The integration of ancient architectural principles with modern community development presents a compelling model for holistic living. In Fairfield, Iowa, a unique residential initiative has emerged that embodies the profound connection between spatial design, consciousness, and community well-being. This development, centered around Maharishi International University, represents a significant application of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, or Maharishi Vastu, principles. The core objective of this community is to provide affordable Vastu housing for participants of the Invincible America Assembly, fostering an environment designed to support coherence and harmony. The development, known as North Campus Village, has been co-developed by Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting Inc., creating a residential space that is described as a community like no other place in the world. This article explores the foundational aspects of this Vastu-based housing project, the principles guiding its design, the collaborative efforts behind its creation, and the broader vision of establishing a living environment that supports spiritual growth and collective well-being.
The Foundation of Maharishi Vastu in Fairfield
The development of Vastu-compliant housing in Fairfield is deeply rooted in the vision of creating a supportive environment for the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and related programs. The community on the Prairie Village Campus was specifically developed to offer affordable homes to participants of the Invincible America Assembly, which is administered through Maharishi International University (MIU). This initiative is not merely a real estate project; it is a community-building effort aimed at providing a living space that aligns with the consciousness-based education and spiritual practices central to MIU. The residents of this campus are described as a distinguished group, including many retirees who have dedicated their careers as Transcendental Meditation teachers, working at local TM centers and MIU facilities for decades. Their collective experience and dedication to bringing invincibility to every nation contribute to a unique and inspiring neighborhood atmosphere. The core principle driving this housing initiative is the belief that the physical environment, when designed according to Vastu principles, can significantly enhance the quality of life and spiritual practice of its inhabitants. The homes are intended to be more than just shelters; they are designed to be instruments for supporting the residents' consciousness-based activities and fostering a sense of collective coherence. The focus on affordability ensures that these benefits are accessible to those who are actively contributing to the assembly's goals. The community is envisioned as a living example of how traditional architectural wisdom can be applied to solve modern housing needs while simultaneously supporting a higher purpose. The development process has been carefully managed to ensure that the homes meet both the financial requirements of the participants and the specific design criteria of Maharishi Vastu. This balance of practicality and principle is a hallmark of the project, reflecting a deep understanding of the needs of the community it serves. The result is a residential area that stands as a testament to the successful integration of spiritual aspiration and architectural science.
The North Campus Village: A Model of Vastu Community Development
The North Campus Village (NCV) represents the culmination of a significant development effort, described as the "World's Largest Vastu Village." This project was co-developed by Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting Inc., combining specialized knowledge in Vastu design with efficient production building practices. The development was completed in 2023 and has been entirely sold out, indicating a high level of interest and demand for this unique style of living. The success of the North Campus Village has paved the way for subsequent projects, such as the North Campus Ridge, which will offer 37 new homes. These new homes will maintain the same commitment to affordability, made possible by over $6,000,000 in government grants that have already been awarded for the project. A key feature of these developments is their proximity to the MIU domes, allowing residents to be within walking distance of the university's main facilities. The construction of these homes is a direct application of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, an ancient system of architecture that emphasizes orientation, placement, and proportion to create buildings that are in harmony with natural law. The design principles of Maharishi Vastu dictate specific orientations for different parts of a home, such as the main entrance, kitchen, and sleeping areas, to optimize the flow of positive energy. By applying these principles, the developers aim to create living spaces that support health, happiness, and prosperity for the residents. The NCV project demonstrates that it is possible to build entire communities based on these time-tested architectural guidelines. The scale of the project, being the largest of its kind, highlights a growing recognition of the value of Vastu-compliant design in contemporary residential planning. The successful completion and sell-out of the North Campus Village serve as a powerful case study for the viability and appeal of holistic community development. The ongoing development of North Campus Ridge further solidifies Fairfield, Iowa, as a leading center for Vastu-based living in the modern world.
The Collaborative Effort: Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting Inc.
The successful realization of the North Campus Village and related projects is the result of a strategic partnership between Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting Inc. This collaboration brings together two distinct but complementary sets of expertise. Vastu Partners LLC, led by Martin Brett, provides the specialized knowledge of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design and the vision for the community. Martin Brett, a meditator since the age of 15, has a deep appreciation for Maharishi's programs, which has led him to undertake the TM-Sidhi Program and ayurvedic technician training. His involvement in the Fairfield community extends beyond real estate, having been part of the Austin Radiance Ideal Village Land Development Company and the MIU community. He shepherds the development through the complex processes of subdivision and securing government grant programs, which are crucial for maintaining the project's affordability. He also manages the financing, marketing, and sales, ensuring that the vision for a Vastu community is effectively communicated and executed. On the other side of the partnership, DRB Contracting Inc., represented by Doug Bachar, brings extensive experience in construction and production building efficiency. Doug's background includes training in production building in Philadelphia before returning to Fairfield in 1996. He began his work in the Vastu field by framing Maharishi Sthapatya Veda homes, including those in the North Campus Village. His hands-on experience and eventual partnership with Vastu Partners LLC were instrumental in designing and building the production homes for Phases 5 and 6 of the NCV. His expertise in production building efficiency is credited as the foundation for the affordable home prices achieved in the project. Doug's personal passion for home design and construction is evident, with his leisure time often spent engaged in design and building activities. The synergy between Martin Brett's vision and community management and Doug Bachar's construction and efficiency expertise has created a powerful engine for developing high-quality, affordable Vastu housing. Their shared commitment to the MIU community and the principles of Maharishi Vastu is the driving force behind these transformative residential projects.
The Impact and Vision of Vastu Community Living
The development of a Vastu-based community in Fairfield is more than a series of construction projects; it is an expression of a broader vision for a harmonious and coherent society. The statement that "Building a Maharishi Sthapatya Ved community has changed my life. There is a magic associated with it. The bigger the community gets, the more there seems to be a sense of destiny" speaks to the profound personal and collective impact of this work. This sense of magic and destiny is rooted in the belief that aligning human habitats with natural law creates a powerful feedback loop of positivity and well-being. For the residents, living in a Vastu home within a Vastu community is intended to amplify the benefits of their meditation and assembly work. The architectural design, which includes specific orientations and placements, is believed to foster an environment of support, reducing obstacles and enhancing progress in all areas of life. The community itself, composed of dedicated TM teachers and practitioners, creates a field of collective coherence that further strengthens the positive environment. The affordability of these homes, made possible through government grants and efficient development, is a critical component of this vision. It ensures that those who are contributing to the Invincible America Assembly, a program aimed at creating world peace, can live in an environment that is optimally supportive without facing financial hardship. The success of the North Campus Village and the development of the North Campus Ridge demonstrate a sustainable model for expanding this vision. The project serves as a practical example of how consciousness-based principles can be applied to address real-world needs, such as housing. It offers a template for other communities around the world that may wish to explore the benefits of Vastu-compliant living. The focus on creating a neighborhood of "the finest neighbors you can imagine" underscores the human element of this architectural science. It is not just about the physical structures, but about the quality of life and the relationships that flourish within them. This Fairfield community stands as a living laboratory for a future where design, consciousness, and community are seamlessly interwoven.
Conclusion
The Vastu housing initiatives in Fairfield, Iowa, represent a remarkable convergence of ancient architectural wisdom and modern community needs. Through the dedicated efforts of Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting Inc., the North Campus Village has become a tangible manifestation of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda principles, offering a living environment designed to support consciousness and coherence. The project's success, marked by its rapid sell-out and the planning of subsequent developments, highlights a strong desire for living spaces that go beyond mere shelter to actively contribute to personal and collective well-being. The community's foundation in the practices of the Invincible America Assembly and Maharishi International University provides a unique context where architectural design is intrinsically linked to a global vision of peace. The affordability of these homes, facilitated by strategic partnerships and government grants, makes this holistic approach to living accessible to a dedicated group of practitioners. Ultimately, the Fairfield Vastu community serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that it is possible to create residential environments that are both practical and profound, harmonizing the physical world with the subtle laws of nature to foster a life of health, happiness, and purpose.