It's been ridiculed and banished to folklore, but there are calls to adapt elements of feng shui as part of Christchurch's red zone redevelopments.

Feng shui aims to connect people through a life force known as chi, as well as connecting with the environment.

Lincoln University planning graduate Charlotte Thompson has drawn on them as part of a proposal to redevelop parts of the eastern residential red zone.

It includes modifying the flow of the Avon River to slow down the chi, as well as a botanical garden, retirement precinct, and a wetland restoration zone.

Ms Thompson said drastic measures are needed to develop the eastern red zone.

She said restoring the chi in the red zone would add environmental value, increased wellbeing and tourism revenue.

"If it was developed according to feng shui you'd be restoring a life force to that area, providing opportunities for nature which in turn gives you fresh air to breathe etc. etc."

Ms Thompson said adapting feng shui principles means everything is considered in the redevelopment.

"Looking at what's happening above the ground, what's happening below the ground and how it's affecting the people that will be living in that area."