Experience has confirmed that nature, building and man's placement in it, have great effect on living, working and happiness. All the inter-related principles of the science of building, such as orientation, proportion and decoration are shaped by the principles of cosmology and the laws governing it. The science of Vastu provides a set of conceptual tools that can be applied in practical ways.

Vaastu means proper place to live in. It should be habitable. Life require basic elements i.e. air, fire (light), water, earth and space. The house in which he lives should provide the benefit of these elements. This means he is well connected to the environment and ecology.

We are enveloped by a series of environmental hazards in our day to day life which leads us to unresistable, endless physical and mental disorders.

Harmony with the environment, peace for the spirit and health for the human being are the criteria for healthy homes. These have deep roots in the human experience and in traditions of home building according to the cultures across the world.

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It is rational : Vaastu is the study of impact of the Sun's rays on the earth. Vaastu reads the characteristics of a house and explains its effects on the residents in a scientific manner, we can surely count it among the other sciences.

It is permanent : The principles of vaastu is based on directions which are permanent. Likewise the effects of vaastu are also permanent.

It is beneficial : The basic purpose of vaastu is to make the lives of people happier and problem free.

It is universal : Since vaastu is based on the properties of the earth and the sun, it is surely universal. Nationality, religion, caste etc. have nothing to do with the science of vaastu, it is equal for one and all.

It is practicable : It is very simple to follow. Build your house according to the guidelines provided by vaastu and lead a healthy and happy life.

Since it possesses all the features mentioned above and is based on action, cause and effect it can most definetly be concluded that it is a science.

According to Vaastu, there are 5 basic elements in the whole world. They are the Earth, Water, Air, Fire(Heat & Light) and Sky(Cosmic). Vaastu is a science of balancing these elements in the proper proportions for prosperity and harmony.

In a broader sense vaastu is a science of directions and it accounts for 8 directions; North, South, East, West, North-East, North-West, South-East and South-West.

RESPONSE TO BUILT SPACE

In Vaastu, three principles of design cover the entire field of design, be it a building, craft item or article of daily use.

Bhogadyam: The designed product must be useful, lend itself to easy application. For example, a house must have ample space for storage of articles and facilities for cleaning. A vessel must be designed in such a way as to hold water and allow for pouring out without leaking or dripping.

Sukha Darsham: The designed product must be aesthetically pleasing. The proportions of the spaces and material shape should affect the viewer in a positive manner. This principle covers the exterior as well as the interior of a building. Ornamentation and color is just one aspect of aesthetics. The proportions of windows and doors, the size of rooms, the rhythm of projections and depressions play a critical role in creating the aesthetics of form.

Ramya: The designed product must be capable of evoking a feeling of well-being and contentment in its user. The measurements employed in the design, considered to be sacred measures, are juxtaposed in such a way as to create harmony in all those who occupy the space or use the object. We can say that a built form creates a sympathetic vibration in the occupant. To calculate the proportions in such a way as to enhance the positive response in the viewer or occupant is the strength of the traditional design.

The critical aspects of the design of a building should also include the aesthetics of both the exterior and interior space

In Vaastu there are multiple ways in which the designer and occupant can create a space for experience. Within the manifested form many focii must be established in a space meant for many people. But if the space has a specific activity, then gathering all energies in a single centre proves to be very powerful. The latter would be suitable for a place of learning, worship, manufacture and research. But in a home, a hostel, or neighbourhood, several centres, or shifting centres is most inspiring and motivating. These gathering spaces should be filled with herbs, healing plants and sacred water.

The classical mention of this concept has only a few variations:

A square or circle for the cooking and eating zone.
A square or rectangle for the preparation and storage of food and clothes.
A square or rectangle for sleeping, washing, bathing and resting.
A square, rectangle or octagon for studying, recording, mind expansion and analysis.
A simple house can be made unique by adding ornamental elements using readily available material from one's own environment like white clay and glass pieces. This creates a personalized aesthetic experience. Even in an urban situation it is possible for the users/occupants to add a distinctive touch to their buildings by getting involved in the actual design and execution of the building. This 'personal touch' gives a special aura to the building that can never be replaced by professional art work, however tasteful.