Fortune-creating architecture: An investment in human capital, connecting individual and cosmic life
by Global Good News staff writer

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14 June 2009

Global Good News continues reporting on the address of Dr Jeffrey Abramson, a leading US real estate developer and green building expert, at the March forum of the Aspen Institute, an international organization working on environmental and economic concerns. The forum was entitled, 'Powering the Planet: Energy for the Long Haul'.

Please also see Part I of this article.

Fourteen years ago, Dr Abramson—a senior partner at The Tower Companies, the largest green builder in the Washington, DC area—was introduced to the science of building called Vedic Architecture, also known as Vastu. This ancient system—restored by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Founder of the Transcendental Meditation Programme—states that Vedic architecture connects individual life with cosmic life. 'Interestingly,' he said, 'the Founding Fathers of America, who were Freemasons, said in almost identical words, ''Architecture is the intersection of the human and the divine.'' '

The Tower Companies used the science of Vastu—which exceeds green building practices—to design its award-winning corporate office building in Rockville, Maryland.* Employees have reported the environment to be so uplifting, 'they want to run to work', said Dr Abramson. 'They feel more focused, creative, and energized.'

Dr Abramson explained that Vastu is not an intellectual concept; it's experiential. 'I'm the largest green builder in the DC area and have won every award in green—but I can tell you that green alone does not give you this experience.'

'Vastu buildings are an investment in human capital, an accelerator of human potential.' He explained the concept of the 'Fortune-creating building' in terms any business person would find appealing: return on investment.

'Energy costs US$3-4 per square foot. Rent is about $45 per square foot. Payroll is $400 per square foot. With Vastu, the building is working for you, enhancing the output of that $400. Let's say we had low expectations and there was only a 10% improvement in productivity. That means $40 per square foot [increased return], which is basically the cost of the rent. . . .

'I see the purpose of buildings as bringing people together, to enhance the success of the company and allow people to lead more enriching lives. . . . This is what I want to see built in America. To allow Nature to support us in our schools, in our libraries, in the places where we worship, where we work, where we sleep. . . . Then I think we've really created Heaven on Earth.'

* Please see the previous Global Good News article about The Tower Building's numerous awards, including LEED Platinum certification.

© Copyright 2009 Global Good News^®

Global Good News comment:

For information about Maharishi's seven-point programme to create a healthy, happy, prosperous society, and a peaceful world, please visit: Global Financial Capital of New York.



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