The Suggestion of Use Method in the Collaboration of the Interior Materials by the Five Elements

Focused on the instance which is applied to the residential space

Choi, Eun-Hee*

*Woosuk University, Dept. of Industrial Design, Samrae-eup Jeonju-shi

KOREA, lea70@orgio.net

Abstract: The Five Elements, one of oriental notion, are based on an affinity between the human being and the nature.

The objectives of this study are to understand the Five Elements composed of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water and to

suggest a substantial method for creating a harmonious and balanced environment in the collaboration of the interior

materials by the Five elements. Hereupon, the researcher wants to further explain the substitution of Five Elements into the

interior material and confirm the harmony and balance creatively accomplished with the integration of Five Element

principles. First, the study deals with the concept of Five Elements in a basic literature that exists within the country and

overseas. At second, the Five Elements are approached from a physical property to observe the characteristics and types

that are in correspondence with the interior materials. At third, the general use degree of interior materials in each interior

portion is observed in a literature. This is needed if there is a material mainly used in each part of interior space in order to

find out what is the material accomplishing harmony productively by the relationships of the Five Elements. At fourth, the

study combines the interior materials in correspondence with the Five Elements and examines the ideal use of interior

materials with the application of instances in the residential space. In summary, this research is not to present the result of

quantitative or measured interpretations but rather present a use method that is in collaboration with the interior materials

and focus on the meaning and contents of the combination when the interior materials are incorporated with Five Elements.

Hence, when the interior materials incorporate all the relationships of the Five Elements, a space will accomplish harmony

and balance both with the nature and the universe, thus it will be in tune with the surrounding.

Key words: Five Elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water

1.Introduction

1.1. Backgrounds and purposes

The Differences in the history, culture, and beliefs of a region can shape the way we look at the nature. Hence, the

viewpoint of the West and the viewpoint of the Orient differ from many varying points. The West views the nature to

be conquered while the Orient views the nature to be in unison with a human being. Another Orient viewpoint of the

nature is to form a harmonious relationship between the human being and nature, and it assuredly does not see from

an opposed viewpoint. The close affinity between the human being and the nature compromises the viewpoint of the

Orient. For this reason, the cultivation of the ancient society and the people are closely studied and looked at. The

acients made a living by farming, which meant to fight through the changes in the climate and temperature of the

seasons. The adaptation process through the periodic changes of the climate were described as a day and a night

which sprout the understanding of the natural law. The concept of the ‘Yang’ and ‘Yin’ which is ‘the light of a day’

and ‘the shade of a night’ is an example of such a concept. Also, the viewpoint of the nature includes the

understanding the composition of the tools used. Not only the fire had the most useful value in human life, but water,

stonework, lumber, soil, bronze, and iron are also considered as components that compromises the Five Elements.

This ‘Yin Yang’ and ‘Five Elements’ are both included in the ‘Chi’ and they are regarded as a natural element or as a

natural material. Both descriptions portray the ultimate concept of the Chi. When the nature achieves a balanced and

harmonious Chi, it produces a creation and a vital force. Therefore, the objectives of this particular study are to

understand the Five Element- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, and to suggest a substantial method to create a

harmonious and balanced environment with the collaboration of the Five Elements into the interior materials.

1.2. Research method

The concept of the Five Elements is one kind of natural philosophy thoughts explaining the Orient view of the

world; it lives in a mutual relationship from each other and the destruction of one side neither creates or develops into

anything. Orients present the relationship of an opposition which becomes a mutual destruction between the Five

Elements. However, in serious consideration, one is affirmed in seeing the ‘overcome of an opposition’ in other words

‘a harmony of the mutual creation’. Hereupon, the researcher wants to further explain the substitution of the Five

Elements into the interior materials and confirm the harmony and the balance it creatively and productively

accomplishes with the integration of the Five Elements. First, the study deals with the concept of the Five Elements in

a basic literature that exists within the country and overseas. At second, the Five Elements are approached from a

physical property to observe the characteristics and types that are either in correspondence or in difference with the

interior materials. At third, the general use degree of interior materials in each interior portion is observed in a

literature. This is needed if there is a material mainly used in each part of interior space in order to find out what is the

material accomplishing harmony productively by the relationships of the Five Elements. At fourth, the study

combines the interior materials in correspondence with the Five Elements and examines the ideal use or the

composition of interior materials with the application of instances in the residential space.

2. The notion of Five Elements

By the thought of Five Elements based on natural rhythm, all things in the universe revert with five materials of

wood, fire, earth, metal, water and it shapes the complicated motion and change. This five materials are explained as

elements and become the origin of all things formation because of having a meaning that they give a shape to all

things scattered in the universe. Also this five have interdependence and the force of sensitive balance.[5] It indicates

the relationship of each other’s creation and destruction between Five Elements, and is applied to methodological

means in order to interpret mutual relationships and the change of creation in the things. The Five Elements represent

all visible and invisible things of the universe, we can see them from nature. The tree and the flower represent ‘wood’,

the sun represents ‘fire’. Our surrounding view is classified by the dominant element in Five Elements. If someone

lives at a lake nearly he is in a water environment, if there is a desert he lives in a fire environment. The building and

the interior also are classified by their dominant element.[6]

2.1. The Five Elements

① Wood: the element of spring

The element of a wood has a vertical rising spirits like a tree, namely a nature ascending to the sky. The characters

of a wood include the following: spring, growth, green, high, square, like a tree, and eastern as well as the principal of

the growth and the beginning. Additionally, the forests, jungles, tall trees closely and compactly planted, cultivated

plants, sticks of vast quantity, pillars and columns describe the environment of a wood.

② Fire: the element of summer

The element of a fire is expressed with the sun being at the summit. The characters of a fire include the following:

summer, red, south, triangle, sharp-pointed or angular shape, and the inclined roof. A pyramid in Giza, Egypt also is a

typical fire-shaped stucture at the point, which is in a tripodal form typically found in a desert. Also, one possible

reason for the pyramid to be located near Nile River is due to the fire-water matrix shape of the pyramid.

③ Earth: the element of indian summer

The element of an earth is to provide a calm and stable atmosphere. In terms of time, the earth represents middle of

the afternoon and the middle age of life. In terms of a season, it represents an indian summer which characterizes a

time period in between the passing season. The coloring of the earth is expressed in yellow, the form of the earth is in

square which represents the ground, a box shape, and so forth.

④ Metal: the element of autumn

The element of a metal corresponds to the atmosphere of an autumn which represents the contracting force. The

elements of a metal are west, white, silver, and a round or a coin-like form. The landscape of a metal is like the round

roof features that can be easily seen in the city of Tuscany, Italy. The round roofs are arched, curved, and doomed

which are built from reinforced concrete, cast iron, steel, and copper.

⑤ Water: the element of winter

The element of water is like the flow of water that descends which is same as the spirits of a winter. It is described

as black, deep, dark water in color, and the irregular form of the water is determined by the flow of river or the shapes

of the wave. The products related to the element of water are aquarium, fountains, coolers, and glass objects such as a

flower vase. Table 1. The notion of Five Elements

Element Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Nature Creation, nutriment,

Upward growth Intelligence, vigor Life of human being and animal

Honesty, belief, Harmony

Reversal, withdrawal, Contraction

Communication, Transmission of idea, Socialization

Virtues

Love of mankind, Benevolence

Reason, etiquette Reliability Morality, ethics, Righteousness

Wisdom, Social activity

Symbol Blue dragon Red phoenix ⋅ White tiger Black tortoise Season Spring Summer Indian Summer Autumn Winter Direction East South The center West North Color Green Red Yellow (earth tones) White (gray, silver) Black Time Early morning: youth High noon:

Young adulthood Middle of afternoon: Middle of life

Sunset: The evening of life

Midnight

Planet Jupiter Mars Saturn Venus Mercury Plant High spread Full bloom Hang down Coniferous Whirling Thing Plant, lumber,

Wood furniture Illumination, stove, Candlelight, brazier

Pebble, rock, sand, Terra cotta

File cabinet, computer,

Aquarium, cooler, Fountain, glass,

Manufactured iron crystal Shape Tall, rectangular,

Oblong columnar Pointed, slanted, Sloping, sharp angles

Flat, low, unadorned, Square, boxy,

Round, curved, Domed: arch, arcade

Irregular, wavelike

2.2. The three cycles of the elements

Each of the Five Elements hold a peculiar nature and maintain definite reciprocal relationships to each other. The

relationships are classified either ‘Mutual Creation’ or ‘Mutual Destruction’. ‘Mutual Creation’ exists when one

element produces another element or accomplishs a harmony with another element. In order for the tree to grow,

water has to assist, so in this case, Water and Wood exist mutually to each other. As the fire gets a vital force through

a tree, Wood and Fire exist in a helping relationship. After a tree is burned, the tree goes back to the earth and the ash

remains. Here, Earch and Fire are in a harmonious relationship. The hard iron is formed from the earth and the Metal

obtains the vital force from the Earth. The formation of Water due to the contraction force present in the icy cold

material and a hard iron(Metal) is an example that can be stated ‘Metal makes Water’. While ‘Mutual Destruction’ is

seen when one element demolishes another element ahd they have mutual dislike relationship. Fire is controlled by

Water and a strong fire still can’t win in front of a water. Metal is strong, but becomes powerless when it is fused by a

Fire. Wood is cut by the Metal and it goes through Earth and rises. Water is suppressed by the Earth.[1]

Mutual creation is continued and their circulative relationship to one another show ‘the cycle of creation’ as they

advance through a growth. This represents ‘the cycle of harmony’ where the elements rotate clockwise and place

themselves in a creative and productive relationship to one another. Compared with ‘the cycle of creation’, ‘the cycle

of reduction’ moves counterclockwise. This relationship diminishes a force but does not destroy. Wood is reduced by

Fire, Fire is decreased by Earth- it is the reason why pebble, tile and other earth materials enclose around fireplaces

and bonfires, The Earth is diminished by Metal, Metal is reduced by Water when it dissolves, and Water is decreased

by Wood when it adsorbs. For the elements in a mutual destruction relationship, they have the force to detroy or

control different elements which can be expressed as ‘the cycle of control⋅domination’. When these elements

collaborated in a certain order, a high energy builds and a dynamic tension occurs between them. This circulation is

important in controlling the environment. The circulation reduce the destructiveness of the element. It is important to

note that there is no element that is destructive by itself. Table 2. The three cycles of the elements

The Cycle of Creation The Cycle of Reduction The Cycle of Control⋅Domination

Wood

Water Fire

Metal Earth

Wood

Water Fire

Metal Earth

Wood

Water

Metal Earth

Fire

3. Use of the interior materials by Five Elements

3.1. The interior material which corresponds to Five Elements

The interior materials are classified largely by natural materials like wood and pebble, processed materials as

bricks, concrete, iron and artificial materials such as a plastic. In this particular study, only the interior materials that

correspond to the Five Elements are studied. Elements that don’t exist naturally or syntheically processed materials

will be excluded and only natuarally synthesized or processed materials will be dealt with in this study.

(1) Wood: Wood under the natural condition symbolizes a growth.[8] The Wood material of the Five Elements is

applicable to all wood-made types, not only wood furniture but also natural fiber and fabric such silk, cotton, linen,

and paper, hub, flower, plant.

(2) Fire: The Fire material of the Five Elements is applicable to all types emitting light and heat. There are glossy

fabric, feather, wool, such as an animal product. The representative things of Fire types used mainly for the interior

materials are the fireplaces or the brazier, illumination, the candlelight, and wool-made tapestry or rugs.

(3) Earth: The Earth material of the Five Elements is applicable to all types derived from the ground; namely clay,

brick, concrete, ceramic, tile, marble, sand and rocks. Also, each type of the Earth material feel different in textures-

cold, hard, tough, warm, smooth, or soft.

(4) Metal: The Metal material of the Five Elements is applicable to all types of metal, that is, in aluninumn,

reinforced concrete, iron, steel, copper and tin. The metal is used widly from handle, kitchen article, illumination to

construct, and for engineering. When the Metal is used with the glass together there exist a tension between the two

elements. When the metal is collaborated with wood or fabric it has a high decorative effect that is gorgeous due to

the contrast of strong textures.

(5) Water: The Water material of the Five Elements is primarily glass and is applicable to all types related types of

mirror, crystal, and water. The reason that the glass is regarded as a valuable material is apparently due to the

formative factor of the trasparency, pliability, lustrous, and so on. When the glass is used with the metal it becomes

cold and sharp, but it also gives off a contemporary feeling for its lustrousness. When the glass is combined with

wood, the coldness of glass and the warmness of the wood are contrasted and the transparency of the glass is

emphasized.

3.2. The use degree of material in the parts of interior

The general use degree of interior materials in each interior portion is observed in a literature (Table 6. Interior

Materials of [9]). This is needed if there is a material mainly used in each part of interior space in order to find out

what is the material accomplishing harmony productively by the relationships of the Five Elements. But, because of

analyzing interior material instance of America in the literature, it has a difference in material used on the current

interior of Korea. According to the contents of the literature, wood and masonry out of the interior materials have the

most high use frequency at the use degree, and clearly the material which corresponds to Five Elements is wood,

masonry, metals, and glass. When the researcher observes the use degree of the each portion, it is stated in the

literature that the wood and masonry are mainly used on the floors, walls, and stairs. Masonry is the most frequent

used material on the columns. On the doors, trim and built-in furniture wood are mostly used. On the fireplaces,

masonry and metals are frquently used to control the nature of a Fire. In the bathroom fixtures wood, masonry, metal

and glass are equally used. Lastly, in the kitchen fixtures wood and metal are mainly used. Then the researcher tries to

observe what type of the materials are used generally on the fireplaces that are Fire elements, and apparently, in the

bathroom that is a Water space, and the kitchen that is a Fire and Water space, and the type of material collaboration

accomlishing the harmony of mutual creation by the Five elements in the next 3.3.

3.3. The collaboration of interior materials by the relationships of Five Elements

To observe the use of the interior materials from the viewpoint of the Five Elements, the balance and harmony in

entire space beyond the functional and asthetic aspects of material selection is a standard. In order to achieve balance

and harmony in a perfect environment or a space, it must contain the Five Elements which work or operate together. If

one element dominates a space or an environment, there presents imbalance and discord in the space with the excess

of one element.[6] Consequently, the factor to make a successful space is to have a balance of the Five Elements.

When too much of one element in the space means that there are hardly any different elements present. When a space

contains all Five Elements, the space resembles a nature. But, the relationship between Five Elements must be

considered. Use of the interior materials by the relationships of the Five Elements are collaborated with two or more

dominant elements in the space. Therefore, the relationships of the Five Elements gets accomplished between the two

elements:

(1) Wood + Fire

Wood against Fire has a harmonious relationship of a mutual creation in the cycle of creation. While, the Fire

against the wood element has the relationship where the Fire does not destory it but diminishes its force. If in a given

environment, Wood is not sufficiently present than it can be simply replaced with flowers, plants, green fixtures or

plant photographs. On the other hand, if in a given environment Wood is many, it is diminished with the use of Fire

element because Wood is decreased by a Fire in the cycle of reduction. Symbolically, it will be able to be added with

a burning incense, a candlelight which puts out the light, electric illumination, red flowers, and red color.

In considering the harmonious relationship between the

Wood and the Fire, the use of the wood material frequently

in the kitchen fixtures is regarded suitable. In this case, if

the Earth element; marble or limeston, granite is used on the

floor or work tabletop in the kitchen, the relationship of the

mutual creation, namely, Wood, Fire, and Earth in a

productive cycle will be accomplished. This belongs to a

collaborative type plentifully used in the interior materials

of the kitchen. < Figure 1>: from p.129 of [7] Fig.1 Wood+Fire Fig.2 Wood+Earth

(2) Wood + Earth

The relationship of Wood and Earth is destructive in the cycle of control⋅domination. If Earth is many in a

surrounding environment, it is suppressed by adding Wood element. A dining room in < Figure 2>: from p.115 of [7]

is composed of wood flooring on the floor, wood-made furniture(Wood) and concrete block on the wall(Earth). When

there are only Wood and Earth it is the relationship of destruction, but Fire element, three layered paper lantern

hanging over a dining table, helps to be in reciprocally productive relationship of three element(Wood, Fire, Earth).

Additionally as the paper lattern was made with big sacle of circle, it lightens hard rigidity being visible from

materials and finishes on the floor and wall.

(3) Wood + Metal

The relationship of Wood and Metal is a destructive one. If there are too much Wood

in surroundings, the spirits of Wood is diminished with the metal. And the material

combination of warm wood and cold hard metal forms heterogeneous feeling and

dynamic tension. In < Figure 3> : from p.119 of [7] all of floor finishes, furniture,

accessories belong to Wood element except white painted wall(Metal) and a circular

column(Metal) made by bule tone (Water) metal. Accomplishing a relative equal balance

from Wood and Metal in this space is using Metal for the suppression of Wood. Also

adding blue Water element as a medinum let the space not to be in destuctive relationship

making the cycle of harmony, Metal⋅Water⋅Wood. The collaboration of Wood and Metal

is able to see generally from the table, chair, lumber stairway and hahdrail. Fig.3 Wood+Metal

(4) Wood + Water

Water against the wood element is in a harmonious relationship of the creative cycle comparable to the nutriment

given to a tree. Wood against the water element is the relationship that plays a diminishing force by absorbing water.

According to the literature in the 3.2., the bathroom fixtures are made evenly with Wood,

Earth, Metal, and Water material. Among them Wood is the material which controls the

Water element to be not excessively used in the bathroom. The water environment but

does not create a destructive relationship. And the main materials of a dining room in <

Figure 4>: from p.69 of [7] are woods and glass, and the metal element is used in small

quantity in the dining table. The blue toned painting and glass as the water element create

a balance equally with the wood element used on the floors and the furnitures. The water

element that are more activating woods are in accordance with the wood element. What is

more, glass dining tabletop managed with two layers and metal support are consonant

owing the relationship of Metal and Water in a creative cycle. Fig.4 Wood+Water

(5) Fire + Earth

Earth against the fire element has the relationship which Earth decreases the spirits of a Fire. Consequently, when

one wants to reduce the fire element in a given environment, it can be diminished by putting the ceramic wares, the

mud tiles and other earth materiasl or colors. The rational reason why the tile and soil materials are used with the First

construction element in hot regions is that earth material prevents the heat of the sun. Also in a same manner,

masonary, the earth element is often used in the fireplaces (see text 3.2). On the other hand, Fire strengthens Earth.

Fire against the earth element is creative and productive, making the growth and development of Earth sprits to be

strenghtened. If the earth element is few, it is advised not only to place yellowish earth elements or the earth-made

articles in small quantity more but also to add the fire element such as a leather which is an animal product, wool, oil

lamp, incense, candle or things with the red color.

(6) Fire + Metal

The relationship of Fire and Metal is destructive belonging to the cycle of control⋅domination. In general, a kitchen

is a residential space where many things are made from metal as stated in the text 3.2. In a environment that are

excessive in Metal, it can be managed by putting fire elements, brazier, candle, incense, red flower vase, gold or brass

candlestick, electric stove, and so forth. But using the tiles, the earth element on the wall or the tabletop adjacent to

the cooktop overcomes an opposed relationship of the two elements; Fire and Metal in the kitchen and will form the

creative cycle of Fire⋅Earth⋅Metal.

(7) Fire + Water

The relationship of Fire and Water corresponds the mutual destruction. Addition of

the water element reduces the vitality of the Fire. For example, one can know it from the

fact that there is a pool or a fountain at the entrance of Hecienda, Mexico. The water

elements are appended by placing water vessels, glass products, pictures of an ocean or a

lake as well as a fountain. In < Figure 5>: from p.117 of [7], the color and fluid pasting

form of the cobaltblue tile symbolly represent Water and it shows a strong image with

3×3m(10×10feet) big wall in the kitchen. The earth and water element of the cobaltblue

tile contrasts dramatically with the white cook space in the kitchen. This is applying the Fig.5 Fire+Water

productive relationship of Fire and Earth in the cycle of creation and the destructive relationship of Fire and Water in

the cycle of control⋅domination.

(8) Earth + Metal

Metal against the earth element has a reducing relationship on the earth spirits. Earth against the metal element is

creative and productive. In a given environment, if there are too much Earth present, the more balanced surroundings

arrange themselves by putting similar types of the metal such as silver and brass, or place a reflective object or place

white in the surrounding. Also, the placement of plants or green, or the wood element decreases the imbalance of

Earth according to the cycle of control⋅domination. Meanwhile, if there are few Earth, add

the earth element such as sand or rock gardens and use the rock, pebble jar, marble, statue,

gold color, orange, ocher, yellow, and etc.

(9) Earth + Water

The relationship of Earth and Water is a destructive one belonging to the cycle of

control⋅domination. Wood in controlling the water element can diminish the effect of

Water and not destroying Water. In comparison, if there is overwhelming and too much

active water, one can absorb vitality of the water by using the earth element. This

similarity can be demonstrated in using sand bags to defend the overflowing river. In the

Fig.6 Earth+Water bathroom of < Figure 6>: from p.93 of [7], a upper-opened shower booth is designed with

a round type(Metal) using a marble(Earth). The floor and wall are composed of tiles(Earth) and mirror(Water), and

bathroom hardwares are made by metal. In brief, the bathroom consists of Earth, Metal, Water and these three

elements make a productive relationship in the cycle of creation.

(10) Metal + Water

Water against the metal element is the relationship that it reduces the spirits of the metal, Metal against the water

element is a creative and productive relationship. To decrease the metal element, one puts the things related to the

water such as a water garden, a fountain or a water vessel. Also another method is to add the earth element such as

sand, rocks, tiles for creating a more balanced environment according to the relationship of Earth and Metal. Metal

and Water is harmonious. Many buildings of Manhatten, a island surrounded with water in New York are built by

steel(Metal) and glass(Water) and generally these skyscrapers flourish and lasting.

Accordingly, a collaboration of interior materials by the three cycles of the Five Elements is desirable toward an

affirmative and a harmonious environment to accomplish a mutual creation. Adding insufficient elements or

eliminating excessive elements in a given surroundings can be a remedy in creating a more balanced environment.

An appropriate material selection in a given space with the matching concept is a foremost step. Then, combine

materials which follow the law of a mutual creation using the relationships listed in the <Table 3> below. Also in an

existing space, if too many elements are present, eliminate the element or apply the lower relationship of a reduction

or a control⋅domination. When an element is insufficiently present, add an element or rearrange materials by the lower

relationships of a creation.

4. Synthesis

The Five Elements make interactions in a creative or destructive manner. There is no destructive element by itself.

Each of the Five Elements play special role in our environment and they are important for the balance and harmony.

One can recreate the nature in the interior space using color, shape, or material of the Five Elements. Also in a

existing space, if there is a insufficient element it is possible to rearrange and fix the space by applying the

relationships of the Five Elements. In <Table 3>, the relationships, materials, interior spaces, ideal uses according to

the characteristics of the Five Elements are suggested and synthesized for making a mutual creative space with the

balance and harmony. The instances which are presented in this study are mainly the interiors of a residential space

but for the wide applications of various environments hereafter, not only housing space of interior and exterior was

studied but also many diverse spaces in the interior space and ideal uses were also mentioned in this study. 5. Conclusion

The thought of the Five Elements is one of the theoretical systems that explains a world from the Orient’s

traditional society. The central object of the Five Element is a nature. It is able to know easily at the point of a notion

starting from the simple words on a nature originally indicating Water, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Wood. Nevertheless,

Five Elements have expanded an objective territory to human and history beyond the nature commonly. In this study

the researcher defines Five Elements within the range of the nature from an original concept and suggests a method to

synthesize a creative productive space linking Five Elements with the interior materials. Here, to understand their

characteristics and relationships, it is essential to create harmony and balance in all spaces. When the interior

materials incorporate all the relationships of the Five Elements, a space will accomplish harmony and balance both

with the nature and the universe, thus it will be perfectly in tune with the surrounding. It can see from the fact that

nature maintains a harmony and a balance through the collaboration of Five Elements-Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,

Water which maintain an order and a structure. Though Five Elements are a traditional thought of Korea, it is a pity to

suggest designed instances applied to the residential space of Americans by the Five Elements in this dissertation.

Also when the researcher analyzed the contents of the data which are published in United States, Europe, China, and

Hong Kong, insufficient resources and studies were found, so hereafter, more systematic research is necessary.

Table 3: Synthesis

Elements Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Creative Relation

Fire (Wood creates fire)

Earth (Fire creates earth)

Metal (Earth creates metal)

Water (Metal creates water)

Wood (Water creates wood)

Reductive relation

Water (Wood reduces water)

Wood (Fire reduces wood)

Fire (Earth reduces fire)

Earth (Metal reduces earth)

Metal (Water reduces metal)

Destructive relation

Earth (Wood consumes earth)

Metal (Fire melts metal)

Water (Earth absorbs water)

Wood (Metal cuts wood)

Fire (Water puts out fire)

Remedy element to creative relationship

Fire (Wood, Fire, Earth) -e.g., apply to kitchen (fire space)

Earth (Fire, Earth, Metal) -e.g., apply to fireplace

Metal (Earth, Metal, Water)-e.g., apply to bathroom (water space), stairs mainly used earth material

Water (Metal, Water, Wood) -e.g., apply to bathroom (water space)

Wood (Water, Wood, Fire) -e.g., apply to kitchen(water space)

Interior materials

-All wood-made types -Natural fiber, fabric (silk, cotton, linen) -Vegetable, fruit, hurb, flower, plant

-Animal products including feather & wool -Things emitting light & heat

-All types from earth -Sand, clay, marble, concrete -Brick, tile, stucco, terracotta

-All types of metal: aluminum, reinforced concrete, iron, steel tin, copper

-All types related withwater -Glass

Interior spaces

Dining room, child room, bed room

Kitchen, fireplace Inner countryards, Storage areas, garages

Workplaces where tools are used, metal sinks

Bathroom, laundry, Kitchen, wine cellars,Spa, pond, fountain

Shape of building

Rectangular forms Triangle form Square form Circular form Irregular form

Ideal uses -All spaces related with creativity, growth, nutriment -Artist’s workplace -Places related with wood or plants -Restaurant, cafe

-Places of learning: library, school -Spaces involved in design & fashion -Places manufacturing fire or chemicals -Veterinary clinics

-Hospital, governmentbuilding that need to perceived as solid -Tombs, storages -Spaces producing or selling ceramics, farming, agriculture -Banks and financial institutions

-Spaces dealing with financial or civic concerns -Places manufacturing metal jewelry, knives, hardware

-Spaces involved in the transmission of ideas: publisher, art gallery, broadcasting -Spaces involving liquids & fluids such as refinery, breweries

A further study in the Five elements will help in solving the following: First, during the comparion of a building

and a circumference of an envioronment for a harmony, Secondly, when selecting the environment to improve the

life of the residents, Thirdly, when re-creating the natural features with the material which corresponds to the Five

Elements, Fourthly, when improving an imbalanced disharmonious environment using color, form, and material, and

so forth. To correspond or substitute the interior material with one or more of the Five elements concept is the

Orient’s viewpoint of the world. However, this viewpoint is not only a result of the quantitaive or measured

interpretations for creating a balanced and harmonious environment but it remains meaningful that one can apply the

design concept of the mutual creation to many types of the plan.

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