could be combined, through compromise, hence catering for the needs of environmental conservation, as well as livestock and human livestyles. This study suggested that Fengshui principles could be applied as a guide in site inventory, analysis, and landscape planning in New Zealand, and cater for farmers’ wellbeing and living environment.