The importance of colour theory

When developing the interior design scheme for a school where pupils have special educational needs (SEN), it is important to create spaces that are engaging, flexible, have a focus on wellbeing, and are varied, to allow students to learn and progress with their individual needs in mind.

There are a number of considerations when it comes to designing inclusive internal spaces. We need to understand the relationship between key spaces, the flow and movement of the people using the building, the impact of colour on the sensory experience, and the relationship to the external spaces.

Colour theory is the science of using colour. It explains how colour is perceived and the meaning the different colours communicate. Colour can impact emotions, behaviour, and wellbeing, and therefore needs to be carefully considered in a learning environment where it can greatly affect pupils' behaviour and attention span. Many pupils in an SEN environment are sensitive to colour, and it is important to create a feeling of balance within a learning environment. Spaces that are too stimulating can have an adverse effect; equally, spaces that are too neutral and under-stimulating can be unfavourable.

Research shows that softer, more muted colours have a calming effect on pupils. Cool colours such as blue and green are considered to be calming, balancing, encouraging, and promote a feeling of wellbeing. For these reasons, cool colours are a good choice in areas where reducing stimulation for individuals is a high priority. Conversely, warm colours provide a high level of stimulus and increase energy, promote an emotional response, and encourage creativity. There are advantages to using warm colours for pupils that tend to be more introverted, as it can improve energy levels and enhance learning.

Colour should be used intentionally, creating specific spaces in the learning environment suitable for different activities. Using colour to define a type of space can help to break up the day into easily identifiable sections. Using colour in this way can also help create a sense of place, and help promote the feeling of progression as a pupil moves through their school life.

Wood View Learning Campus, Plymouth

Wood View Campus in Plymouth is a pioneering design, shaped on the basis of inclusion and access for all. The ‘Through School Learning Campus’ brings together primary, secondary, physical disability and early years facilities. The PD Special School and hostel, a ‘school within a school’, effectively caters for 75 disabled pupils from nursery to secondary school age.

Through dedicated stakeholder and contractor engagement, the design reflects each individual facility’s requirements whilst producing a campus which facilitates future changes in curriculum and staff through adaptable, flexible and sustainable solutions, careful space planning and material specification.

Al Karamah School, Abu Dhabi

Al Karamah school has been carefully designed to cater to the needs of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition and was the first ever SEN school within the UAE. The brief for the refurbishment was to provide an environment for up to 260 Emirati pupils and young people that supports specialised teaching and expertise.

Our interior design strategy aimed to meet the needs of both pupils and staff in a cohesive manner, creating an environment in which they are able to learn coherently. The design takes a holistic approach to deliver a space that works in harmony with both the architecture and landscape surrounding it, and provides intimate and engaging spaces that encourage learning in safe and secure surroundings.

This article is a snippet from our new Schools Designed for Everyone brochure. Follow this link to download a copy, and find out how we're making better places for pupils with Special Educational Needs.

To talk about our design for inclusive learning, contact our SEN Lead, Catherine Ward: [email protected]

Thoughtful design and the desire to make spaces and places that improve lives sits at the heart of everything we do.

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