The Open University
Yorkshire Region

Cultural Studies Research Forum
Reports and Abstracts 1995 -2000

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Feng Shui and its Appropriation by Western Popular Culture

Sue North-Bates

Contemporary popular culture demonstrates an openness to ideas and design from a wide variety of spiritual and cultural traditions, resulting in a proliferation of books, magazines, periodicals, media programmes and other ephemera. Though little is known outside Chinese communities in the west 10 years ago, Feng Shui, the art of arranging one's life and personal environment in accordance with the forces of the universe, has recently become a fashionable topic in mainstream popular culture. Feng Shui influences can be seen in contemporary architecture, interior design, garden design, corporate identity programmes and the organisation of public and commercial spaces etc. the subject is now taught in western further and higher education, a sharp contrast to the traditional method of a master / apprentice relationship stretching over many years.

This paper explores how westerners are appropriating and modifying Feng Shui for their own uses, mainly by concentrating on the accessible and aesthetic aspects and ignoring the complex mathematical formulae and philosophical approaches which are an integral part of this reputedly 7000 year old tradition.