Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment IND 5325-FIU Fall 2019
Adriana Gabaldoni
Contents
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10
Color + Me Color + Culture Color + Theory Color + Designers Color + Perception Color + Film Color + Balance Color + Retail Color + Hospitality Color + Workplace
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M1 Color + Me
New Jersey
Florida
VENEZUELA
Hello! I’m Adriana I am currently in Graduate Design 1. I got my associates at Broward College, where I studied Architecture for two years. My favorite color is turquoise. I tend to prefer colors that bring me peace and calm.
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Venezuela I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Both of my parents were born in Peru. I have two older brothers. New Jersey In 2016 I decided to move to South New Jersey to learn English as a second language. Florida When I decided I was going to stay in the U.S to study design I moved to Miami since its atmosphere makes me feel more like home.
Why Design? I believe Interior Design has a great amount of power on humans. It affects us physically and mentally. I want to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing but also good for our minds.
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M2 Color + Culture Module 2 explores how each culture associates colors differently.
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Venezuela Venezuela, my home, is located in South America. Venezuelan culture is a mixture of three different cultures: European (mainly Spanish, Portuguese and Italian), indigenous, and African. This mix of cultures creates a colorful palette all around the country. Warm, bright colors are dominant from the way people dress to the decoration and facades of the houses. Venezuela has the biggest extension of the Caribbean Sea, painting its coastline with multiple shades of blue. The weather makes it possible to have green sceneries all over the country and blue skies all year round.
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Yellow represents the wealth of the nation, the sun, sovereignty, harmony and justice. This color is characteristic of the national tree, the araguaney, and the national bird, the troupial.
Blue symbolizes the oceans, rivers, and lakes of the country, as well as the sky. Macaws, found mainly in the capital, are known for having beautiful tones of blue.
For Venezuelans, red represents the blood shed by the heroes of the country to conquer freedom. It is also interpreted as love, power, strength, and progress.
Green represents vegetation, which is abundant in the country from the city to the countryside. The color terracotta doesn’t have any symbolism, but it is the characteristic color of clay, which has a big role in crafts and architecture. 9
Iceland Iceland (located in the North Atlantic) is known for its glaciers, volcanic rocks, northern lights, and green mountains. The warmth from the Gulf Stream makes it a temperate climate, giving the country a variety of sceneries. The color palette of Iceland is varied but it is dominated by cool tones.
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For Icelanders, green means sterility. This color is only seen in nature. It can be found on the green mountains, in the northern lights, and sometimes in the roofs of houses, in a very neutral tone. The color purple has a calming effect and it is related to royalty in many countries. It doesn’t have a specific meaning for Iceland.Purple is found in the Alaskan Lupine flowers that take over Iceland during summer. Also it can be found in the northern lights and sunsets. In Iceland blue means clear, water, and poor. Different shades of blue are found in the skies, glaciers, and water streams of Iceland.
Grey is the color that characterizes the volcanic rock of Iceland. The floor consists of 90% basalt, a dark grey or black rock.
White represents peace, nature, and evil repellent. It can be seen in the glaciers, ice, and facades of houses. Also, the national flower, the Dryas Octopetala, is white.
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Conclusion
Each culture has their own beliefs and associations towards color. It is crucial as designers to understand how color associations vary from culture to culture. We have to be aware of the message we are sending to different communities with our designs. We have to do our jobs while beign respectful towards the clients, their beliefs and ideas.
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M3 Color + Theory Module 3 explains what is color theory, its fundamentals and general color theory language.
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Color Theory Is the science behind the use of color. It helps us understand the role of color in design and how to use it succesfully. It also explains how humans perceive colors and how they are created.
Light Without light there is no color. Light is made up of wavelenghts, each one is a different color, lenght and strenght. Our brain picks up those wavelenghts and translate them into color (visible spectrum).
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Color Mixing With light
With pigment
Subtractive Color Blue, red, and yellow are the primary colors; in printing and photography they are cyan, magenta, and yellow. Subtractive mixing occurs by removing wavelenghts.
Additive Color The primary-light colors red, green, and blue are mixed, creating white light. The absence of all colored light is black.
The Color Wheel The color wheel consists of three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), three secondary colors (colors created when primary colors are mixed (green, orange, purple) and six tertiary colors (colors made from primary and secondary colors, such as blue-green or red-violet).
Complementary colors result from two colors opposite one another on the color wheel.
Triadic color schemes are composed of
three colors equally spaced along the color
Analogous color schemes result from two or more colors adjacent to one another on the color wheel.
Tetradic color schemes are composed of
four colors equally spaced along the color
A split complementary color scheme is similar to the complementary scheme; however, it’s composed of three colors consisting of one main hue plus the two hues each adjacent to its complement.
Cool colors are blues, greens, and blue-violets. Warm colors are red, red-violets, yellow, and oranges.
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Conclusion
The use of color is more complex and structured than what it seems. Designers do not use color randomly, they use color theory to create designs that have meaning. Each color creates a mood, and there are infinite options.
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M4 Color + Designers Module 4 analyzes the Qiora Store and Spa in New York City, studying how the designer played with shapes and color to create an especific experience for the costumer.
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Designers Aoshi Kudo (Art Director)
Background
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1964
Education
Studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1988
Work
In 1992 he joined Shiseido International France In 2005 He stablished Communication Design Laboratory with Keiko Hirano He also is a part time lecturer at Tokyo Univeristy of Fine Arts and Music
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Projects
ARO is known for its originality, innovation, and imagination. The firm operates in a wide variety of projects from strategic planning, architecture, and urban design. The work is materially sensuous, intellectually rigorous, and socially engaging.
Adam Yarinsky (Project leader)
Stephen Cassell (Project leader)
Awards
2018 AIA New York State Firm of the Year Award 2011 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Architecture 2010 Academy Award for Architecture (American Academy of Arts and Letters)
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Qiora
Means Light from within Qiora is a store and day spa designed for the cosmetics brand Shiseido. The design required the privacy of a spa and the exposure a store needs to sell their products.
Concept
ARO created a sensory experience. The design diffuses light through layered fabric to create a glowing interior space. The lighting is a blend of warm and cool light that are programmed to gradually shift over time, evoking the sensation of a cloud passing over the sun.
The Design
Curved translucent organza fabric veils provide division and privacy. The material allows light in from the store front windows, the light gets diffused and creates a relaxing ambience in the spa area. The store is located at the front and the spa area in the back for more privacy. Artificial lights mounted on the perimeter wall create a bright atmospheric space that fluctuates during the day.
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Illumination
During the day white light illuminates the space while bluer tones are used in the evening to bring out the color and texture of the space and the veils.
Monochromatic
The store consists of different shades of blue in cohesion with the cosmetics color palette. The blue was complimented by white accessories. White gives the space a sense of openness to reinforce the concept of light from within. Blue has a positive effect on the body and mind. It evokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming and exude tranquility.
Dark blue: Trust Bright blue: Cleanliness and coolness Light blue: Peace, serenity, ethereal, and spiritual
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Conclusion
The Qiora Store and Spa design reflects the concept behind the Shiseido products. The color palette in combination with the illumination and the organza give the guest a feeling of peace and tranquility. The designers found a perfect solution for unifying a retail store and a spa in one space.
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M5 Color + Perception Module 5 studies how people perceive color, the factors that drive designers to choose color, and how color can improve a space.
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Color Associations and Perceptions Color preferences are highly personal. What one person likes might be disliked by another. Life experiences, culture, politics, society and beliefs are factors that influence our color preferences.
Color and Health Color plays an important role in our overall health, but we don’t even notice it. Chromotherapy (color therapy) uses colors to treat illness.
The Aging Eye As we get older our eyes process wavelenghts differently, making it harder to differentiate between colors. Color can be used in favor to solve this problem. When designing environments for older people it is important to use bright diffused lights to discriminate between colors, use effective light colors and dark colors to create contrast, choose colors opposite in the color wheel to increase contrast, and select color that will benefit the well-being of the elders. 30
Color Associations
Purple
Yellow
Pink
Blue
Orange
White
Green
Red
Black
Bravery, mystery, royalty, sacred, aristocratic. Cheerful, sun, gold, happiness, wisdom, vitali- Mostly positive ty, hope, optimism, and self-esteem. feminine, sweet, babyish, delicate, passion.
Cool, calm, comfortable, relaxing, clean, royalty, coolness, truth, loyalty, success, security, hightechnology, nautical, comfort, wetness, cleanliness.
Relaxed, growth, renewal, eternal life, freshness, youthful, healthy, tranquility, peaceful, wealthy.
Warmth, fruitfulness, brightness, happiness, cheerfulness, jovial, strength, endurance, festivity.
Courage, excitement, love, passion, sexy, increases appetite, festivity.
Purity, birth, cleanliness, innocence/virginity, empowerment.
Sophistication and power. 31
Conclusion
Colors have a meaning because of cultures, life experiences, history, society, politics, etc. We all perceive colors in a different way, physically and mentally. Besides improving our well-being, color can improve the way we read a space. As designer we have control over peoples experiences, so we should use color to make them better.
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M6 Color + Film Module 6 analyzes how color was selectively used in the movie The Life of Pi. Each color has a meaning, and together they enhance the narrative of each scene in the film.
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The life of Pi
After deciding to sell their zoo in India and move to Canada, Santosh and Gita Patel board a freighter with their sons and a few remaining animals. Tragedy strikes when a terrible storm sinks the ship, leaving the Patels' teenage son, Pi, as the only human survivor. However, Pi is not alone; a Bengal tiger has also found refuge aboard the lifeboat. As days turn into months, Pi and the tiger must learn to trust each other to survive. 36
Orange In color theory, orange is related to happiness and good health. It is also the main color in Hinduism (one of Pi’s religions). In the movie, orange symbolizes hope and survival. As the Ship sinks, Chinese crewmen give Pi a lifejacket with an orange whistle; on the boat, he finds an orange lifebuoy. The whistle, buoy, and tiger all help Pi survive, just as Orange Juice the orangutan provides a measure of emotional support that helps the boy maintain hope in the face of horrific tragedy.
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Blue Blue represents the heavens, immortality, peace, and truth. Also, blue is one of the main colors in Christianity (one of Pi’s religions). In Hinduism, blue is the color of the God Vishnu and his reincarnations. Vishnu has the qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, and the ability to deal with difficult situations while staying calm and stable. In the movie, blue represents calm but also loneliness. Pi is constantly thanking Vishnu, the blue god.
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Green Green symbolizes fertility, rebirth, and strength. Also, it is the color of Islam (one of Pi’s religions). In the movie, green is Pi’s favorite color. When he encounters the green island he feels amazed by its color and vegetation. After being in the middle of the ocean for so long, seeing blue all day, the color green gave him a relief and strength. Being in the island was a rebirth for him; it gave him the strength to keep going.
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Conclusion
The life of Pi is a movie filled with symbolism. Color takes a big part in it. Each scene has a different color palette, cohesive with the narrative. The color orange, blue, and green have great importance. Pi is influenced by three different religions: Hinduism, the traditional religion of India and his original faith (represented with orange), Catholicism (represented with blue), and Islam (represented with green). Through the movie we can see how his beliefs are tested and how each religion plays a role in his survival.
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M7 Color + Balance
This module explains the three types of balance, how to use value contrast, hue contrast, intensity contrast, and size to create a perfect balance.
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Balance Is the relationship of different hues to one another when each is perceived to be equal in perceived visual weight. People are more atracted to symmetry.
Three Types of Symmetry Symmetry (formal balance) is the arrange-
ment of elements on either side of an implied axis that are equally balanced and of the same shape and form.
Asymmetrical balance, also called infor-
mal balance, is more complex and difficult to envisage. It involves placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a fulcrum point.
Radial balance is achieved by the equal
rotation of design elements around a central axis. This is the least of the three balance types to impact color planning and is more of an organizational concept.
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Color Balance Balance is a means whereby harmony, peace, and connection can be made between the observer and that which is observed. This visual process is innately intuitive; however, a series of steps can be used to ensure a finished interiorspace that incorporates a balance of colors.
Types of Color Balance Value contrast (light/dark)
Intensity contrast (bright/dull)
Size of color area (large/small)
Hue balance (complements)
Contrast is opposition in order to show or emphasize differences between two objects.
The larger the amount of color used, the lighter it appears; the smaller the amount of color used, the darker it appears.
The relative brightness or dullness of color is established by adding the complementary color to a particular hue or adding gray.
Complementary colors are those colors that when placed next to one another intensify the other hue, making each to appear brighter. 45
Conclusion
Balance is an important factor to create aesthetically pleasing environments. Without balance the other design principles will not come together. When color is united with balance the design is elevated.
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M8 Color + Retail Module 8 analyses the Dolce & Gabbana store in Tokyo. How contrast of hue, value, design feature, texture and focal point control the exposure of the merchandise.
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Contrast of Hue The contrast of color between the interior design and the products put all the attention on the colorful merchandise.
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Contrast of Value The monochrome tones created with the lighting and the colors of the walls, floors, and furniture put all the attention on the merchandise.
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Contrast of Design Feature The gold works as an emphasis setter. The gold stair catches the client’s attention and draws the person to the second floor. The gold mannequins against the monochrome interior create emphasis on the products displayed. The gold room for the jewelry makes you walk towards it.
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Contrast of Texture The texture of the metal of the stairs adds more attention to it. The texture the spotlight creates on the floor, and the texture of the velvet jewelry holders create emphasis on the merchandise. The rough texture inside the jewelry windows add significance to the product.
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Focal Point The gold stair is the design element that receives the most attention in the store. Its major size and vibrant color against the monochrome walls and floor makes it the focal point.
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Conclusion
The design of the Dolce & Gabbana Store in Tokyo is a great example of product display. It shows us that it is not necessary to use multiple colors to create a striking design. The simple black, white, and gold are enhanced by spotlights and the different textures of the materials. If we play with texture, value, hue, and focal point we can create a great design.
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M9 Color + Hospitality Module 9 analyzes the design of the Faena Hotel in South Beach. Its design is exciting and creative, it brings the South America touch to the North. Color sets the mood and experience in a hotel as soon as the guest comes in.
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Lobby Color + Line
Color + Texture
Color + Shape
Color + Pattern
The massive gold columns define the path and accentuate the height of the ceiling. The organic curved shape of the column goes along with the nature theme on the walls.
Since Faena is all about excitement, the circles on the floor along the edges are a playful touch to a plain floor and the rectangle accent on the ceiling is more interesting than a square. 60
The different textures from the floors, walls, rug, furniture, and columns provide variety to the space. The rough texture of the columns create a focal point.
The paintings on the walls create excitement and bring energy into the lobby. It sets the mood for the guests. The gold incorporates the luxury that is in every corner of the hotel, and the red carpet with blue edge sets the characteristic colors of Faena Hotel.
Oceanfront Suite Color + Line
Color + Texture
Color + Shape
Color + Pattern
The diagonal lines in the wood inspire interest and movement. The curved shape of the furniture is related to nature, and also gives a feeling of relaxation.
The shapes in the rug give dynamism to the room, and unify the bed with the sitting area.
The texture of the wood with the texture of the furniture and textiles provide sensory and visual contrast.
The color pattern is exciting yet relaxing. The red brings the energy while the blue brings the calm. The red creates a beautiful contrast with the blue of the ocean. Red and blue are not complementary colors, which makes the combination more interesting.
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Conclusion
The design of Faena achieves the perfect balance of stimulating design. The color palette of the public spaces are warm and sensual. The patterns are playful but not overstimulating. Everywhere you look there is a unique piece. The bedrooms are designed to be a place for relaxation while maintaining the excitement that is in every space of the hotel. This is definitely not a hotel for minimalists. It is fun, exciting, stimulating, and luxurious.
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M10 Color + Workplace Module 10 studies the Macquarie Bank in Sydney. How color affects the productivity and mental health of the employees in their work environment.
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Meeting Room Color + Line
Color + Texture
Color + Shape
Color + Pattern
The round, curved shapes of the furniture make the seating more relaxed and casual. They are an usual bright color, instead of the typical neutral colors we see in workplaces.
The round shapes on the ceiling bring dynamism to a plain ceiling. The simple white color compensates for the dynamic shape, making it not as overwhelming. 66
The texture from the fabrics, ceiling, and walls are simple to compensate for vibrant colors of the furniture and eye catching shapes on the ceiling. There is a touch of wood under the seats, that adds dimension. The color pattern of the furniture is fun and energizing. The vibrant colors are not usually seen in the workplace environment, which sets this design appart from the usual. The transparent glass door brings natural light into the room.
Workplace Color + Line
Color + Texture
Color + Shape
Color + Pattern
The straight lines of the tables with their white color balance the vibrant colors of the carpet and walls.
Most shapes in this area are rectangles and squares, which give the space a feeling of stability. This stability reminds us that this is a workspace, which can be forgotten from its casual environment.
The bright carpet and the playful chandelier bring texture into the space. Most of the materials are plain to compensate the loud colors.
As in the other spaces, the color palette is vibrant. The pattern on the banquette brings dimension to it. The drawings on the walls give them a unique, fun touch.
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Conclusion
The design of Mcquaire Headquarters in Sydney takes into consideration the wellbeing and productivity of the employees. There is a casual, relaxed, and free feeling to the spaces. The vibrant colors and huge amount of natural light bring energy to the rooms. The open floor plan give the employees a sense of community. Also, they have the freedom to choose a different desk whenever they want, this way there is no set routine. A routine can get tyring and monotone which takes away the joy of going to work.
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Color is everywhere and it affects us without noticing it. As designers we have the power to master or completely ruin a design just with the color choice. A color is not just a color, it is a tool to improve our well-being.
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Resources Color + Culture https://www.aceculturaltours.co.uk/blog/iceland-land-of-many-colours http://globalpropaganda.com/articles/TranslatingColours.pdf https://www.whatson.is/icelandic-rocks-and-minerals/ https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultura_de_Venezuela Color + Theory Reed, Ronald. Color And Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York : Fairchild Books. https://es.99designs.com/blog/tips/the-7-step-guide-to-understanding-color-theory/ https://oss.adm.ntu.edu.sg/a170030/ego-in-different-settings/ https://drawpaintacademy.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-color-theory-for-artists/ Color + Designers https://www.aro.net/about-aro/ https://archinect.com/firms/project/12183539/qiora-store-spa/14868298 https://www.vmsd.com/content/qiora-store-and-spa https://medium.com/studiotmd/the-perception-of-color-in-architecture-cf360676776c https://www.cdlab.jp/english/profile.html Color + Perception Reed, Ronald. Color And Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York : Fairchild Books. https://templeworkla.com/massage-therapy-services/chromotherapy_crystal_light_bed/ https://www.archdaily.com/794834/home-for-dependent-elderly-people-and-nursing-home-dominique-coulon-and-associes/57cf71f0e58ece96570000be-home-for-dependent-elderly-people-and-nursing-home-dominique-coulon-and-associes-photo?next_project=yes
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Color + Film https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/11/exclusive-twenty-five-stills-from-life-ofpi.html https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/lifeofpi/symbols/ https://sites.google.com/site/s020736/behavioral-traits https://prezi.com/uq4hsdd6pyzy/interpretation-of-the-colour-orange-in-life-of-pi/ https://prezi.com/rtjvx6kqhlnf/the-colour-green-life-of-pi/ http://www.wou.edu/wp/exhibits/files/2015/07/hinduism.pdf Color + Balance Reed, Ronald. Color And Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York : Fairchild Books. http://wanitamalas.com/40-asymmetrical-balance-interior-design-wall-art-inspired-trends/ asymmetrical-balance-interior-design-wall-art-unique-60-inspirational-living-room-decor-ideas-the-luxpad/#main http://homeuntold.com/2019/07/01/38-what-to-expect-from-inspirational-modern-livingroom-designs/38-what-to-expect-from-inspirational-modern-living-room-designs_18#main Color + Retail https://www.contractdesign.com/galleries/projects-retail/photos-dolce-gabbana-tokyo /?articletitle=Dolce%20&%20Gabbana%20Tokyo&articleurl=https://www.contractdesign. com/projects/retail/dolce-gabbana-tokyo/#3 https://www.designboom.com/architecture/dolce-gabbana-gwenael-nicolas-curiosity-japan-09-20-2016/ Color + Hospitality https://www.faena.com/miami-beach/ Color + Workplace https://www.maxtonfox.com.au/projects/macquarie-bank/ https://www.archdaily.com/54544/macquarie-bank-clive-wilkinson-architects https://www.idesignarch.com/macquarie-group-revolutionary-workplace-design/ 73