Importance of Color in Relation to Architecture

An Individual Research Assignment

Theory of Architecture I

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Theory of Architecture I

BS – ARCHITECTURE 1-1

AY 2018-2019
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………..3

OBJECTIVE………………………………………………………………………………….………..4

BODY OF UNIT…………………………………………………………………………………….…5

REFERENCES…………………..………………………………………...…………………………8
INTRODUCTION

To fully understand the entirety of color and its ultimate role in forming what would be

considered "good" architecture, it is necessary to cover the idea that generates its need in

structures and buildings. By definition, color is a phenomenon of light or visual perception

that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects. In addition, Merriam-Webster

specifies color to be the aspect of the appearance of objects and light sources that may be

describe in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation for objects and hue, brightness, and

saturation for light sources. Color is perception. Our eyes see something and data is sent

from our eyes to our brains tells us it’s a certain color. Objects reflect light in different

combinations of wavelengths. Our brains pick up on those wavelength combinations and

translate them into the phenomenon we call color. It is through color do we perceive the

world as it is—color brings life.

When dealing with how humans react to colors, a theory is needed to string

everything together. Color theory therefore is both the science and art of color. It explains

how humans perceive color; how colors mix, match or clash; the subliminal (and often

cultural) messages colors communicate; and the methods used to replicate color.

Oftentimes, people decide whether or not they like a product or building in 90 seconds or

less. 90% of that decision is based solely on the color. It’s important to know how each color

communicates with another so as to build harmony between them. Being able to understand

the terms and processes that go along with color will help one knowledgeably communicate

the vision they have.

In reality, as architects, alongside communicating what we envision for our works, we

also aim to brand and market them to the target audience. As much as possible, it’s

important to make the structures stand out and appeal to the target to fully give them the

experience of the building.

This research discusses the importance and role of color in relation to Architecture.

Specifically, it aims to cover the following points:

 Briefly introduce the concept of color theory that ultimately builds the framework for

the use of color in Architecture;

 And analyze the psychological, aesthetical, and functional effect or use of color in

relation to Architecture.
 BODY OF UNIT

The importance of color in the architectural space goes beyond decoration. Many

studies show the positive effects of color in people’s emotions. Architect Izaskun Chincilla

explains that color matters to the client in such a way that it changes their way of life: i.e.

from working more concentrated to finding more pleasure staying home. Practically

speaking, color has many practical purposes, along with psychological and aesthetic

importance. The goals of color design in an architectural space are not relegated to

decoration alone.

Color is a sensory perception, and as any sensory perception, it has effects that are

symbolic, associative, synesthetic, and emotional. This self-evident logic has been proven by

scientific investigation. Empirical observations and scientific studies have proven that

human-environment-reaction in the architectural environment is to a large percentage based

on the sensory perception of color. Because the body and mind are one entity,

neuropsychological aspects, psychosomatic effects, visual ergonomics, and color’s

psychological effects are the components of color ergonomics.

The impression of a color and the message it conveys is of utmost importance in

creating the psychological mood or ambiance that supports the function of a space. A

classroom has a different function than a hospital patient room; an office space is not a

production line, etc.

It is therefore vital for the designer to consider and undergo a thorough process when

it comes to choosing colors for every little detail of the structure to produce the best visual

stimulation as it evokes specific psychological reactions to different people. This is of utmost

importance in varied environments, such as medical and psychiatric facilities, offices,

industrial and production plants, educational facilities, homes for the elderly, correctional

facilities, and so forth—each within themselves having different task and function areas.
 Work areas, for instance, tend to maximize the use of the color white. A study from

the University of Texas notes that this color reduces sadness and depression. The color of

our workspace concerns our productivity. A mixture of vibrant colors which motivate our

creativity is the best.

Say for example, an architect is to design a hospital for children. Having bleak, pale

and neutral colors for the scheme of the facilities will likely increase negative feedback from

children whose nature is more attracted to bright and inviting colors. Those with emotional

trauma or fear of hospitals would possibly revert into their "fight" instinct out of fear;

therefore, a more suitable approach in addressing this need for psychological payoff would

be to add hues to the structure. In another instance, the use of dark or bright colors in

exterior surfaces affects to the inner part of the house, depending on the bigger or the less

power of absorption of the sun ray.

Another great example is the use of blue for certain spaces. According to a study

carried out in 10 countries from four continents, most people’s favorite color is blue. The

color tends to be tied alongside the release of stress due to its association to tranquility.

Blue, then, could be a good interior palette for a bedroom or a lounge which are common

spaces for relaxation. On the other hand, blue psychologically disrupts our appetite as well.

A study in the University Of Arkansas Division Of Agriculture shows that colors of lighting

can modulate participants' motivation to consume the food placed under the lighting. 112

participants (62 men and 50 women) consumed a breakfast meal under different lighting

colors. The blue lighting significantly decreased the hedonic impression of the food's

appearance and the amount consumed in men. This would mean that blue isn’t an advisable

color to use for food establishments so as to avoid the significant decrease in a diner’s

appetite.

Color is also functional to architecture. Probably one of the least known factors of

appropriate color specification is its role in safeguarding visual efficiency and comfort. The
eye's adaptation process involves the immediate reaction of the eye to changes in the

degree of illumination. Designers use universal colors to denote a function for a space, an

object/furniture/fixture, or signages.

Colors take on different meanings according to the artistic, historical or the cultural

period; colors change when facing light; among many other characteristics. It is an integral

element in architecture; it is not only important aesthetically, but it also has a great psycho-

sensory importance. Humane design then places the human being in the center of its

concern and purpose.

Pereira, M. (2018). The Role of Color in Architecture: Visual Effects and Psychological

Stimuli. Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/895498/the-role-of-color-in-

architecture-visual-effects-and-psychological-stimuli

Decker, K. (2017). The fundamentals of understanding color theory. Retrieved from

https://99designs.com/blog/tips/the-7-step-guide-to-understanding-color-theory/

Archinect. (2012). Color in Architecture — More Than Just Decoration. Retrieved from

https://archinect.com/features/article/53292622/color-in-architecture-more-than-just-

decoration

Finsa. (2017). Color theory in architecture. Retrieved from https://connectionsbyfinsa.com/

2017/06/21/color-theory-in-architecture/?lang=en

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666314005339

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/color