Architecture

Color management and control in architecture and the effect of color on human psychology

Apart from importance of color in aesthetic appeal, it has far broader perspective to consider in architecture. Colors work as a kind of language and serve as tools of communication between people and the objects surrounding them. [1]



Sensegood spectrophotometer can be used in studying and implementing following phenomena. An expert can effectively use colors to provide the utmost visual ergonomics.

  • Perception of color in Architecture: The architect must consider the color effect of every architectural element
  • Color – perceived time: Under cool colors, time is underestimated; one feels one has been there less time than actually spent
  • Color – perceived space: Color of an object’s surface influences its perceived spatial extent
  • Color – perceived space: Color of an object’s surface influences its perceived spatial extent
  • Color and Healing: Neuroscientific research and studies of circadian rhythms demonstrate that the color directly influences human biological systems and health outcomes [2],[3]

Architects, designers, decorators and researchers are considering and adopting progressive scientific approach by using color measurement tools like spectrophotometers. [4]-[7] A professional designer will address the variables impacting color influences in interiors to develop a harmony that is pleasing in appearance and produces a desired psychological, physiological and emotional reaction.

Constructive approach in using various color psychological characteristics like color harmony, split colors, visual illusion or Purkinje effect; an eye can be deceived and perception can be altered.

Decision based on a visible color estimate is always subjective. Sensegood spectrophotometer offers the advantage of instrumental color measurement. Scientific approach in right color placements using Sensegood spectrophotometer boosts confidence of professionals which ultimately leads to customer’s comfort and satisfaction.

Other architectural elements: concrete, wood and ceramics are separately discussed.


References :

  1. Hard, A., & Sivik, L. (2001). A Theory of colours in combination – A Descriptive model related to the NCS colour-order system. Wiley Color Research and Application, 26 (1), 4-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/1520-6378(200102)26:1<4::AID-COL3>3.0.CO;2-T
  2. Sheila J. Bosch, Eve Edelstein, Rosalyn Cama, Jain Malkin, The Application of Color in Healthcare Settings, The Center for Health Design, October 2012. https://www.healthdesign.org/chd/knowledge-repository/application-color-healthcare-settings
  3. Edelstein, E. A. (2008). Chapter 2: The laboratory experiment. In AIA College of Fellows 2005 Latrobe Fellowship: Developing an evidence-based design model that measures human response: A pilot study of a collaborative, trans-disciplinary model in a healthttps://www.brikbase.org/sites/default/files/latrobe_2005_0.pdf
  4. Tom Porter, Byron Mikellides, Colour for Architecture Today, 2nd Edition, 8 August 2019, ISBN 9781315881379, Taylor & Francis, London. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315881379
  5. Masanao Iuchi, Kaoru Saitou, Katsunori Furuya, Sinji Kobayasi, Fundamental Study on Measuring Color of Landscape by Photoelectric Colorimeter, Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architects, Volume 51, Issue 5, Pages 245-250.
  6. Juan Serra Lluch, Color for Architects, Princeton Architectural Press, May 2019, ISBN: 978-1616897949. https://papress.com/products/color-for-architects
  7. Zhao, X., Matsunaga, I., Honda, S., & Tsuchiya, J. (2015). Experimental study on the texture effect of building materials for architectural planning and design: Survey on the actual color of architectural concrete and the experiment of the color control. https://doi.org/10.3130/aijt.21.285

This article is about the use of spectrophotometer or full spectrum colorimeter for color measurement in architecture and color - psychology studies.