The lotus is a significant symbol for explaining form and aesthetics in the Indian tradition. Take the example of a pond filled with water, after the rains, with perfect lotus blooms among the floating green leaves. The pond is like a jewel, shimmering and perfect. This same form becomes totally different when the water has dried and the lotus lies above the squelching mud. It is not possible to call one 'better' than the other; the entire process of unfolding from one form into another is perfectly balanced within and without.

The built form too can perhaps be like this - in relationship, in form, in the way the order is inwardly and outwardly expressed. In every stage of expression and evolution of a home there are multiple forms that can be achieved. Some of the associations and connections between nature and concepts for building are:
Lotus-water-pond-environment
Bird-flight-skyline

In the contemporary social system, it is important to review the need for the symbolic connection between people, their natural environment and the vast repository of human collective wisdom. Therefore, symbols and meaning of built forms need to be explored by designers.

Some contemporary vaastu consultants advise the removal of full-grown trees and plants on the ground of negative effects. This caution is based on the following:

The roots and their disruptive effect on the foundation of the building structure.
The danger of branches of large trees located near buildings falling on it in a storm.
The impact of the fragrance of a plant or flower on the people inhabiting the space.
The nature of animals and birds that naturally inhabit the flora, and their effect on human occupants. For instance, certain trees attract snakes, scorpions, monkeys, and other such creatures which may not be suitable for the ordinary household.

Shapes and forms of habitats in nature: The natural habitat of living creatures, such as nests, tortoise shells, snail shells and bee hives are closely connected to the shape and form of the creature that inhabits it. The habitat is also designed in co-ordination with the environment.

Geographical directions play a very significant part in the design of individual buildings and group housing. Many mythological stories speak of the hero walking to the east to find a teacher, running to the south to confront death, setting off toward the west in search of adventure, or walking to the north to become a healer. The physical environment affects human inhabitants in a direct manner. Energies that exist in the environment, and within us create physical changes which operate subliminally. The influence of these subtle energy patterns is not felt immediately but has far-reaching effects on the physical and spiritual health.

Any given physical space can be perceived in its connection with primary energies. The eight directions, the heavens and the earth are considered significant influences on growth and prosperity.

Mandala or Mandalam: The mandala is a representation of the cosmos through geometric forms whereby the living space is laid out in a variety of patterns. The outer circle (or square) of the mandala holds the gatekeepers, the inner the formless energies. This movement inward is a re-entry and rediscovery of the true spirit, and the outward movement a constant quest into the interface and relationship with the world outside.

When a person has to take up a fixed location in a space, it is important that the relationship between the person and location should be established. There are times when the specific configuration would be at its peak, and times when it would be low. Therefore, when a person is placed in a particular location with a deep understanding of roles and identities and his/her relationship with the place, he/she is deeply energized. There are some locations which are innocuous, neutral, which would suit one and all and add or remove nothing.
The direction a building faces, the configuration of movement, and the location of facilities can create infinite patterns for people to inhabit.

The shapes that are most experimented with are the square, triangle, polygon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, oval and the free form.

Traditionally, these forms have been analysed according to their suitability for human use. Some lend themselves better to physical use than others, some create spiritual well-being, others add to the energy levels and so on.

There is no good or bad shape, only different levels of usefulness and comfort. For each of these shapes, ayadi or beneficial measure calculation can be made, and specific patterns of interactions built up based on the pattern of the interior. The choice of shape would affect the management style, lifestyle and activity patterns.

Traditionally, there were only five colours (panchavarna), namely red, yellow, green, blue, white. Black was also used, but only to enhance the other colours. Shades of colours were not used until recently. The traditional colours were made of natural materials and possessed certain properties that were intrinsic to the material. Therefore, when these colours are being made artificially today, the characteristics have to be re-examined.