All About Color - Part I Color Theory

Color in architecture is seldom discussed as a defining design element or tool but something that comes after all the real design heavy lifting is done, as decoration at best. However, color is an important design element and something we see and respond to on every level every day. Let’s discuss some aspects of color in architecture here and to follow up I will be issuing anther article on our use of color here at Plana Architects and our practice. We will also discuss color trends in color from Pantone color of the year and what drives its selection, monochrome and ombre and a few others so stay tuned. 

1. Paint. When people originally started defining and therefor designing spaces through the use of tents and fabrics, color was in effect the first primordial architectural device. We often think of architecture as a function of permanence and tectonics - something that will last for a long time and that is literally set in stone. Think of the pyramids or the Acropolis. How can something so ethereal and paper thin, as our perception of color and a layer of paint that washes away be of any significance in our experience of architecture. As architects we first think of space, light and form then maybe materials and textures and think of color as decoration and something utterly superficial both literally and figuratively). However most of us experienced the drastic change on our perception of space just if we paint one wall a different color. With that it is imperative that we look to understand and use this powerful tool in our design process. 
2. Color Education. We know from maybe our art class from elementary school that physical color has different properties from optical color. When you mix all the paints from the tube you will get black, but when you combine light by turning a wheel and looking at it as it spins you will see white. This is fascinating in itself! We know which colors are primary - blue, red and yellow, and how to mix them to get secondary colors like purple or orange. We know complementary or contrasting colors like red and green. And that is where most of our color education ends. Color is in effect a very complex subject and we will not be able to get into the science, history and technology and other aspects of color here. But the fascinating world of color something we see and experience every single day has been studied and explored by many scientists (Newton’s spectrum), statisticians, psychologists and anthropologists and many others in various fields. I invite you to look into these sources to understand color on a deeper level and see what you can benefit from it and be inspired in your own work. 
3. Psychology of Color. The critical aspect of color in architecture is its effect on our emotions and the sense we get from a certain space just from the perception of a particular color. A space painted bright yellow will look cheery and energetic and a space that is dark blue or black might appear cozy and deep. Furthermore our understanding of the therapeutic qualities of certain colors such as blue which is calming and soothing and red which is warm and radiant might inform our use of certain colors within specific spaces we design. Color communicates mood and invites us on a journey to feel. Our perception of color and certain textural aspects of color are also important in design. A color will read differently on a wide surface than in a small space. For example colors painted on a large surface will appear slightly lighter. Color will also read differently on a ceiling than on a wall. Dark colors recede and light colors expand. Some color values could be inserted into neutrals to give off almost subliminal messages - think of a warm white or a cool gray. As designers we must understand the language and method of using color and its effect on our psyche.
4. Color Tech. Color can be incorporated into buildings in many different ways - whether it is the use of LEDs through water, within composite aluminum panels on a building facade, paint that has so many iterations from ultra glossy, to eggshell, to ultra flat or matte, architectural and acoustical fabrics, various ceramic coatings, colored and laminated glass or acrylic panels, integral color concrete and color in natural materials such as stone, and many others. Needless to say with so many options available today an architect will have endless possibilities to use color in their designs. Product and materials research will play an important part in the selection of the right features for your next project so take the time to understand their use, quality, cost implications and longevity before incorporating them into your project specs.

1. Color Architects. Before diving into how we at Plana Architects use color, which will be the subject of another article altogether, I’d like to mention a few notable architects known for their use of color. These might inspire you to use color in your designs or in a new way. Or they might simply get you thinking about how color works in general. Peter Zumthor’s baths in Vals Switzerland diffuse color in water and are used for therapy. Le Corbusier himself developed a palette of 63 architectural colors which are available even today. He is known for saying that ‘Colour is an incredibly effective triggering tool. Colour is a factor of our existence.’ Luis Barragan’s pink buildings echo the use of color in vernacular architecture where color remains a critical design element. What are some of your favorite examples of color in architecture?