Feng Shui Beyond the Home: Designing Thoughtful Shared Spaces That Nurture Wellness, Connection & Community
To craft a better world it must first be imagined.
Amidst the loneliness epidemic of modern era, our need for human connection has never been more important. Social isolation exacerbates physical and mental health problems. Thankfully the concept of "third spaces" has emerged as a beacon of hope.
Third spaces are public or semi-public places that foster community and holistic wellness outside of home (first space) and work (second space).
Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing environments, aligns with this concept by prioritizing flow, balance, and intentional design to create inviting, restorative spaces that encourage social connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Well designed spaces not only enhance human connection but also promote long-term environmental and social sustainability, fostering a deeper sense of place and collective stewardship.
“Strong communities are built around people who are willing to meet their needs together.”
Jessica Jackley
What Are Third Spaces?
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, third spaces are the social environments beyond home (first space) and work (second space) where relationships and community thrive. In the world’s Blue Zones, regions known for longevity, third spaces like Sardinian wine gatherings, Okinawan moais, and Nicoya’s porches create opportunities for daily social interaction, fostering belonging and emotional well-being.
Even the smallest or most intimate space or vignette can offer micro-moments of connection with neighbors and the environment. By thoughtfully designing these areas in our communities and neighborhoods, we create environments that invite engagement rather than isolation.
By reducing loneliness as a result of screen time and remote work, third spaces improve mental health and contribute to physical well-being. Conversations and interactions in these spaces can provide emotional support, inspire new learning, and encourage mindfulness—all essential components of a balanced life.
These spaces not only provide a sense of belonging but also empower individuals to reclaim their time, energy, and well-being outside the constraints of capitalist productivity demands.
"The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
Lady Bird Johnson
Uniting Factors for Intentional Design
Feng shui principles aligns with eco-conscious urban planning and biophilic design to contribute to regenerative community spaces that cultivate greater health and happiness - meaningful social interactions, community engagement, stress reduction, and overall support for individual and collective well-being.
working with natural elements & materials
optimizing energy flow
maximizing natural light
integrating green spaces
using non-toxic materials
creating open, inviting spaces free of clutter
"In its highest and purest form, good feng shui signifies perfect alignment between inner and outer worlds."
Laura Benko
Wellness
This post challenges the capitalist idea of wellness as an individual, aesthetic-driven pursuit and instead advocates for wellness as a collective, community-centered revolution. It calls for moving beyond clean eating, exercise, and self-care trends to focus on systemic care, cultural pride, and social justice. The discussion extends to topics like public health, accessibility, and walkable cities, emphasizing that true well-being is about interdependence and community support. The comments reflect a range of perspectives, from enthusiastic agreement and calls for action to critiques of capitalism and alternative economic models. Some highlight the importance of masking and COVID awareness as community care, while others discuss urban planning, social isolation, and systemic barriers to well-being.
Capitalism wants us to believe wellness looks like expensive healthy meal plans, yogas classes or meditation courses. But in reality true wellbeing goes far beyond our individual habits. It's about what we create as a collective and how we ultimately show up and care for eachother.
Envisioning Communities of the Future
A future where safe, supportive, and sustainable spaces are the norm begins with a shared vision and collective action. We have to stop seeing each other as strangers and recognize ourselves as a connected community, woven from the same cosmic fabric. It starts with dreaming of something better and then building toward it.
We deserve spaces where no one is left behind or forgotten. This movement isn’t about perfection but about ensuring that people’s needs are met in a way that prioritizes well-being over profit.
Imagine accessible, walkable cities with shared public green spaces, affordable healthcare, cultural pride, habitual appreciation/gratitude where diverse communities are flourishing, where we are each valuing living creatures, speaking out against injustice, learning, unlearning and decolonizing our minds.
Imagine cities where design for sustainability, safety, accessibility and inclusion is standard, not an afterthought - where people of all ages and abilities can explore, play, learn, grow, and roam freely. Where the systems of work, food, travel and transportation support people AND planet. THESE are the spaces of the future.
Thoughtful, inclusive design is the key to creating where people can connect, play, learn and grow organically. Here are some elements that contribute to safe, supportive, and sustainable spaces:
The real key to energy independence lies in city planning: creating safe, walkable and bikeable communities with mixed-use zoning that allows affordable housing for proximity to workplace, amenities and public transportation.
Homes
Indoor: Communal living areas, nap nooks, home offices for remote work, soundproof walls
Outdoor: greywater systems, rainbarrels, solar panels, bird houses, natural lawns, greenhouses
Neighborhoods
Shared spaces: gazebos, pavilions, picnic shelter, pollinator gardens, edible gardens, composting, water canals for cooling
Wildlife areas: wildlife corridors, hives, coops, ponds
Shared resources: Food pantries and community fridges, gear/tool closets, "honesty boxes" for homemade treats like honey, herbal remedies, baked goods
Accessibility - wheelchair friendly sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways
Spiritual spaces - altars, labyrinths, sensory gardens, rainbow bridge, outdoor chapels
Recreational Centers: game rooms, gymnasiums, sports courts, upcycling/craft studios, dog parks,
Educational Centers: libraries, classrooms, rooftop gardens
Communities
Public Transportation: Well-lit, comfortable bus stops with free Wi-Fi, native plants, clear navigation signs, food trucks/carts, and accessibility for all mobility levels.
Public Restrooms: Dignified, accessible, clean facilities with free menstrual products, bag hooks, motion-activated trash cans, and toddler seats.
Conservation Cemeteries: Biodegradable caskets, native trees in place of headstones, and human composting to honor the cycle of life
Coworking offices: Biophilic design with natural elements, bird-strike-proof windows, and workspaces that prioritize well-being over endless productivity, comfortable shared lounges
Dining: Cafes with communal tables
We deserve spaces that support us in mind, body and spirit. That persist over generations. That offer us healthy environment, prosperous economy and vibrant social networks. It's not too much to ask. Together we can rediscover our our power, and our potential.
Building The Future Holistically
When we weave the principles of Feng Shui into third spaces, we create more than just aesthetically pleasing environments—we cultivate harmony, intention, and a sense of belonging. Thoughtful spatial design has the power to shape interactions, support well-being, and reinforce the values of sustainability and inclusivity in our communities.
By integrating energy flow, natural elements, and purposeful organization, we can transform shared spaces into vibrant hubs that foster connection, creativity, and resilience. In a world where meaningful gathering places are more essential than ever, embracing intentional design isn't just an aesthetic choice—it's a pathway to stronger, more sustainable communities.
By embracing healthy and holistic shared spaces, we cultivate our own personal renewal and growth, but also set the foundation for a more socially connected, balanced, and thriving world.
“When we design for the needs of people, we create spaces that nurture connection, inspiration, and well-being.”
Jan Gehl
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach and holistic growth strategist.
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