Cross-shaped building- auspicious or inauspicious?

[myfs_118339]

Dear Feng Shui Experts,
I am in based in Texas, and am in need of a general feng shui assessment regarding the purchase of a commercial 1-story building to be used as a learning center.
The shape of the building is rather unique in the sense that it is in the shape of a cross (please see photo) -- which allows for a lot of natural lighting due to all the windows on the wings of the building. The natural lighting would be great for the children's classrooms. However, my concern is that this building may be considered an inauspicious shape, since 4 of the corners are missing? Or is the wings considered a protrusion or extension? If the former, is there any way to remedy this? Usually only churches have this cross-shape configuration. The building was built and currently used as a welcome center for the community. Do you feel this is a suitable location for a learning center?
Based on looking at the photo, which is the facing direction? South (Front Door) or East (Main road)?
This is the link to the property location in MapQuest - address is 4304 N Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, in case it does not pull up properly.

http://mapq.st/vfAMWo
I have high regards for feng shui principles and thank you all kindly in advance for your advice. I would like to present an
offer to the developer for this location and appreciate any
advice you may offer ~
Warm regards,
Iris

[Cecil Lee]

These are some considerations:
1. Most old churches such as Westminster Abbey, UK (Year 10xx) and churches built in the Years 18xx such as St. Andrew's Catherdral and St. Joseph's Church all have cross shaped top-view profile.
2. The only difference is that based on your photo; the south side of this commercial building does not seem symmetrical that's all. Otherwise most likely, the architect definitely gets his/her inspiration from old churches. And most likely the past owner(s) are more likely Catholics or Methodists or Christians. Or (for the fun of it) out-of-the-box built and donated by either Chevrolet or a fan of Chevrolet. (Chevrolet's logo).
3. As mentioned, many churches such as mentioned under Para 1; has been left standing and are still around for so long implies that in practice, the shell is still around while many other buildings were being torn down.
3.1 Of course, in theory, and differing culture; in China, churches only appear later in it's 4,000 years history.
3.2 Perhaps, a Chinese geomancer in ancient times may consider this type of building like the alphabet = an " X ".
3.3 Which may be considered again in theory inauspicious to the geomancer.
4. In my opinion, if this type of profile or a cross like structure is a skyscaper or high rise; then in theory, under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui; this type of structure is considered inauspicious.
5. As qi cannot properly circulate within such a structure = creating an imbalance.
6. However, since this seems to be a low structure of at most 2 or 3 storey's high, then it is less affected as mentioned under Para 4, above.
7. For commercial building: if it is a shopping complex or plaza; such layout is narrow and imploding; thus, very few if ever; shopping complexes use such a design.
8. Shopping centres prefer box shaped design with room for open spaces to allow human traffic to circulate (in a round fashion) to allow even traffic towards all the shops.
9. However, since yours is a learning center, it does not require the type of "squarish or box" shape design.
9.1 In fact, from a Shapes and Forms Feng Shui; such a structure can easily accomodate a learning center.
10. From a top view (aerial view); it is still possible for the frontage to be at South or East. (Subject to further say look at the side-view of the premises - instead of soley relying on the top-view photo).
11. One advantage of this type of building is that if it has a triangle roofing at all sides; there will be four triangle roofing aimed at all four directions for this building. As many know, triangle roofs are like sha qi or poison arrow if it is aimed towards another building. Not kind but, in a sense, an "all round" protective feature... much like hanging 4 baguas at each facing direction.
fOn 11/3/2011 7:03:13 AM, Anonymous wrote:

Quote

Dear Feng Shui Experts,I am in
based in Texas, and am in need
of a general feng shui
assessment regarding the
purchase of a commercial
1-story building to be used as
a learning center. The shape
of the building is rather
unique in the sense that it is
in the shape of a cross
(please see photo) -- which
allows for a lot of natural
lighting due to all the
windows on the wings of the
building. The natural
lighting would be great for
the children's classrooms.
However, my
concern is that this building
may be considered an
inauspicious shape, since 4 of
the corners are missing?
Or is the wings considered a
protrusion or
extension? If the
former, is there any way to
remedy this? Usually
only churches have this
cross-shape
configuration. The
building was built and
currently used as a welcome
center for the
community. Do you feel
this is a suitable location
for a learning center?Based on
looking at the photo, which is
the facing direction?
South (Front Door) or East
(Main road)? This
is the link to the property
location in MapQuest - address
is 4304 N Quinlan Park Rd,
Austin, TX 78732, in case it
does not pull up
properly.http://mapq.st/vfAMWo
I have high regards for feng
shui principles and thank you
all kindly in advance for your
advice. I would
like to present an
offer to the developer for
this location and appreciate
any
advice you may offer ~Warm
regards, Iris

[myfs_118339]

Dear Cecil,
Thank you for your detailed analysis. I am relieved that based on the Shape and Form Feng Shui school, this one-story cross-shaped structure can be used for a learning center. It is indeed a beautiful structure and the developer had put a great deal of thought and care into designing this unique property. It is approximately 3800 square feet , which is a good size for our purposes. Location-wise it is in a great spot- right off the main road coming into the community. In addition, the building behind us is a 2 story
structure situated on a slight incline which serves as our "protection" from
the elements.
I recall reading on the forum that we need to sometimes take into consideration more than one Feng Shui school of thought -- to seek a well-balanced analysis of feng shui aspects ... with that in mind, do I need to concern myself with the 4 missing corners (according to the Flying Stars school)? How would one tackle this?
I am attaching a side-view photos of the building as seen from the main
road. Hopefully this will make it easier to determine which is the
facing side of the building?
You are correct that the roof is pitched on all sides. There is also a skylight dome in the middle which allows for sunlight to enter into the center of the structure. It creates a very warm and open feel on the inside and draws the eye to the emblem design on the marble floor of the rotunda beneath.
I am excited to learn that this may be a suitable structure for our learning center. I recall reading that cross-shaped buildings were inauspicious due to the missing corners and was concerned as to what needs to be done in this case? Purchasing a property and starting a new business is a big financial investment for us, but this is something for the children and I would love to provide this service to our community. You are a kind-hearted and genuine person thank you for your honest feedback and insights.
Warmly,
Iris

[Cecil Lee]

Hope you understand that this is only a free general advice forum.
As I had mentioned earlier, in general; it may (with due diligience) perhaps/might sustain a learning centre. Definitely not for shops that require high volume of traffic. Perhaps, boutique shops or a mall for specialised boutique shops.
Since you keep on elaborating that it is a big financial investment; then it is entirely up to you to dwell futher into it - if you want to.
Frankly, anything else is beyond this forum.

Quote

On 11/3/2011 10:45:15 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear Cecil,Thank you for your
detailed analysis. I am
relieved that based on the
Shape and Form Feng Shui
school, this one-story
cross-shaped structure can be
used for a learning
center. It is indeed a
beautiful structure and the
developer had put a great deal
of thought and care into
designing this unique
property. It is
approximately 3800 square feet
, which is a good size for our
purposes.
Location-wise it is in a great
spot- right off the main road
coming into the
community. In
addition, the building behind
us is a 2 story
structure situated on a slight
incline which serves as our
"protection" from
the elements.
I recall reading on the forum
that we need to sometimes take
into consideration more than
one Feng Shui school of
thought -- to seek a
well-balanced analysis of feng
shui aspects ... with that in
mind, do I need to concern
myself with the 4 missing
corners (according to the
Flying Stars school)?
How would one tackle
this? I am attaching a
side-view photos of the
building as seen from the main
road. Hopefully this
will make it easier to
determine which is the
facing side of the
building?
You are correct that the roof
is pitched on all sides.
There is also a skylight dome
in the middle which allows for
sunlight to enter into the
center of the structure.
It creates a very warm and
open feel on the inside and
draws the eye to the emblem
design on the marble floor of
the rotunda beneath.I am
excited to learn that this may
be a suitable structure for
our learning center. I
recall reading that
cross-shaped buildings were
inauspicious due to the
missing corners and was
concerned as to what needs to
be done in this
case? Purchasing a
property and starting a new
business is a big financial
investment for us, but this is
something for the children and
I would love to provide this
service to our
community. You are a
kind-hearted and genuine
person thank you for
your honest feedback and
insights.
Warmly,Iris

[myfs_118339]

I am not a feng shui practicioner by any means, but enjoy reading about and learning to apply the principles of this ancient art form. Aside from an investment point of view, I posted this because I thought this would be an interesting case study for the forum to analyze since this type of building design is rare in our daily encounters (with the exception of churches, as you had mentioned).
Many FS practioners would automatically say that this is inauspicious due to the missing corners. There are different FS schools of thought, often with very conflicting analysis as in this case and makes things very confusing. When does one analyze based on using one school over another? A balanced blend would be ideal, but sometimes it cannot be done. What does one do in this case?
I am hoping that the experts who read this forum can share some insights (and perhaps actual encounters if any) as to what the their analysis was and what the outcome was for the occupants who live in cross-shape structures.
I have 2 more questions:
1) In determining facing direction - when is it not the front door?
In this case, the front door faces South, but then main road is to the East.
There are 3 large windows on the East side overlooking the roadway. Does this mean the facing direction is to the East?
2) What is the reason for not having a skydome/skylight in the center of a structure? I recall that it is not good, but could not find any explanation as to why this is so.
Thank you for sharing your insights and for creating this open forum for everyone to learn. It is a treasure of information where one can find a multitude of case studies to further their understanding of feng shui. Warmly, Iris

Quote

On 11/3/2011 1:16:53 PM, Anonymous wrote:
Hope you understand that this is only a
free general advice forum.As I had
mentioned earlier, in general; it may
(with due diligience) perhaps/might
sustain a learning centre. Definitely
not for shops that require high volume
of traffic. Perhaps, boutique shops or a
mall for specialised boutique
shops.Since you keep on elaborating that
it is a big financial investment; then
it is entirely up to you to dwell futher
into it - if you want to. Frankly,
anything else is beyond this forum. On
11/3/2011 10:45:15 AM, Iris Wong wrote:
Dear Cecil,Thank you for your
detailed analysis. I am
relieved that based on the >Shape
and Form Feng Shui >school, this
one-story >cross-shaped structure can
be >used for a learning
center. It is indeed a
beautiful structure and the
developer had put a great deal
of thought and care into
designing this unique
property. It is
approximately 3800 square feet >,
which is a good size for our
purposes.
Location-wise it is in a great
spot- right off the main road
coming into the
community. In
addition, the building behind >us
is a 2 story >structure situated on a
slight >incline which serves as our
"protection" from > the elements.
I recall reading on the forum
that we need to sometimes take
into consideration more than >one
Feng Shui school of >thought -- to
seek a >well-balanced analysis of
feng >shui aspects ... with that in
mind, do I need to concern
myself with the 4 missing
corners (according to the >Flying
Stars school)? >How would one
tackle >this? I am attaching a
side-view photos of the >building
as seen from the main >road.
Hopefully this >will make it easier
to >determine which is the >facing
side of the >building?
You are correct that the roof >is
pitched on all sides. >There is
also a skylight dome >in the middle
which allows for >sunlight to enter
into the >center of the
structure. >It creates a very
warm and >open feel on the inside and
draws the eye to the emblem
design on the marble floor of
the rotunda beneath.I am >excited
to learn that this may >be a suitable
structure for >our learning
center. I >recall reading that
cross-shaped buildings were
inauspicious due to the >missing
corners and was >concerned as to what
needs to >be done in this
case? Purchasing a
property and starting a new
business is a big financial
investment for us, but this is
something for the children and >I
would love to provide this >service
to our >community. You are a
kind-hearted and genuine >person
thank you for >your honest
feedback and >insights.
Warmly,Iris

[Cecil Lee]

You wrote: 1) In determining facing direction - when is it not the front door?
In this case, the front door faces South, but then main road is to the East.
There are 3 large windows on the East side overlooking the roadway. Does this mean the facing direction is to the East?
a. Please note that for a relatively large building, "who says" that there can only be one facing direction?
b. For example, take a look at a block of apartments. Many geomancers were tasked to analyse the Flying Star of a specific unit. And it's facing direction.
c. So, what is this overly concern about the facing direction : South or East?
d. For "L" shaped buildings, technically, it can be divided into 2 rectangles.
f. For this cross shaped building, Flying star can be "compartmentalised". If one knows how flying star works, it can be applied in this building :
The East wing (just imagine one long building stretching from East to West)
The South wing (South to North)
or even four wings:-
East,
West,
South,
North
g. Even if one smash their head against the wall; trying to figure out whether this building is a South facing or East facing... this is not the right way.
h. Why does everyone often assume that perhaps this type of building has MISSING CORNERS?
i. Please put on the thinking hat. And in fact, these four "stumps" can even be considered as protusions!
j. Feng Shui has two forms: Shapes and Forms (left brain) and Flying Star (mathematical model) suits more of the (right brain) people.
k. I had in the last message given the CLUE that buildings that are "low" height would not have as bad a Feng Shui qi flow. IN PARTICULAR; such a relatively large building.
l. Some of us, only eat and sleep on Flying Star. But as mentioned, in past forum messages, in order to survive; Shapes and Forms prevail over flying star "chart". One can starve and die without Shapes and Forms and still no need to consider Flying Star (if one don't want to).
m. Please note that Flying Star can come in TWO flavours:-
1. Macro Flying Star.
If one wants to do landscaping at the exterior of the building; then one is more concerned with the macro flying star. In this case, most likely is the South facing.
2. Micro Flying Star
Flying star can be easily adapted to each wing or unit within the building. Thus, this is no big deal.
3. Facing Direction is applicable if one wants to plot a flying star chart. Otherwise, what is the obsession with this facing direction thing? Thus again, this is no big deal. Frankly, Flying Star wasn't born yesterday.
4. Perhaps, what you have been reading is from those who are not very experienced with Flying Star. Or with Shapes and Forms and. Often these people will say bad things about what the "learned" or rather hearsay info.
5. Just looking at this building, as I had mentioned in the earlier post, with it's triangular roof; this type of building has a protective 4 prongs or I called it 'spikes' in four directions.
6. In fact, if my home is facing one of these prongs or spikes I will be more worried.
You wrote: 2) What is the reason for not having a skydome/skylight in the center of a structure? I recall that it is not good, but could not find any explanation as to why this is so.
7. This is child's play. The rationale was because, if there is an opening and if one places a lone tree in the middle opening of a building it forms the mandarin word of KUN = inauspicious. It is just that most people don't know how to explain or where they hear such things from! Thus again, if one knows the concept, this is peanuts or no big deal!

Quote

On 11/3/2011 10:35:18 PM, Anonymous wrote:
I am not a feng shui practicioner by any
means, but enjoy reading about and
learning to apply the principles of this
ancient art form. Aside from an
investment point of view, I posted this
because I thought this would be an
interesting case study for the forum to
analyze since this type of building
design is rare in our daily encounters
(with the exception of churches, as you
had mentioned). Many FS
practioners would automatically say that
this is inauspicious due to the missing
corners. There are different FS
schools of thought, often with very
conflicting analysis as in this case and
makes things very confusing. When
does one analyze based on using one
school over another? A
balanced blend would be ideal, but
sometimes it cannot be done. What
does one do in this case?I am hoping
that the experts who read this forum can
share some insights (and perhaps actual
encounters if any) as to what the their
analysis was and what the outcome was
for the occupants who live in
cross-shape structures. I have 2
more questions:1) In determining facing
direction - when is it not the front
door? In this case, the
front door faces South, but then main
road is to the East.There are 3 large
windows on the East side overlooking the
roadway. Does this mean the facing
direction is to the East?2) What is the
reason for not having a skydome/skylight
in the center of a structure? I
recall that it is not good, but could
not find any explanation as to why this
is so.Thank you for sharing your
insights and for creating this open
forum for everyone to learn. It is
a treasure of information where one can
find a multitude of case studies to
further their understanding of feng
shui. Warmly, IrisOn
11/3/2011 1:16:53 PM, Cecil Lee wrote:
Hope you understand that this is
only a
free general advice forum.As I had
mentioned earlier, in general; it
may
(with due diligience) perhaps/might
sustain a learning centre.
Definitely
not for shops that require high
volume
of traffic. Perhaps, boutique shops
or a
mall for specialised boutique
shops.Since you keep on elaborating
that
it is a big financial investment;
then
it is entirely up to you to dwell
futher
into it - if you want to. Frankly,
anything else is beyond this forum.
On
11/3/2011 10:45:15 AM, Iris Wong
wrote:
Dear Cecil,Thank you for your
detailed analysis. I am
relieved that based on the
Shape
and Form Feng Shui
school, this
one-story
cross-shaped structure
can
be
used for a learning
center. It is indeed a
beautiful structure and the
developer had put a great deal
of thought and care into
designing this unique
property. It is
approximately 3800 square feet
,
which is a good size for our
purposes.
Location-wise it is in a great
spot- right off the main road
coming into the
community. In
addition, the building behind
us
is a 2 story
structure situated
on a
slight
incline which serves as
our
"protection" from
the
elements.
I recall reading on the forum
that we need to sometimes take
into consideration more than
one
Feng Shui school of
thought --
to
seek a
well-balanced analysis of
feng
shui aspects ... with that
in
mind, do I need to concern
myself with the 4 missing
corners (according to the
Flying
Stars school)?
How would
one
tackle
this? I am
attaching a
side-view photos of the
building
as seen from the main
road.
Hopefully this
will make it
easier
to
determine which is the
facing
side of the
building?
You are correct that the roof
is
pitched on all sides.
There is
also a skylight dome
in the
middle
which allows for
sunlight to
enter
into the
center of the
structure.
It creates a
very
warm and
open feel on the inside
and
draws the eye to the emblem
design on the marble floor of
the rotunda beneath.I am
excited
to learn that this may
be a
suitable
structure for
our learning
center. I
recall reading
that
cross-shaped buildings were
inauspicious due to the
missing
corners and was
concerned as to
what
needs to
be done in this
case? Purchasing a
property and starting a new
business is a big financial
investment for us, but this is
something for the children and
I
would love to provide this
service
to our
community. You are
a
kind-hearted and genuine
person
thank you for
your honest
feedback and
insights.
Warmly,Iris

[Cecil Lee]

You wrote: 2) What is the reason for not having a skydome/skylight in the center of a structure? I recall that it is not good, but could not find any explanation as to why this is so.
Reference: http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/article.php?bid=2&fid=1&mid=9759&new=
So long ast the skydome does not have a lone tree in the middle of it, this is fine. Furthermore, it only applies if the courtyard is rectangular or squarish in shape. If the center skydome is round, then there is no issue.

[Cecil Lee]

Further to what I had mentioned; the most sensible approach is by way of:-
The Three-Step-Approach
As Flying Star Feng Shui is not cast in stone e.g. misleading to think that there can only be ONE facing direction etc...
And majority of people automatically look for missing corners. But could have missed out likelyhood of the opposite: protusion(s).

Quote

On 11/3/2011 11:23:06 PM, Anonymous wrote:
This attachment shows what I had
mentioned in my earlier reply.1. Why
does everyone always think so narrow and
think that this building has missing
corners? If so, why is it so odd that
the missing corners are so HUGE? 2. Why
can't someone look at it as four
protusions? 3. For Flying Star micro
calculations, as mentioned it could also
be:-3.1. Analysis based on four wings:
East, West, North and South (and or
centre block) or3.2. The building
divided into two BLOCKS: BLOCK ONE and
BLOCK TWO. (center block overlap is
fine.)4. Thus, Flying Star gives this
sort of flexibility for those who are so
into this Flying star thing and trying
to figure what which is the facing
direction. 5. In Thailand, of a
different culture, they also have a
FOUR-FACING GOD. Same type of reasoning.
6. Again, please put on the thinking hat
or go for lateral thinking. What is so
complicated about this facing direction
thing? Therefore, in my opinion, it is
really no big deal.On 11/3/2011 11:04:11
PM, Cecil Lee wrote:
You wrote: 2)
What is the reason for not
having a
skydome/skylight in the center
of a
structure? I recall that it is not
good, but could not find any
explanation
as to why this is
so.Reference:
http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/a
rtic
le.php?bid=2&fid=1&mid=9759&new=So
long
ast the skydome does not have a
lone
tree in the middle of it, this
is fine.
Furthermore, it only
applies if the
courtyard is
rectangular or squarish in
shape. If
the center skydome is round,
then
there is no issue.

[Cecil Lee]

This attachment shows what I had mentioned in my earlier reply.
1. Why does everyone always think so narrow and think that this building has missing corners? If so, why is it so odd that the missing corners are so HUGE?
2. Why can't someone look at it as four protusions?
3. For Flying Star micro calculations, as mentioned it could also be:-
3.1. Analysis based on four wings: East, West, North and South (and or centre block) or
3.2. The building divided into two BLOCKS: BLOCK ONE and BLOCK TWO. (center block overlap is fine.) Since the two blocks each are of perfect RECTANGLE, how can each rectangle have missing corners? Imagine that they were like siamese twins fused together somewhere that's all.
4. Thus, Flying Star gives this sort of flexibility for those who are so into this Flying star thing and trying to figure what which is the facing direction.
5. In Thailand, of a different culture, they also have a FOUR-FACING GOD. Same type of reasoning.
6. Again, please put on the thinking hat or go for lateral thinking. What is so complicated about this facing direction thing? Therefore, in my opinion, it is really no big deal.

Quote

On 11/3/2011 11:04:11 PM, Anonymous wrote:
You wrote: 2) What is the reason for not
having a skydome/skylight in the center
of a structure? I recall that it is not
good, but could not find any explanation
as to why this is so.Reference:
http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/artic
le.php?bid=2&fid=1&mid=9759&new=So long
ast the skydome does not have a lone
tree in the middle of it, this is fine.
Furthermore, it only applies if the
courtyard is rectangular or squarish in
shape. If the center skydome is round,
then there is no issue.

[myfs_122581]

Quote

On 11/3/2011 1:16:53 PM, Anonymous wrote:
Hope you understand that this is only a
free general advice forum.As I had
mentioned earlier, in general; it may
(with due diligience) perhaps/might
sustain a learning centre. Definitely
not for shops that require high volume
of traffic. Perhaps, boutique shops or a
mall for specialised boutique
shops.Since you keep on elaborating that
it is a big financial investment; then
it is entirely up to you to dwell futher
into it - if you want to. Frankly,
anything else is beyond this forum. On
11/3/2011 10:45:15 AM, Iris Wong wrote:
Dear Cecil,Thank you for your
detailed analysis. I am
relieved that based on the >Shape
and Form Feng Shui >school, this
one-story >cross-shaped structure can
be >used for a learning
center. It is indeed a
beautiful structure and the
developer had put a great deal
of thought and care into
designing this unique
property. It is
approximately 3800 square feet >,
which is a good size for our
purposes.
Location-wise it is in a great
spot- right off the main road
coming into the
community. In
addition, the building behind >us
is a 2 story >structure situated on a
slight >incline which serves as our
"protection" from > the elements.
I recall reading on the forum
that we need to sometimes take
into consideration more than >one
Feng Shui school of >thought -- to
seek a >well-balanced analysis of
feng >shui aspects ... with that in
mind, do I need to concern
myself with the 4 missing
corners (according to the >Flying
Stars school)? >How would one
tackle >this? I am attaching a
side-view photos of the >building
as seen from the main >road.
Hopefully this >will make it easier
to >determine which is the >facing
side of the >building?
You are correct that the roof >is
pitched on all sides. >There is
also a skylight dome >in the middle
which allows for >sunlight to enter
into the >center of the
structure. >It creates a very
warm and >open feel on the inside and
draws the eye to the emblem
design on the marble floor of
the rotunda beneath.I am >excited
to learn that this may >be a suitable
structure for >our learning
center. I >recall reading that
cross-shaped buildings were
inauspicious due to the >missing
corners and was >concerned as to what
needs to >be done in this
case? Purchasing a
property and starting a new
business is a big financial
investment for us, but this is
something for the children and >I
would love to provide this >service
to our >community. You are a
kind-hearted and genuine >person
thank you for >your honest
feedback and >insights.
Warmly,Iris
Master Cecil,
Thanks for the sharing and insights. Through this forum, we have learned a lot from you. You are a professional fs practitioner. But I feel that your sharing does need to go beyond the scope of a general advice. If any Tom, Dick and Harry start to ask for free advice like this then "susah" already :-)