P R A C T I C E O F C O L O R D E S I G N
P R A C T I C E O F C O L O R D E S I G N
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Color design of spatial elements, the relationship and interplay of colors and space, is extremely important. Color design is not an end in itself; it only fulfills its purpose when all elements of interior design harmonize and complement one another. Color design requires a professional and qualified analysis of the effects of colors in a spatial context, taking into account physiological, ergonomic, psychological, functional, and aesthetic demands. The colorful appearance of spaces where people work and spend time is a decisive, holistic influence.
As a result, the spatial environment needs to be systematically analyzed and planned. Architectural spaces, perceived and experienced in their entirety, have to meet the requirements of color design. This is the only way to achieve a design that is tailored to people’s needs. An environment that conveys information about spatial function, provides space for individuals, and contributes to the quality of life enhances our well-being, behavior, and actions.
This is true for all areas of interior design, in:
Educational institutions
Sports and recreational facilities
Workplaces
Healthcare
Retirement homes
Restaurants
Private homes
Areas that are not dealt with here, such as cultural and religious institutions.
IMPORTANT: These areas have highly diverse color design requirements due to their wide range of specific functions and uses, as well as different interior and exterior conditions. Consequently, there are no dogmas or simple rules and recipes for these environments. Nevertheless, we can identify fundamental aspects for developing color designs that form the basis for a more detailed discussion.
ASPECTS OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
ASPECTS OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
COLOR DESIGN
COLOR DESIGN
In order for color to be used effectively, i.e. to serve the needs of people, the architectural space, its function, and its elements, the following interrelated aspects are of key importance:
Relationship of people to color
Physiological requirements
Psychological requirements
Relationship of color to building and spatial function
Relationship of color to space and its elements
Orientation
Environmentally friendly materials and paints that are also safe for human health
Aesthetic qualities.
RELATIONSHIP OF PEOPLE TO COLOR
RELATIONSHIP OF PEOPLE TO COLOR
In order for color to be used effectively, i.e. to serve the needs of people, the architectural space, its function, and its elements, the following interrelated aspects are of key importance:
Relationship of people to color
Physiological requirements
Psychological requirements
Relationship of color to building and spatial function
Relationship of color to space and its elements
Orientation
Environmentally friendly materials and paints that are also safe for human health
Aesthetic qualities.
Design focuses on people. Thus, the most important aspect of design revolves around our sense of harmony and space. Al-though individual solutions can be found to meet personal needs in private living areas such as homes or apartments, the design of public buildings and spaces has to serve the needs of heterogeneous groups of users and residents. As part of the design process, a target group analysis is used to identify common environmental requirements that form the basis for the design. Learn more...
The design plan should create the best possible and least visually intrusive conditions for each individual. This requires an objective examination of users’ needs and the views of decision-makers. It also requires dialog and a readiness to communicate and cooperate. When creating solutions to design problems, consultants and designers have to avoid subjective ideas about color. During the planning process, specification and acceptance profiles help to verify and assess color de-signs, and can be used to evaluate the design of standardized spaces for large scale projects.
A conscientious color design, i.e. one that includes material and light design, must meet the following requirements:
PHYSIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
PHYSIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the use of safe materials, physiological requirements focus primarily on the physiology of sight and visual ergonomics, with the aim of reducing the impact on the eyes and the organism. Light conditions and color schemes should avoid causing visual disturbances, difficulties concentrating, or fatigue. These symptoms can be the result of glare, reflections, low-contrast situations, harsh light and dark contrasts, intensive color stimuli covering a large area, or irritating patterns in a direct line of vision. Extensive exposure to such conditions can lead to severe visual fatigue. Lighting plays a key role in color design.
The following criteria are essential:
Protection from disturbing brightness, reflective glare, and direct glare
Adequate lighting, keeping in mind that a person’s lighting requirements increase with age
Balanced distribution of luminous density
Natural shading
Suitable illuminant chromaticity
High color rendering.
PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physiological requirements are closely related to psychological ones, and concern the mental effects of the color environment, symbolic messages, associations, impressions, and the overall atmospheric effect. The impact of visual surfaces has a decisive effect on each individual’s personal level of acceptance. The interplay of color and spatial organization has a subjective effect on our well-being.
In addition to personal likes and dislikes, our ability to perceive colors and color combinations in spaces as pleasant or unpleasant, and judge them as positive or negative, depends on the following basic, interrelated factors:
Degree of chroma and contrasts
Color proportions
Relative amount of surface to color, and form to color
Location of colored surfaces within a space.
IMPORTANT: It is important to take into consideration the amount of color stimuli (degree of colorfulness) and stimuli variations (contrasts) that are beneficial to the individual. Alternating impressions from our surroundings correspond to our natural perceptions and rhythm of life. It is crucial that we respect this fact when designing spaces in order to avoid subjecting people to a monotonous environment that can unbalance and overstress them. Learn more...
Monotony and under stimulation (sensory deprivation), for example, through shadow less brightness, a lack of difference in luminous density, texture less surfaces, and dull color schemes can also lead to health problems, just as an excess of environmental stimuli (overstimulation) can create potential-ly dangerous stress levels. Thus, the objective of effective col-or design is to find the right combination of balance, diversity, and stimulation to avoid creating a stressful environment and integrate these elements into a visual arrangement. Subtle stimulation through color is a basic means of counteracting under- and overstimulation. Color families (commonalities) and color contrasts (differences) play an important role in this context. Contrasts convey corporeal forms and are a key factor for experiencing a space and orienting ourselves within it. A monotonous, simplistic color scheme has a disorienting effect and conveys no clear spatial identity.
RELATIONSHIP OF COLOR TO BUILDING SPATIAL FUNCTION
RELATIONSHIP OF COLOR TO BUILDING SPATIAL FUNCTION
One of the main objectives of effective design is to create a suitable framework for specific functions. The overall design of a building and its spaces should reflect a clear purpose. Based on their symbolic meaning and associative effect, colors are able to symbolize functions, thereby giving each build-ing and space utilization an appropriate purpose oriented atmosphere that corresponds to the users and activities that (should) take place in a given space. Learn more...
Color can thus be classified with the otherwise primarily physical factors of spatial surroundings (such as temperature, ventilation, humidity, air quality, light, noise), which are modified to enhance our comfort. We can define comfort as the state of equilibrium that is achieved when the combination of these factors matches the physiological and psychological needs that govern our well-being.
Different design areas (for example, private homes and residential apartments, hotels, educational institutions, workplaces, retirement homes, hospitals) have their own specific functions. It thus stands to reason that they have di-verse requirements regarding the design of the color environment.
Color can also help connect people with their surroundings. Whenever exterior conditions become stressful and hectic, taking refuge in a deliberately low-key color environment can enhance a sense of inner calm. In surroundings that tend to be monotonous, effectively situated contrasting dashes of color can create inspiring impressions.
Balanced, low-key color schemes are beneficial for spaces where people spend long periods. Panama Werbeagentur, Stuttgart
Highly saturated color stimulation and intense contrasts are only recommended for spaces where people spend short periods. Panama Werbeagentur, Stuttgart
IMPORTANT: In addition to respecting uniform architectural conventions, designers of buildings with a variety of spatial functions are recommended to use colors to differentiate diverse areas, while maintaining an awareness of the color dynamics that are beneficial to the human organism. This produces a spatial ensemble that is generally more stimulating and exciting. The experiential dimension of the human-space relationship is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked. Mere functionalism alone is inhuman. It diminishes the human race as a whole.
RELATIONSHIP TO COLO TO SPACE & ITS ELEMENTS
RELATIONSHIP TO COLO TO SPACE & ITS ELEMENTS
Color is an ideal means of visually differentiating or linking architectural and spatial elements. Viewers find it easier to comprehend the different functions of spatial elements and furnishings when they are color-coded. Thus, colors improve our orientation.
By using color to link groups of structural components, spatial elements, and furnishings made of the same materials or performing the same function, color becomes an element of organization, and consequently enhances the “readability” of spaces. This is particularly important in com-plex facilities. Different hues and nuances can be used to establish visual priorities and structures, differentiate between important and unimportant elements, attract people’s attention, and guide them.
Summary color design of different spatial elements Intelligent House Solutions, Berlin
In the interest of this type of diverse approach to design, one that also conveys different experiential qualities, it is important when selecting surface treatments to retain the “living” structure and texture of the materials and material colors. This is true of all natural materials. Opaque surface treatments alter the character, statement, and impact of materials.
ORIENTATION
ORIENTATION
Orientation plays a key role when we have to navigate through large architectural complexes and clearly differentiate between areas with various spatial functions. We depend on visual orientation and guidance systems that correctly, accurately and clearly identify all paths, places, and “addresses.” At the same time, diverse design elements of spatial areas allow us to recognize separate functions. Visual aids that use colors help us quickly and easily orient ourselves in buildings and spaces.
Environmentally Friendly and Safe Materials and Colors When selecting materials and colors, it is important to ensure that they are safe for people and the environment. In buildings and their interior designs we should strive to use materials that have a positive effect on the spatial surroundings and enhance people’s well-being. The use of safe materials should now be standard practice, as should environmentally friendly and safe pigments, coatings, thinners, and binding agents.
Color-based differentiation makes for good orientation.
AESTHETIC QUALITY
AESTHETIC QUALITY
Interior design should aim to achieve a holistic aesthetic. This is created through atmospheric, informational, functional, and aesthetic qualities; through a logical and balanced inter-play of forms, materials, structures, light, and colors. Further more, the interaction of color elements is essential to a balanced and aesthetic color design. Color relationships, contrasts, and proportions are aspects that need to be considered. They should produce a holistic relationship structure that corresponds to the purpose of the design. The idea is to create conscientious color harmony, not random and arbitrary colorfulness.
In order for a building and its interior spaces to maintain a holistic character despite design diversity, building specifica-tions are recommended that serve to link different aspects and functional areas in both interior and exterior spatial areas.
Note: Aesthetically balanced and effective color designs are time-less. They do not depend on trends. The aesthetic quality of color design is also an identity and image factor in all areas of architectural and interior architectural design. Ideally, architectural color design should be perceived in conjunction with other design components. It should appeal to people in all three dimensions of our existence. Color de-sign should stimulate, delight, and inspire us.
SPACE AS STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT
SPACE AS STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT
Spaces that enhance our well-being, and stimulate and heighten our senses, require a subtle and balanced stimulation of every aspect of our sensory organization.
The following factors relating to each individual sense should be taken into consideration for all design discussions and decisions:
To stimulate the sense of touch, there is a wide range of materials available with diverse surface structures, including forms that provide tactile stimulation and floorings that con-vey an impression of stability.
The sense of life/comfort is positively stimulated by light sources, materials, and color selections with an energizing effect, by an atmosphere that conveys physiological and psychological comfort, and by environmentally friendly and safe materials.
The kinesthetic sense is enhanced by color dynamics and contrasts in spaces and spatial contexts. This is also true of flexible furnishings and furniture arrangements that promote movement and social dynamics.
The sense of balance requires visually well-balanced arrangements and a state of equilibrium between diverse, stimulating impressions, effective orientation, and spatial dimensioning on a human scale.
The sense of smell prefers natural materials with a pleas-ant scent, or unscented materials.
The sense of taste is stimulated by high-quality materials, holistic and aesthetic compositions that meet user needs and functional requirements, as well as by the authenticity and appropriateness of the design solution.
Mega Plex Kino, Vienna Architecture: Rüdiger Lainer; color design: Oskar Putz
Color reflectance of the orange wall on surrounding elements, Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt/M. Installation: Günther Förg
Positive stimulation of the sense of sight requires taking into account all physiological, psychological, ergonomic, and aesthetic aspects. Designers need to include effective quantities of light and color, appealing amounts of colorfulness, contrasts, and color proportions, a positive atmospheric statement, and finely tuned nuances.
Heat perception requires that the physical atmosphere of a space create a need-oriented, variable balance between “warm” and “cold” elements (material, light, color) in order to convey:
Safety, trust, warmth, and security
Peace, relaxation, concentration
Contact, communication, and/or
Intensity, dynamics etc.
MYTHODOLOGY
MYTHODOLOGY
We develop color concepts for the design of buildings and spaces in a series of stages.
These include the following steps:
Initial assessment
Review of planning documents
Inclusion of previous decisions
Analysis of current situation
Summary/conclusion: objectives
Analyses
Functional analysis (project function)
Target group analysis (users)
Situation/location analysis
Building analysis – exterior
Building analysis – interior
The analyses can be conducted using various semantic, differential rating scales.
Expose
Assessment/assessment study (if required by the customer)
Preliminary design
Development of a material and color plan
Material and color collages and spatial representations
Presentation of the preliminary design
Extra step: design of standardized spaces
Acceptance analysis (semantic differential)
Design
Material and color planning based on the preliminary design
Detailed sketches, models, material and color collages
Design presentation
Floor plan & materials catalog
ACTIVITY: Let's give a try!
ACTIVITY: Let's give a try!
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