Colours are everywhere around us, but we often take little time to think about how they affect how we experience a building. Whether intentional or not, colours give meaning to design. They spur emotions and express values.
Have you ever asked yourself what role colour has in architecture?
Colour can be responsible for various conscious and subconscious stimuli in people’s psycho-spatial relationships in a building or space. It is closely linked to psychological stimuli and can be used with volume and each project’s shape.
The following beliefs have been formed regarding the “psychology” of the primary colours, as shown in the picture below.
Architects have used colour and its psychological effect to enhance people’s experience in the designed space.
In projects that concern children, colours are used to trigger the child’s psychological and neurological growth. The following are standouts with many examples: Aberrant Architecture renovated this small private Rosemary Works primary school interior in London with brightly coloured walls and furniture. ; the Prestwood Elementary School of De Rosee Sa; and the ‘Els Colors’ kindergarten by RCR Arquitectes.
Prestwood Elementary School (1st) Rosemary Works Primary School (2nd)
In hospital projects or health-related buildings, colours are used as a parallel element for rehabilitating patients. Prime examples of such projects are the Esther Koplowitz Foundation for Patients with Cerebral Palsy, designed by Hans Abaton and the Nemours Children’s Hospital, created by Stanley Beaman & Sears.
However, it is argued that the psychological aspects of colour are usually oversimplified. Someone can say that green represents nature, red should express love, and that blue is calming. These generalisations are not always accurate when given context. Green can mean sick, red can represent danger, and blue might symbolise depression in some contexts. You can find more information on colour and psychology here.
In conclusion, colour is an integral element in architecture and design; it is necessary aesthetically, but it also has excellent psycho-sensory importance. To ensure the colours you use are suitable, recognise what feelings your colours might evoke and consider how they fit your overall design brief. Contact us to arrange an appointment and discuss the use of colour in your next project!
Cite: Pereira, Matheus. “The Role of Color in Architecture: Visual Effects and Psychological Stimuli” [O papel da cor na arquitetura ] 09 Jun 2018. ArchDaily. (Trans. Gosselin, Marina) Accessed 2 Mar 2021. <https://www.archdaily.com/895498/the-role-of-color-in-architecture-visual-effects-and-psychological-stimuli>