COLOR THEORY theory+application for the built environment
Ashley Aguiar
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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WHO I AM COLOR+THEORY COLOR+DESIGNERS COLOR+PSYCOLOGY COLOR+BALANCE COLOR+YOUR CAMERA COLOR+RHYTHYM COLOR+EMPHASIS COLOR+[proportion+scale]+[unity+harmony] COLOR+HOSPITALITY COLOR+RENDERING COLOR+WORKPLACE COLOR+CULTURE
Hello everyone! My name is Ashley Aguiar. I’m originally from Miami but have family all over Spain and Cuba. I’m currently a student at Florida International University, studying architecture. I have always been in love with architecture and the arts, along with traveling. I have a huge passion for art and for traveling. I have an amazing family that loves to travel as much as I do. Fortunately, I have been all over the world with them and seen many different cultures and I feel like that in itself has influenced my artwork over the years. I have no favorite color. In fact, my favorite is the absence of color which is black. I love high contrast images and spaces that take color and extreme lighting into account. In the next page you’ll see some of my artwork and photography that I have acquired over the years. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Stiltsville, Fl
Dublin, Ireland
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Wynwood, Fl
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COLOR + THEORY
M.2
In this chapter the color of theory is addressed. It is stated that it is the study and practice of a set of principles used to understand the relationship among colors. (P.2) This chapter covers the fundamental definitions needed to fully understand how color is absorbed through the human eye and how it effects us. The colored light we see is called the visible spectrum.(P.3) Reflection occurs when light strikes an object, and in the case of seeing color, the light reflected back from an object results in the color we see. Diffraction, occurs when light is partially obstructed by an object. Refraction results when one or more light rays moves through a light medium to another, denser medium such as air to water or a prism, causing light to bend.(P.4) Color Language– Achromatic refers to black, white, and gray, all of which do not have color. Primary hues are red, blue, and yellow. Secondary hues are violet, green, and orange. Complementary colors come from two colors on opposite ends of the color spectrum. Analogous color schemes result from two or more colors adjacent to one another on the colors spectrum. (P.8)
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COLOR + DESIGNERS For this module, we chose from a list of architects that are known for their schematic design involving color along with an associated project and design a presentation that told a story of the architects use of color. Information and images were gathered from the internet and carefully formed into one cohesive presentation. I chose Barragan because he is one of my favorite architects. I love how he merges architecture with the landscape through simple use of planes and certain colors. I also like that he kept to his heritage and that some of his architecture was based off of Mayan inspiration.
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M.3
ANALYSIS
“I underline the study of color above all.” Architect Luis Barragan was born in 1902 in Guadalajara, Mexico. He studied to be an engineer as a young adult, but took on additional coursework and eventually became an architect. He wasn’t intimidated by color when it came to architecture, in fact, he liked to engulf his work in huge expanses and absorbing patterns collocated with transitioning angles and light.
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Cuadra San Cristobal, Mexico
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ANALYSIS
Barragan used planes to define boundaries with ingenious techniques for horse stalls, usually displaying sensitivity for particular landscapes. The water was treated as a plane, breaking the barrier between what is and what is built. He uses walls and color to mesh so that it catches reflection of the trees.
ANALYSIS
Fuentes de Los Amantes, Mexico This project allows for bright colors without looking gorish. It looks rich and natural with natural reflecting conditions within the landscape. The house is married to the site. The walls indicate function with a gradient of colors. He would paint in these bright colors to merge very well with the light quality of Mexico. This space is barely enclosed, reflecting his Mayan culture. Barragan was a man of color, through his use of color variation and space he was able to create some of the most iconic architecture in history.
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COLOR + PSYCHOLOGY
M.4
For this assignment we had to pick a movie from a list and fully understand how every person responds to color. We know that every person responds to color differently, so for this assignment I identified how this movie influenced me. In the assignment I looked at different aspects such as how color dealt with health and the overall surrounding of the situation.
I used definitions in the book to guide me through this evaluation. Color therapy, is the practice of using colored light and color in the environment to cure specific illness and to bring about beneficial health effect. (p.22) The bezold effect is a common phenomena designers encounter when working with color patterns common with textiles, wall coverings, carpet and other patterned materials that are available in Demonstrate an understanding of how color relates and changes under varying conditions in interior spaces. (p.35)
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COLOR + PSYCHOLOGY DELETE this image and insert the intro film scene
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M.4
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ANALYSIS
Pulp Fiction is a narrative about the swindling lives of two hitmen, Vincent and Jules, a mob boss, and his wife Mia. It follows these characters as they go through several disturbing, memorable, funny and odd situations. Tarantino(director), pays close attention to each scene and to cinematic components, which make the film so memorable.
ANALYSIS
In this scene, Mia had just arrived at Vincent’s dealer’s house. They are trying to revive Mia back from her overdose on heroine. Notice how everything has a slight brownish tint to it except the surrounding space around Mia, which is lighter, foreshadowing the fact that she is going to live. White is usually used as a pure color, signifying either life or death, or something good that is about to happen. Since there is a brownish tint to everything, it gives the scene a sense of support making a oerson feel comforted with high hopes. I also chose black because it is a color that exemplifies the fear of the unknown, giving the audience a sense of uncomfortability at the same time, almost keeping them on edge.
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COLOR + BALANCE Color balance is one of the most important things you can learn. It’s especially important when it comes to design because any little thing that is off balanced can destroy a whole project and make it arbitrary. Some of the definitions below are important in terms of balance and deign. Balance refers to the relationship of different hues to one another when each is perceived to be equal in visual weight.(P.42) Symmetry is the arrangement of elements on either side of an implied axis that are equally balanced and of the same shape and form. (P.42) Contrast is opposition in order to show or emphasize differences between two objects.(P.44) Asymmetry results when elements on either side of an implied axis are equal in color weight but vary in size and shape.(P.45)
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M.5
COLOR + YOUR CAMERA
M.6
For this assignment we were asked to take pictures of wherever we were at the time, and form a pdf. These pictures however, are supposed to be of high quality and thought out. This was one of my favorite modules. I really enjoyed venturing out in NYC and taking photos that I thought were significant. The next two pages are some of the photos I took for this module.
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NYC 17
COLOR + RHYTHM
M.7
Rhythm is movement. Rhythm is a natural evolutionary trait in nature that can be transferred to interior spaces and can be further emphasized with color. (p.58) It is extremely important when it comes to design. Design should have rhythm, it should have a constant flow and language. Without this it becomes very confusing and creates havoc. Rhythm can be found in just about everything. From music to nature, to architectural language, it all coincides with one another. There’s different types of rhythm, there’s actually five associated with color: repetition, alternation, progression, continuation and radiation. It provides an opportunity to move the viewer through the space, creating moments for emphasizing or downplaying various design elements. (p.61)
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COLOR + EMPHASIS
M.8
For this assignment we had to go to the city and find a store that we found intriguing from the inside. We were to take photographs and evaluate the interior architecture and how it worked in terms of emphasizing on certain things such as contrast in value, contrast in focal point, contrast in texture and contrast in design feature.
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COLOR + EMPHASIS
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M.8
CONTRAST |value
ANALYSIS
Contrast in VALUE, is clearly used in this store by implementing bright light in front of dark colored panels. This illuminates the store, giving it a welcoming/ grungy feeling which foreshadows the type of clothing being sold in the store.
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CONTRAST |focal point
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ANALYSIS
The FOCAL POINT on this wall is the clothes. All Saints uses dark backdrops and bright lighting to emphasize the clothing being sold. If you notice, the only items that don’t blend in are the items that aren’t permanently casted on the wall.
ANALYSIS
CONTRAST |design feature The DESIGN FEATURE in this store is bare/ grunge with an emphasis on the product being sold. The light above emphasizes the clothing below. From the furniture to the lighting to the clothing, all coincide, making it a cohesive display and making it easier for the buyer to want.
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CONTRAST |texture
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ANALYSIS
I think this store used it’s contrast in TEXTURE very ingeniously. The “wall” is made to look and act like a wall, but through antique sewing machines. The texture of the wall here isn’t concrete or any other material, but multiple items gathered to make one giant piece.
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COLOR+[proportion+scale]+[unity+harmony] Proportion and scale are in my opinion, are the two most important factors a designer should think about while creating a space. In terms of architecture and design, proportion and scale make up every bit of what a person feels when they walk through a building. It’s what makes the experience. Unity and harmony make the space feel like a complete whole. These four elements integrated into design is what makes or breaks a project.
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M.9
COLOR + HOSPITALITY
M.10
For this project we were asked to study how color effects hospitality. I chose the Viceroy in Miami. I think this place has great spaces and implements funky lighting throughout the main spaces, giving the building a certain feeling that no other building in Miami does. The proportion of the furniture is off in the lobby and surrounding rooms. It makes a person feel tiny when walking from space to space.
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VARIETY is a principle of design that is concerned with the combination of one or more color elements that use line, shape, texture, and/or pattern to create diversity and contrast in an interior space.
PROJECT: Viceroy DESIGNER: Arquitectonica LOCATION: Miami, Fl
OVERVIEW IMAGE
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ANALYSIS
The visit to this hotel was very intriguing. Every aspect of this building is appealing to me, from the hotel lobby to the beautiful pool up top. With regards to color, this hotel takes on a unique twist and uses deep yellow, red, and natural tones to illuminate the building. This building is a great example of color and variety. Every room in this building looks completely different; the lobby and outside entrance coincide while the spa and pool do the same. The design of this building plays with the perspective of a person’s eye. Huge rooms placed with tiny objects distorts a visitor’s perception of how the building is viewed. color & pattern occurs when there is a repetition of shapes in combination with color and texture, which can be seen on the panel design above that ultimately blocks the space between reality and the Viceroy. color & line can be appreciated in every part of the building but is most noticeable in the hotel lobby. There is a strong dichotomy between the sharp tables with illuminated red light, and the giant curved columns that hold the room up. color & texture can be appreciated in the spa, The marble finishes give an elegant feature that cools the whole room down. With the variation of other colors in the room, it gives it a feeling of tranquility. color & shape is exemplified in the placement of the giant columns that are placed around the building. These columns were shaped to look like faces, so that guests were “greeted” upon entering the building.
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COLOR + RENDERING
M.11
We were asked to do a simple rendering with the “60-30-10� rule. This chapter covers the ratio of how certain colors should be distributed in a space when someone is designing. It also teaches how to properly use a variety of color. Variety is the principle of design that is concerned with the combination of one or more color elements with shape, form, pattern, and texture to create diversity and contrast in an interior space.(p.130) this adds the visual break from a design, much like emphasis.
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ANALYSIS
COLOR + RENDERING The color gray is an unemotional color. It is detached, neutral, impartial and indecisive. It is the color of compromise. Being both motionless and emotionless, gray is solid and stable, creating a sense of calm and composure, relief from such chaos. The color violet relates to imagination and spirituality. It stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideas. It’s an introspective color, allowing us to get in touch with our deeper thoughts. Green is the color of balance and harmony. It is the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart.
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M.11
ANALYSIS
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ANALYSIS
I chose these colors because they are neutral colors that are all calming one way or another. I chose gray as the predominant color so that it would create a neutral feeling for the whole room. I also chose the violet as secondary so that it wouldn’t overbear anything. Collectively, I created a space that is calming and soothing.
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COLOR + WORKPLACE
M.12
For this module we were asked to look at a workplace and how the environment relates with it in terms of integrating color. We have to look at how color is used to create movement, continuity, establish program, indicate circulation, add visual stimuli, and offer a variety of experiences for the user. Since I spend most of my days at FIU Architecture, I chose to do my project on it.
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COLOR + WORKPLACE
PROJECT: Paul Cejas Architecture Building DESIGNER: Bernard Tschumi LOCATION: Florida International University
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M.12
DISCUSSION | ANALYSIS Texture, is the characteristic visual and tactile quality of the surface of a material resulting from the way in which the materials are constructed or combined together. Variety, is the principle of design that is concerned with the combination of one or more color elements with shape, form, pattern and texture to create diversity and contrast in an interior space.
shape
Texture, is shown in the earthiness of the concrete casted throughout the whole building, along with the furniture that resides inside the building. The Shape in this building is mostly orthogonal, with few exceptions of thresholds and the central buildings which are colored and shaped oddly. This was done to emphasize the main points of the building along with the meeting space. The Pattern of the building is odd, but works. It is a geometrical pattern that randomly gradients from red to yellow throughout the progression of the building.
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texture
pattern
ANALYSIS
Line, is clearly shown throughout this whole building. It repeats itself throughout the whole structure defining space and guiding people through the building.
line
ANALYSIS
I chose this building because I personally have experienced it’s color and variety on a day to day basis. This building has many moments about it. From the simple yet elegant repetitive form to the wacky pattern that makes it stand out from afar. I think that this building uses light to make contrast at night. I also think there is a huge contrast between the building. The rooms that hold larger amounts of people are the parts of the building that stand out more, while the student and faculty work area is very minimal. I think the repetition of lines throughout the building manifests in the architecture. It is clearly shown in pictures to the right. The pattern as well pops out and almost guides a person to walk into the premises of the building.
IMAGE
IMAGE
IMAGE
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COLOR + CULTURE
M.13
For this assignment we had to evaluate the country we are from along with another country we found interesting. Evaluation of the country’s culture and how colors effected it is essential in this module. The following pages take you through a guide of Spain and Thailand.
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SPAIN is my country of heritage and I have chosen
THAILAND to look closer at their culture and how they use COLOR.
Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
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SPAIN
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SPAIN
The red and yellow "Colors of Spain" are said to be descriptive of the Spanish personality. Spain is rich in culture and vibrant colors.
Yellow indicates the warm Spanish sun. It is the main color used in the Spanish flag.
ANALYSIS
Red identifies passion, blood and love. It is the secondary color in the Spanish flag. Blue is an additional color I chose. It Represents immortality along with serenity. It represents the colors of the ocean and sky. Green is an additional color I chose. It represents wealth, which dates back in history. Spain is rich in many things. From its food to its traditions, Spain holds a big part in my home and in my life. Spain is a country in Europe, it borders France and Portugal. It has various types of terrain and is know for it’s architecture, fashion, food and most importantly wine. It’s history dates back to hundred’s of years ago starting with the running of the bulls. It is a tradition in Pamplona (the city it is held in) for everyone to wear white clothes and red handkerchiefs around their necks. This festival lasts 7 days beginning on the 7th of June.
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THAILAND
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THAILAND
In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a certain color. It is not so common to associate colors with clothing nowadays, but signs of the old tradition can still be found. On Monday’s, you’ll see most Thai people wearing yellow, representing the day the Thai King was born.
ANALYSIS
Yellow is considered auspicious as the bright yellow flower "cassia fistula" is a national symbol. represents Buddhism. yellow is considered the royal color, the color of Monday which is the King's birthday.
green
Black is a mourning color. It is worn at funerals and is a color associated with death and grieving. Therefore, it is forbidden to wear black at auspicious ceremonies like weddings. Traditionally, it is taboo to wear black except during the funeral rites and periods of mourning for the family. Nowadays black has become a very fashionable color to wear among younger Thais and the taboo is no longer adhered to in most cases. The red stripes represent the blood spilt to maintain Thailand's independence. The white stands for purity and is the color of Buddhism which is the country's main religion. white elephants are considered auspicious. Blue is Thailand's national color and it represents the Thai monarchy. The blue is also used to honor Thailand's World War I allies, Great Britain, France, United States and Russia, who all had red, white and blue flags.
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COLOR + CULTURE references • Photos by Ashley Aguiar • "Cultural Color." Empowered By Color. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. • "Thai Superstitions About Color." Thai Life + Travel. N.p., 28 June 2008. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. Monserrat, Spain
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THE END (: