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Architectural Color Theory Explained

Colour can be used strategically in architectural design to provide emphasis, accentuate form and materials, and separate and define divisions of a scheme. It can also be used to convey the intended spirit of a design. There are several aspects of colour, including hue (the pure state), value (lightness or darkness), and intensity (saturation). Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are considered stimulating, while cool colours like blues and greens are seen as calming. Lighting also influences the effect of colour, with brilliant lighting creating emphasis and softer lighting providing a calming effect. The use of colour must be appropriate for the intended function and aesthetic of the design.

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38 views4 pages

Architectural Color Theory Explained

Colour can be used strategically in architectural design to provide emphasis, accentuate form and materials, and separate and define divisions of a scheme. It can also be used to convey the intended spirit of a design. There are several aspects of colour, including hue (the pure state), value (lightness or darkness), and intensity (saturation). Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are considered stimulating, while cool colours like blues and greens are seen as calming. Lighting also influences the effect of colour, with brilliant lighting creating emphasis and softer lighting providing a calming effect. The use of colour must be appropriate for the intended function and aesthetic of the design.

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vrelant863
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© © All Rights Reserved
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1.

3 Colour

Colour is an aspect of architectural design which provides a wide array of potential affects. Colour may
be used strategically to provide emphasis to the character of a building or component, it may be used to
accentuate form and materials or it may be used to separate and define distinct divisions of an overall
scheme.

Colour may also be used to convey the intended spirit of a design. A phenomenon of light and visual
perception that may be described in turns of an individual’s perception of hue, saturation, and lightness
for objects, and hue, saturation, and brightness for light sources.
• Hue – relates to the pure state of colour, its essence.

• Value – relates to the depth of hue contained; either defined as light or dark. This definition refers to
the colour value in the mix, not to the lighting applied to a surface.
• Intensity – relates to the saturation of colour: chroma. This characteristic defines the purity of the final
colour relative to its original state.

The colours are primarily muted tones and hues, none presenting colour in a pure state due to their
composition. The use of colour must be appropriate to the intended function and aesthetic of the
design. Colour must be used in a specific balance of elements, unless deviation from a balance is desired.
The other aspect to consider is the infl uence of fashion on colour choices and their application.

Colour definition divides colour into two categories: warm and cool. Each category provides an
emotional response to the colour.

 Warm colours are those that stimulate and uplift the senses. This colour range is regarded as the
"advancing" series made up of the red to yellow chroma (red, orange and yellow as primary
colours). These colours are related to our psychological response to colours produced by light
(the sun), heat and fire. The relationship of warm colours to heat/light define the colour range as
having a cosmic influence, linked to overriding principles of life. Items finished in this colour
range may tend to have more visual weight, thus appearing as dominant when compared to cool
colours.

 Cool colours are those that sooth and calm the senses. This colour range is regarded as the
"recessive" series made up of the blue chroma (green to indigo). These colours relate our senses
to the natural environment; forest, green spaces, sky. The relationship of colour to the natural
environment provides a sense of being grounded, of the earth, solidly planted which results in a
calming effect.

Lighting- Lighting is an important consideration when the use of colour is considered. The influence of
daylight as well as artificial lighting (specific type, intensity, focus) will alter the effect of colour, possibly
minimizing or eliminating the intended result. Brilliant lighting can be focused to create emphasis
relative to the colour; softer warm hued lighting casts more of a glow which will provide a calming affect.
Lighting when designed in conjunction with colour and texture can greatly enhance the intended aspects
of a design.

The use of colour in architecture ties into the other design elements and principles. The key design
element related to colour is that of texture. Separate items may possess the same colour but alternate or
contrasting textures (smooth versus rough) will catch and project lighting differently.

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