Montalban_Color Theory

Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment IND 5325 – Section RVC - Spring 2017 Professor Darci Pappano

COLOR THEORY A compilation of course modules

Oscar Montalban

CONTENTS Self-introduction….............................................3 Module 1 – Color + Theory……………………………..9 Module 2 – Color + Designers……………………….11 Highlight: Chapel of St. Ignatious Module 3 – Color + Psychology + Perception..22 Highlight: Big Fish Module 4 – Color + Balance………………………….25 Module 5 – Color + Healthcare……………………..27 Module 6 – Color + Rhythm………………………….29 Module 8 – Color + Retail……………………………..31 Highlight: Fendi, Design District Module 9 – Color + Scale………………………………38 Module 10 – Color + My Camera………………….40 Highlight: Lummus Park, Miami, FL Module 11 – Color + Hospitality…………………..51 Highlight: The Mondrian, South Beach Module 12 – Color + Workplace…………………..56 Highlight: Adobe Module 13 – Color + Culture………………………..59 Highlight: Nicaraguan vs Mongolian Conclusion…………………………………………………..65 2

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Oscar Montalban

Something I love: My Wife

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Degree in-progress: Architecture Accelerated Masters (5-year track) 4th Year Degrees: AA – Miami Dade College 2015

Design Studio 5

Image of design work

Why study design?

To have an in-depth understanding of ancient world-defining structures, to gain a better understanding of humanity to better our society.

Design Studio 7

Image of design work

Design Studio 8

Image of design work

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AC KG RO U N D

WHERE are you from? Miami, FL WHAT is your cultural background?

Nicaraguan WHO is your family ‌ composition? My immediate family is composed of my wife and our cat. We have a large family beyond our home on both sides (parents, grandparents, nieces, aunts, etc).

WHAT are your circumstances? Working fulltime in the lighting industry while completing my Master’s degree in architecture WHAT Languages do you speak? English, Spanish WHERE have you lived? Miami, FL WHEN did you become focused on design? I have been drawing structures since the age of 5. My focus became more career-centered about 10 years ago.

WHAT factors have affected your path?

Balancing school and work has ultimately made my path a longer one. With the support of my wife however my path remains a focused one.

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This is, however, a contested distinction as academic work on the cultures and sociology of travel has noted.

Joshua Tree, 2014

TRAVEL

"There's a big difference between simply being a tourist and being a true world traveler," notes travel writer Michael Kasum.

REASONS for traveling include recreation, tourism or vacationing, research travel for the gathering of information, for holiday to visit people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages and mission trips, business travel, trade, commuting, and other reasons, such as to obtain health care or fleeing war or for the enjoyment of traveling.

Travel may occur by human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling, or with vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains and airplanes.

MOTIVES to travel include pleasure, relaxation, discovery and exploration, getting to know other cultures and taking personal time for building interpersonal relationships. Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international.

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A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies can include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements. By continually participating in a particular hobby, one can acquire substantial skill and knowledge in that area. Engagement in hobbies has increased since the late nineteenth century as workers have more leisure time and advancing production and technology have provided more support for leisure activities.

In the 16th century, the term "hobyn" had the meaning of "small horse or pony". By 1816 the derivative, "hobby", was introduced into the vocabulary of a number of English people. Over the course of subsequent centuries, the term came to be associated with recreation and leisure.

In the 17th century, the term was used in a pejorative sense by suggesting that a hobby was a childish pursuit, however in the 18th century with a more industrial society and more leisure time, hobbies took on greater respectability.

My hobbies: Exercising, eating, playing video games, and watching documentaries

A hobby is also called a pastime, derived from the use of hobbies to pass the time. A hobby became an activity that is practiced regularly and usually with some worthwhile purpose. Hobbies are usually, but not always, practiced primarily for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward.

Hobbyists engage in five broad types of activity: collecting, making and tinkering (like embroidery and car restoration), activity participation (like fishing and singing), sports and games, and liberal-arts hobbies (like languages, cuisine, literature).

People who engage in hobbies are those who have an interests and time to pursue them. Do you have time?

HOBBIES 7

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Personal color preferences: Like amethyst-like violets, blues Dislike greens

I tend to render with red tones.

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M1 COLOR + THEORY What is color theory?: Color theory is the study of the principles used to understand color.

Taking about color: Basic Terms Hue - pure color Value - lightness or darkness Chroma - purity of a color (saturation, intensity) Tint - color with white added Tone - color with grey added Shade - color with black added Types of Hues: Primary hues - red, blue yellow Secondary hues - violet, green orange Tertiary (primary color plus a secondary color) - red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, yellow-green, yellow-orange, red-orange).

Basic color wheel

Talking more about color‌ Color and Light: What is metamerism?

Metamerism is the phenomenon that color changes its appearance in different lighting conditions.

Warm vs Cool: Warm colors - red, red-violets, yellow, orange Cool colors - blues, greens, blue violets Color schemes: complementary, analogous, spilt complimentary, monochromatic, triad, tetrad, and more

Conclusion: Color theory begins with learning how to describe color. Using the terms included here will help you begin to learn to talk about and use color.

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M2 COLOR + DESIGNERS

The Chapel of Saint Ignatius 901 12th Avenue, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122 Designed by Steven Holl, 1997

Oscar Montalban IND5325

The Designer Who is Steven Holl?

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Born December 9, 1947 in Bremerton, WA Earned B.A. Architecture at the University of Washington (1971) M.A. from the AA (London), Practice: Steven Holl Architects (1976-Current) Other work: Columbia University Faculty, 1981-Current Awards: lvar Aalto Medal (1998), AIA Gold Medal (2012), Praemium Imperiale (2014) Time Magazine’s “America’s Best Architect” (1991) Guiding Ideology: Phenomenology

“Space is oblivion without light. A building speaks through the silence of perception orchestrated by light. Luminosity is as integral to its spatial experience as porosity is integral to urban experience.�

- Steven Holl

The Building The Chapel of St. Ignatius Jesuit chapel for Seattle University 6100 square feet

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Use of light and color to symbolize each part that makes up the whole Jesuit catholic ceremony Forced journey of light through specific spaces

“Holl made his church a journey through different passages of light—colored, clear, subdued, direct.”

- Richard Lacayo, TIME

Diagrams

Inspiration Bottles of Light� in a stone box

South facing light: Procession

North light: Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the mission of outreach to the community.

East and west light: Main worship space

Characteristics and Impact of Color • • • •

Stained glass windows—green, blue, red, yellow, orange White waxed walls Passage of light Uses a combination of primary and secondary colors PrimaryRed (warm): passion and service Yellow (warm) : feelings of joy Blue (cool): honesty, soulful color Secondary Green (warm): growth, harmony, ambition Orange (warm): endurance, ambition

Summary/Conclusion • • • •

Ability of light and color to illicit a journey or magical feeling Creating a unique experience and reality Primary colors faded out to create a sense of warmth Night use of the church was vital and the volumes luminousity act as beacons • Each volume was organized to represent a part of the program for Jesuit Catholic worship The architect uses an impressive method of volumes that face different angles to create a variety of lighting scenarios that give the church a sense of being alive.

The interior uses a system of wax wall finishes that funnel the light throughout the building to create unique moments in space. This design is an absolutely remarkable piece of architecture that uses light as a its ultimate material.

References https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Holl http://www.stevenholl.com/projects/st-ignatius-chapel? http://pcad.lib.washington.edu/building/4151/ http://www.archdaily.com/269251/steven-holl-interview-not-a-signature-architect-andrew-caruso http://www.wanderingarchitect.com/2009/08/06/7-bottles-in-a-stone-box/ http://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55e6/fd90/4d8d/5d0b/c000/12e6/large_jpg/97-040-61b.jpg?1441201538 http://www.famous-architects.org/steven-holl/ http://inhabitat.com/interview-exclusive-7-questions-with-architect-steven-holl/ http://www.archdaily.com/tag/steven-holl-architects/ http://www.archdaily.com/575852/spotlight-steven-holl

BIG FISH

M3 COLOR + PSYCHOLOGY + PERCEPTION

MONTALBAN, OSCAR Color + Environment _ FILM ANALYSIS_M.4

FILM SUMMARY This film by Tim Burton tells the story of a man, Edward Bloom, who is approaching the end of his life. The film also follows the relationship between Edward and his son Will. Will’s image of his father is one of a distant father, remembered for his tall tales and lies. As his father approaches his death, Will discovers the importance of his father’s stories in the impact they have on other people’s lives. When Edward dies, Will understands how his father still lives on through his stories. Throughout the film, Edward re-tells different stories from his life. The film transitions back and forth between reality and Edward’s memories or “tall tales.”

Colors played a significant role in the film. As Edward tells his stories, the audience is transported to a bright, often dramatic scene, quite contrary to the dull, pale colors that make up the scenes of Edward’s reality.

Through this contrast, the audience feels the impact of Edward’s stories, the same feeling Will comes to experience at the end of the film. With his stories, Edward transports his audience to a magical place where courage, bravery, and love always triumph.

DELETE this image and insert another meaningful image from the film.

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SCENE ANALYSIS Edward Leaves Spectre Who are the major characters? The major characters in this scene are Edward, Jenny, and the townspeople of Spectre Where is the place? Spectre is a small, picturesque town in Alabama. This is the place you find and never want to leave. It is night time but bright lights hanging across the grass reveal the bright colors of the town and its care-free nature.

Red: Edward’s dark red shirt contrasts the bright, airy colors of Spectre. This discordance symbolizes how this is not the time for Edward to be in Spectre (no one ever leaves)—Edward doesn’t quite fit.

Light pink tones: The light pink tones convey a child-like, care-free nature.

These tones contrast to Edward’s red shirt (sense of urgency), symbolizing that Edward still has much to do.

Green: The bright, perfect green grass of Spectre symbolizes fullness.

Spectre has what everyone hopes to find in a town and settle down in. While the grass is alluring, Will is not quite ready to settle down yet.

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COLOR PALETTE

M4 COLOR + BALANCE What is balance?

Balance is the relationship of different hues to one another when each is "perceived" to be equal its "perceived" visual weight. The term is also used to describe the physical order of objects within a larger composition.

There are three types of spatial balance: symmetry, asymmetry ,and radial Through color application, you can achieve balance of value, contrast, hue, intensity, and size of color area.

Rule of Thumb: Rooms can contain a minimum of one color, but no more than five.

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What is contrast?

Contrast is an opposition used in order to show or emphasize differences between two objects What is visual weight?

Visual weight is the perceived lightness or darkness of a color

Effects of colors and contrast: light colors: Appear to advance toward user and are visually light dark colors Appear to recede away from user and are visually heavier high contrast - used for safety concerns (warnings, exit signs) low contrast - used to limit anxiety or tension 26

M5 COLOR + HEALTHCARE

Evidence-based design (EBD) has determined specific guidelines regarding how design and use of color can effect users and can also be a part of the healing process.

Goals for creating healing environments: - strive to heal the patient - support the staff - engage the family

Aspects of healing environments that can be a part of the healing process: Single patient rooms Ergonomics Furniture arrangement Air quality Windows Wayfinding Building layouts and zoning Access to nature Light – particularly natural daylight Floor materials Noise control 27 Positive distraction through the use of aesthetics

Consensus on the use of color in healthcare environments:

Other interesting technique for healthcare design:

Although green has been used successfully in some healthcare environments, research has shows that “there does not exist a clear consensus that color alone can create responses of either calm or arousal in all people, and in patients in particular.�

- Wayfinding: physical awareness of one's place or orientation in a space. Can be used to reduce stress - Surface treatments can be used to differentiate levels, spaces

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M6 COLOR + RHYTHM

What is rhythm?

Rhythm is the repetition, recurrence, or sequencing of something. Rhythm can also be used to describe a progression of shape and size.

How to use rhythm in design: progressive values, contrast of saturation, solid vs void, light vs dark Important terms:

Repetition - Systematic orderly succession of identical design elements along a defined path in space Alternation - Two distinctly different design elements are repeated in sequence Progression - Repetition of similar elements with a continuous change Continuation - The placement of one or more colors to create a continuous movement of the eye through a space Radiation - Concentric color arrangement to create visual movement

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How nature can influence design: -

reflect on organic forms to inform your design Use colors from the environment, Reflect on feelings experienced in nature Use textures and patterns found in nature, Use proportional color palettes Use rhythms of objects

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M8 COLOR + RETAIL

Fendi Miami Design District Address: 150 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137 Oscar Montalban

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HUE

VALUE

DESIGN FEATURE

TEXTURE

FOCAL POINT

HUE: Color The use of color is most striking in the bright red-orange colonnade on the corner side of the store. This paired with an accent light blue trim and green second floor store front make the store incredibly identifiable. The colors work as markers for the viewer. The end result is the imprint of these colors with Fendi leaving the visitors to the store with an iconic feel for this particular location.

Store Front

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VALUE: Lightness or Darkness The initial reaction to the space and its use of values seems to be the piece of furniture located in the center of the room. The piece is colored red-orange and immediately catches ones eye. In its use of such a striking color, it creates a moment of attraction to the viewer. This move has an even greater effect due to its strong contrast to the light colored carpet it rests on. The space is an area where people can gather to rest and observe the store from a central point. However, this is not the necessarily the true winner in the use of value. The brick wall in the background uses value in a brilliant manner by ending the space as an advancing force to the inhabitant. This is accomplished by the heavy contrast of the brown brick wall being placed as the ending point of a white ceiling and light brown carpet.

Sitting Area

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Design Feature The placement of the windows play a pivotal role in the overall architecture of the store. The most important set of windows are ordered in the red-orange wall that spans the corner faรงade. They are of significance because of the brightness of the red-orange color that surround them. This deliberate design feature gives importance to the windows and the space within by highlighting the interior and gives more importance to the glass than the actual color.

Exterior Window

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TEXTURE The use of brick on the columns create a unique moment which attracts the eye. The space between the columns soon becomes a moment that carries hierarchy. The brick seems almost out of place in comparison with the sleek and smooth touch of glass, metal and tile. Nevertheless, its texture dictates a special area within the store for merchandise.

Main Entrance Area

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FOCAL POINT Located at the center of the store is a display case that can hold a series of merchandise items. This display case uses a glimmering gold color to attract the eye and draw the observer to it. To add to the effect it is set against a light grey matte finish backboard.

Display Case

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M9 COLOR + SCALE What is scale?

Scale is the size of something in relation to the body.

Proportion vs Scale Proportion refers to the relative size of the space while scale is concerned with the relationships of various parts

Mathematical systems used to inform design: Le Modulor, Fibonacci sequence, golden section, tatami 38

Tips: - use intensely bright hues for smaller areas of an interior; these colors will dominate an interior - use a grid system - When designing using dark colors in a space, dark values should be placed toward the bottom of the interior.

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M10 COLOR + MY CAMERA

These images taken at Lummus Park and surrounding area focus on texture and saturation to create a memorable image for the viewer. Through these images the viewer recalls the vibrant light of that day, and the pockets of shadows cast in and between the grainy, weathered surfaces.

Oscar Montalban “Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation, and execution.�

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M11 COLOR + HOSPITALITY

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.

Commercial Design Analysis

PROJECT: The Mondrian DESIGNER: Marcel Wanders LOCATION: Miami Beach, FL.

OVERVIEW IMAGE

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HOSPITALITY

IMAGE for analysis

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HOSPITALITY

Discussion

Details

The lobby contains a very powerful black staircase that dominates the space. Its intricate pattern and deep black color creates a great sense of variety. The contrast of the

shape

line

white background and the smooth polished finish of the staircase give you a sense of direction and order. The twisting of the form adds a layer of complexity to the line

Line

Shape

of sight created on the approach to the stairs.

pattern

texture

Texture

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Pattern

COLOR + VARIETY _ HOSPITALITY

IMAGE for analysis

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HOSPITALITY

Discussion

Details

This space was very interesting due to its eccentric use of curves and its linear elements. The most striking feature however are the golden bells that act as chandelier covers.

shape

line

They command attention due to the complex pattern created by the glass shards that make up the chandelier.

Line

Shape

pattern

texture

Texture

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Pattern

COLOR + VARIETY _ HOSPITALITY

PROJECT: Adobe DESIGNER: Valerio Dewalt Train Associates LOCATION: 410 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA

COLOR + WORKPLACE Workplace Design Analysis Montalban

OVERVIEW IMAGE

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DISCUSSION | ANALYSIS The Adobe workplace design reflects several concepts discussed in “Hackable Buildings.”

line

line

examples

ANALYSIS

Through using line, shape, texture, and pattern, designers create unique spaces that designate different purposes for users throughout their day-to-day work activities.

Technology has transformed workplaces. More employees tend to work remotely, freeing up typical office space for multi-purpose uses.

At the Adobe workplace, we see designated areas for leisure, creativity and “brainstorming,” coffee breaks, individual focus areas and collaboration areas. Each of these spaces are designated through the use of color and line, shape, texture and pattern to create contrast and focal points.

The openness and fluidity of the spaces also make the office a friendly place for the public to visit and also to host events.

shape

texture

pattern 57

DETAILS CONCLUSION | EXPERIENCE IMAGE

IMAGE

IMAGE

IMAGE

IMAGE

IMAGE

The Adobe workplace embraces technology and the future of work to create multi-use spaces.

The spaces created by using color and contrast (though line, shape, texture, and pattern), allow both employees and the public to engage in different activities.

Spaces for creativity, focus, and collaboration transform the traditional office space into one that is better utilized and better experienced.

MONTALBAN 58 COLOR + VARIETY _ WORKPLACE

Introduction My CULTURE and country is Nicaragua.

Although I only lived in Nicaragua as a very young boy, I recall the textures and colors of my culture. Today, my family embraces Nicaraguan culture in the United States.

M13 COLOR + CULTURE

I have chosen Mongolia to learn about their culture and how they use color.

Mongolia’s culture today reflects both the nomadic lifestyle of the past and the vibrant colors of the culture it has come to be.

Montalban

color + culture NICARAGUA

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color + culture NICARAGUA

COLOR palette Pink symbolizes femininity. It is delicate and soothing.

Yellow symbolizes the sun. It signifies wealth and religion.

Nicaragua’s culture has been shaped by its geography, agriculture, history, and people. Located in Central America, Nicaragua has a tropical climate. Volcanoes and jungle lie just beyond the towns. It is known to be a major producer of coffee.

Some amazing cultural view that pulls all this info together

In 1522 the Spanish entered the land of Nicaragua and began influencing the native culture. The main religion practiced in Nicaragua today is Christianity. Today we see Spanish influence in the architecture and design of cities like Managua and Granada.

Throughout these cities and small towns, vibrant colors abound.

Green symbolizes life and fruitfulness. It also signifies vegetation.

Red also symbolizes life and is also used to signify religion. It is used to highlight the top of the cathedral in Granada.

Blue symbolizes the sky, and signifies trust and tranquility.

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color + culture MONGOLIA

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color + culture MONGOLIA

COLOR palette Orange symbolizes good health, love, happiness, and immortality.

Blue symbolizes the sky.

Some amazing cultural view that pulls all this info together

Mongolia’s culture, like Nicaragua’s, has been shaped by several factors, including it’s geography, history, and people. Mongolia is located in Central Asia, between Russia and China. Mongolia is landlocked, unlike Nicaragua, which has oceans on both sides.

Mongolia’s climate is characterized as continental, with warm summers, and long harsh winters. Mongolian peoples traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle for some time. What remained of the Mongol empire was colonized by China in 1691. Shamanism was the traditional religion of Mongolia, although today Tibetan Buddhism is more prevalent. We see elements of Shamanism, Buddhism, and the nomadic lifestyle throughout the country’s buildings, festivals, dress, and textiles.

Yellow symbolizes the sun and also signifies power, royalty, and happiness.

Red symbolizes good fortune, fertility, celebration, and fire.

In Buddhism, blue symbolizes kindness, peace, compassion, and harmony.

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COLOR + CULTURE

Closing image

references • http://globalpropaganda.com/articles/T ranslatingColours.pdf • http://visual.ly/colors-around-world • Color + Design: Color + Culture • https://www.britannica.com/place/Mon golia • https://www.britannica.com/place/Nica ragua

Oscar Montalban

CONCLUSION The use of color in our world cannot be underestimated. From its psychological effects to its uses in wayfinding and safety design, color is a quintessential component in our environments. A particular use of color within an environment can illicit a positive or negative effect in the viewer, and in viewers of different cultures; color is not without context. Without the thoughtful use of color our world lacks both a reasonable sense of order, comfort, and familiarity.

This course has provided me the basic yet most essential knowledge and understanding of color to reflect upon throughout my design process, both in my professional and personal life.

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