Environmental Architecture

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Much of the Western ideal of perfect symmetry in architecture originated from the building style of the ancient Greeks. Buildings such as the Parthenon were constructed according to precise mathematical calculations, including what is known as the Golden Mean, or Golden Section.

All cultures have traditions involving building or construction ceremonies and techniques that display reverence for the environment.

".....at a traditional German house or barn raising, a freshly cut evergreen tree decorated with gilded paper, ornaments and ribbons was attached to the gable of the building under construction for Wodin's horse to eat.

In the light of this custom, which has spread to many other countries, it is interesting that both the ridge pole and the roof itself are sometimes referred to as the 'rooftree'. The similarity between 'a freshly cut evergreen tree decorated with gilded paper, ornaments and ribbons' and a Christmas tree is certainly not a coincidence: with the advent of Christianity, Wodin was displaced by Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas, who also inherited some of Wodin's symbols.

That fact that roofs are part of Wodin's domain may also explain why Father Christmas climbs down chimneys. German-style topping ceremonies are still performed in many Western countries, although nowadays it appears they are more common for skyscrapers than for houses, at least in Australia and the United States....."

Derham Groves BSI

Feng Shui and Western Building Ceremonies

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