Color Theory Fall 2016
Priscilla Cuadra
Module
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
You + Color Designers + Color Film + Color Balance + Color Healthcare + Color Photography + Color Rhythm + Color Retail + Color Scale + Color Hospitality + Color Rendering + Color Workspace + Color Culture + Color
Intro M1 You + Color
The module consisted of first understanding the the basic volcabulary of color. The module further introduces color schemes. This module also explains how the human eye perceives color. This includes the function of light when it comes to perception of color.
Hello My name is Priscilla Cuadra. I’m a 4th year architecture student at Florida International University. Before this I earned my High School diploma at Miami Palmetto Senior High School. I never considered myself a good student until I found architecture. It was quite a different to study someone thing in school that I actually found interesting.
Travel Japan Including Tokyo, Kyoto, Naoshima, Teshima, and Osaka. US Cities Chicago, Savannah, Helen, Tallahassee, Ocala, Key West.
Color Connections I’ve always loved the color red, but I find that I don’t own any red with the exception of lipstick. I’ve assumed it’s because it’s not “my” color. But I feel an emotional attachment to the color red. Dislikes Also, I strongly dislike red and black when used together. I think it looks childish and Halloween like. Likes Lately I like wearing neutrals and white, I’ve noticed that I feel more calm when I wear these colors.
Other Counties China, Dubai, Jamaica, The Cayman Islands. Hobbies 3d Printing Art Technology Coffee Cooking Creative Writing Makeup Debate Digital Art Model Building Music People Watching Playing Guitar Reading Sketching Watching Stand-up Comedy Movies Yoga Camping Photography Urban Exploration Walking
Design 8 Located in Wynwood, as part of a partnership with the developer Mana Wynwood.
Design 9 Located by the Miami River, this project was meant to be the headquarters for the Water Keeper’s Organization.
M1 You + Color
Conclusion In this module I learned how to organize myself in this class. There were many steps to each assignment, but I definitely liked the structure. We had to be careful with the directions each week. And this module was no exception/ I followed the template originally, but Iit was interesting to design a new layout for all that information now.
Intro M2 Designers + Color
This week we chose from 9 academically praised projects to analyze for their use of color. The architect I chose was Luis Barragan. Specifically, his House + Studo. It was our job to then recognize the color sceme used, and the effect that the color had on the space; both theoretically, and emotionally.
Luis Barragan Luis Barragán (1902-1988) was a self-taught architect, formally trained as an engineer. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico- his architectural skill was shaped as a result of his travels. In the 1920-1931 he spend time traveling to Europe and living in Paris. It was there where he attended lectures by Le Corbusier. His time in Europe led him to Morocco, it was here that he found an affinity for native architecture of North Africa and the Mediterranean. Barragán and his work have been described as “mystical” as well as serene.
“...minimalist, but it is nonetheless sumptuous in color and texture.” Barragán is known for his pure planes, be they walls of stucco, adobe, timber, or even water, are his compositional elements, all interacting with Nature. Through his writings and lectures he often describes his fascination with concepts of: Magic, Spellbound, Enchantment, as well as the concepts of Serenity, and Silence.
“Biography.” : Luis Barragán. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2016. http://www.pritzkerprize.com/1980/bio Photo by Rene Burri
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
House + Studio House + Studio (1948) Located in the suburbs of Mexico City, the project is considered a World Heritage Site. Although this building is now used as a museum, the project exemplifies Barragan’s interest in: colors, light, and intimately Mood. It consist of a concrete building with 3 stories. Most of the 1st floor contains a garden, while the 3rd floor contains utilities. Each room is distinct, Barragán goes as far as to design each for a specific mood. He called it emotional architecture. This is largely achieved through color, and light quality.
Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “Luis Barragán House and Studio.” - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2016. http://whc. unesco.org/en/list/1136 “The Colours of Serenity.” The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 25 Jan. 2003. Web. 03 Sept. 2016. http://www.economist.com/node/1546771 Floor Plans by Casa Luis Barragan
Exterior + Garden As one can see from the picture below, the project blends into it’s surroundings. this absence of color and the contrast between the interior’s color scheme, makes the house seem like a place of serene escape. the garden is closed on all sides, only allowing views to the sky and foliage. the architecture surrounds you in Barragán’s aesthetic. the cool colors of nature contrasting with warmth of colors from the architecture.
COLOR SCHEME. complementary The warm beige wall seen in this picture separates two color schemes. The orange wall is adjacent to the blue sky. Establishing a complementary relationship. On the other side, you see a the adjacency of the green from foliage and the magenta-painted wall. The color pallet could also be split complementary when considering the colors orange, magenta, and blue.
Image of the properties backyard.
Photo (Left) by Thomas Ledl Photo (Right) by Rene Burri via Archdaily
Entry “PORTERIA” Is the entrance into the home, this hallway would take you to the living room and dining areas. the warmth of the colors and materials enlist a feeling of comfort. The visual weight of the flooring color grounds the individual in the space, leading them though the entrance. Another source of direction is the hidden sources of white light, which adds to the analogous color by giving different tints of yellow to the space. The pop of magenta in the following room elongates the space while encouraging exploration. “VESTIBULO” This place is the entrance taken to reach the studio. This space would be used by clients, or by the architect himself. One can see the pallet as either a toned down version of the image on the left. It could also be considered an accented neutral scheme. COLOR SCHEME. analogous From the use of magenta to the yellow, the color scheme in both spaces could be considered analogous.
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TINTS + SHADES. Barragán preferred to add white or black to colors in order to affect the chroma of the analogous color scheme. These tints and shades seem to change in each room, also by concentrating on the content of white and black one also supports what happens to colors naturally (with light + shadow). this allows for further variation of color depending on the light quality.
Left photo shows a space called “Porteria”, the photo on the right is of “Vestibulo”.
Photo (Left) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily Photo (Right) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily
Biblioteca “BIBLIOTECA� This space is threshold that connects the studio to the living areas of the house. essentially, this space serves as buffer. the walls are kept white, and the warmth is kept through the wood used on the staircase, and the material used on the ground.
COLOR SCHEME. accented neutral The use of white on the walls, and variations of beige and brown on furniture support the idea that the scheme is neutral. However, the pop of yellow on artwork, ground material, and ceiling paint support that that color yellow is accenting the otherwise neutral scheme.
Images of the Biblioteca compared to previously analyzed room is for the most part neutral, with the exception of certain accents.
Photo (Left) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily Photo (Right) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily
Taller “TALLER� The taller or studio has a similar scheme from the biblioteca (or library). this space has ample amounts of light, including a series of skylights. this creates a space perfect for working.
COLOR SCHEME. accented neutral The use of white on the walls, and variations of beige and brown on furniture support the idea that the scheme is neutral. This is similar to the condition seen in the library. A pop of yellow can be seen on the ceiling.
Patio de las Ollas “PATIO DE LAS OLLAS” This space is an extension of the studio and is the terrace. Essentially it would be used to escape from the stress of the studio by giving the feeling of serenity.
Right Image shows the “Taller” while the right shows the “Patio de las Ollas”. Photo (Left) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily Photo (Right) by Jorge Ruiz Boluda via Twitter
COLOR SCHEME. analogous The colors seen here are unlike most areas of the house because of how cool the colors are. this use of cool colors were probably implemented to enlist feelings of calm and relaxation.
Estancia “ESTANCIA� This space is primarily neutral, it is the most tame of all the spaces.
COLOR SCHEME. monochromatic The use of white on the walls, and variations of beige and brown on furniture support the idea that the scheme is monochromatic.
Comedor “COMEDOR” This space is one of the most vibrant as far as color. this could be because it’s a space for personal gathering, this like the porterilla vestibule is unapologetically colorful.
COLOR SCHEME. analogous From the use of magenta to the yellow, the color scheme in both spaces could be considered analogous.
Photo (Left) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily Photo (Right) by Casa Luis Barragan via Archdaily
M2 Designers + Color
Conclusion Luis Barragán is a thoughtful designer, his home exemplifies his interest in color, in terms of how it can affect people as they live and even visit the space. areas displaying cool color pallets sooth, while warm colors enlist a sense of warmth and dependability. one of the most impressive things about analyzing both the color scheme of each of his spaces along with the psychological affect he tried to achieve, is that barragán wasn’t even trailed as an architect. to see images like these is to see how honestly timeless his homes are. Barragán considered intangible and maybe even illogical qualities of a space such as “magic, sorcery, and mystery.” his studio space for example isn’t cluttered by furniture, also it’s color scheme is tame. this can make one feel mentally unconstrained, and unclutter. this idea is typical for a minimalist lifestyle, the fact that one need not be cluttered by ornament or objects. this studio space has a terrace area of reflection, this shows how he considered someone’s emotional state when designing for the proper flow of spaces. supporting his idea that this is emotional architecture. Barragán was the only person at the time to dare use magenta, yellow, and orange- colors that became his signature. although his choice of color was noted as being arbitrary, it’s clear that genius was occurring because his decisions are supported by contemporary color theory.
Intro M3 Film + Color
Film + Color was about understanding how color effects the mood of a film. Further, it was about understanding how color can be used as a tool to communicate an idea. For the following assignment we were given a list of 8 movies. I chose Her by Spike Jonze.
Film Summary Her by Spike Jonze, is a film that follows the unpredictable, and fruitful experiences that comes with relationships. The main character, Theodore, is a warm, thoughtful, and sensitive man. He is often associated with the color orange, red, and yellow. The people Theodore is fond of are often shown in warm pastel colors, giving the viewer a peek into how Theodore sees them. Further, the film emphasizes experiences Theodore has with humans. Associating them with more vibrant, light filled scenes, this portrays those scenes as more fulfilling, and rich experiences. As the film unfolds, one sees the development of a new relationship. This is one that he finds refuge in after a painful breakup with his wife. This character is Samantha, an operating system. In the beginning, when Samantha is nothing more than a technology to Theodore, the scenes are less vibrant and dark. However, the more they communicate, the more vibrant experiences are associated with Samantha and the more real Samantha becomes. The film evokes feelings of melancholy, even in happier scenes. When analyzing the scenes, it becomes clear that there was a purposeful use of color to communicating feelings of sadness.
Positive Catherine Scenes Light pink hue, brightly lit. This scene is played like a memory. You see Theodore and Catherine (Theodore’s soon-to-be ex-wife) being playful with each other. The colors of this scene a contrast to the dark blue-hued bed he’s laying in, as he dreams of brighter days. The gratuitous use of white and pink suggests purity, and passion. Brown is a color that can be seen both in this scene, and generally in the film. Brown is the color that anchors the film in a shroud of melancholy.
Pastel pink Evokes a sense of Childishness, femininity, and passion, but also weakness. Beige with a Peach Undertone Richness, sensuality, and warmth of the peach undertone, and comfort and sense of home. Brown Evokes a sense of home or belonging, comfort, and Melancholy.
Negative Catherine Scenes Brownish-Green hue. Dim lighting. There is little dialogue in these scenes, and yet one understands that Theodore and Catherine (Theodore’s soon-to-be ex-wife) are having problems in their relationship. The relationship was no longer playful and easy, the darkness of the scene shows how hard it is for them to stay together. As the color associated with their relationship changed, so did their personalities. Indicating that they grew apart. These scenes make the viewer feel the guilt they felt for not trying harder to stay together. However it is clear that there is nothing anyone can do to repair the relationship.
Green-Yellow Associated with sickness, mold, and decay. The gratuitous use of the color suggests something wrong with the relationship. Dark Green Green suggests poison, envy, and guilt. However, the color is also associated with renewal giving one the sense that an end to their relationship was for the best. Brown Evokes a sense of home or belonging, comfort, and Melancholy.
Positive Date Scenes
Dark Brown The shade of brown suggests gloom, melancholy.
Brownish-yellow hue. Dimly lit. This scene shows Theodore with a date his friends set up for him. After some convincing from Samantha, Theodore finds himself surprisingly enjoying the date. They playfully talk as they get to know each other. However, the date ends badly. Perhaps the dimness of the light foreshadows how the date is about to turn sour. The viewer is consumed with jovial feelings of playfulness. The underlying mood however, is lonely, introspective, and sad.
Yellow Yellow evokes feelings of hope and optimism. However, it can also be associated with caution, sickness, and nervousness. White with Pink Undertone White suggests purity and innocence, the pink hue suggests passion and femininity
Negative Date Scenes Dark purple. Minimal Lighting. This scene is where the date takes a turn for the worst. She makes it clear to Theodore that she’s tired of wasting her time on dates that aren’t looking for anything serious with her. She asks him if he’s serious, and Theodore hesitates. What she doesn’t know is that he has recently separated from his wife. He can barely commit to signing the divorce papers, much less getting into another serious relationship. As the scene gets consumed by purple, the mood becomes dark and confused. It becomes clear that Theodore isn’t ready for anything serious. This scene evokes a sense that control has been lost and replaced with confusion. There is also feelings of loneliness and disillusionment.
Gray This color is associated with feelings of confusion, lack of confidence, and depression. Gray-Purple The color suggests mystery, feelings of being scared, mourning, rage, and death. Brown-Gold Associated with the physical, and combined with brown it is linked to self-centeredness and melancholy.
Positive Samantha Scenes Bright pink-hues and hints of green. Theodore speaks to Samantha in times of sadness and weakness, he leans on her to have him cope with feelings of loss with his relationship with Catherine. However, there are scenes like this that really show the love he grows for Samantha. Scenes like these are consumed by warm white, sunlight. One sees Theodore as he probably once was when he was happy and in love. He runs through a subway station, not caring about what others thought. He forgets that Samantha is not human, and lets himself get lost in the playful childlike feelings of being happy and in love. This scene evokes feelings of cautious hope. A sense of conditional happiness.
White with Pink Undertone White suggests purity and innocence, the pink hue suggests passion and femininity Gray with Warm Undertone Gray is synonymous with technology. Intelligence, and wealth. It is also associated with a loss of distinction. In this case he loses the distinction between human and not. Green Evokes feelings of being relaxed, growth, renewal, and youth. All these feelings are associated with him being in love with Samantha.
Negative Samantha Scenes Dark, Navy blue/purple, sunrise or sunset. This scene is where Theodore accepts the fact that his relationship with Samantha has failed. This scene consumes you with sadness, but there is also an underlying emotion of hope. One gets the sense that pain is part of the beauty of being in love.
Tint of Blue Associated with feelings of introversion and sadness, depression and loneliness, but also with feelings of being comfortable. Navy blue/ Dark Purple Strength, mourning, mystery, and death. Perhaps associated with the end of a relationship, but also the promise of something new. Warm Brown Evokes a sense of home or belonging, comfort, and Melancholy.
M3 Film + Color
Conclusion Her by Spike Jonze is a film I enjoyed watching before this color theory class. But through the lens of this assignment I was able to see it in a totally new way. It was interesting to see how color theory plays a large role in our emotional response to visual stimuli. From now on every time I see a film that makes me feel something, I’ll question the tools that directors and set designers used. Its easy to belive that things happen by accident, but when it comes to the modern world, everything is made by design.
Intro M4 Balance + Color
Module 4 was about chapter 3 of the book. In this module we were to read the chapter, and then take the quiz. This chapter was about Balance. Specifically color balance. Which is mainly about how one could re-create the state of being visually pleased. It’s something we see often in nature, but it becomes difficult to do in something we create. This chapter breaks down different ways to achieve balance.
M4 Balance + Color
Conclusion Chapter 3 was great. It spoke about a topic I struggle to understand when I’m working on the graphic design of drawings or presentations I do for school. I always found myself wondering why certain color combinations don’t look right or “Balanced”. The aim is always for visual interest. Plain rooms that lack the balance of neutrals with bright colors for example, can make people feel uneasy. The room won’t feel complete.
Intro M5 Healthcare + Color
Just as in retail, color in healthcare can affect mood. Mood is something that can influence the health of patients. When considering the color of healthcare centers, there is plenty of research in the psychology behind color. This of course changes depending on the region.
M5 Healthcare + Color
Conclusion These chapters allowed us to Investigate the different aspects of color and the ways it is perceived by people. Further, it explained to us the emotional aspects of color in the healthcare environment. These psychological reactions, help us understand how to design spaces that will help patients heal both emotionally and physically. The other important aspects when designing a healthcare facility were understanding how important orientation is for proper light, ventilation, and access to views of nature. But also how important it is to clearly understand where one is going, and how visitors of patients can get around in the least stressful way possible.
Intro M6 Photography + Color
The objective for Module 6 was to observe light, colors, and textures, how things are in contact with each other, and how they contrast. It was up to us to decide to decide what the subject would be, but we’d have to photograph it. The following images were taken at a local exotic pets shop. My intention was to increase the saturation and contrast to have the viewer focus on texture and pattern.
M6 Photography + Color
Conclusion This assignment involved viewing the work of our peers, as well as commenting what we thought of their work. This for me was one of the bet parts. It was interesting to see how each of us interpreted the assignment.
Intro M7 Rhythm + Color
Module 7 was about reading and understanding chapter 4. Our task was to understand and quized on the topic of rhythm. This chapter was specifically about distinguishing between repetition, alternation, progression, continuation, and radiation.
M7 Rhythm + Color
Conclusion Rhythm can be found in nature when it comes to the scale of fish and reptiles, it can be experienced through sound and dance. But with architecture and design rhythm is about visual interest and mood. it is used in design in a meditative way, it is a reaction to the very human reaction to make sense of everything. The predictability calms us.
Intro M8 Retail + Color
Retail + Color aimed to teach us how color, texture, and design features come together when considering the design of Retail. In the following assignment, we visited a boutique store in order to analyze it. I chose Valentino, which is in the Design District here in Miami.
Contrast of Hue The enchanting part of valentino’s three-story design district store is how emphasis is given to clothing. in this photo one can see how the clothing is allowed to express full vibrancy. one often sees bold prints with a variety of color schemes. this freedom creates an environment that draws the eye’s attention to focal points throughout the store and allows the eye to rest in areas of gray. the contrast in hue can also be observed through the use of warm furniture and display pieces. the yellow gold, and warm browns from wood used, begin to stand out against large gray surfaces.
Image depicting the contrast between monochromatic, highly textured wall and floor finishes, with vibrantly colored merchandise.
photo via hauteliving by hadley Henriette’s valentino unveils two-story mega boutique in miami’s design district
Contrast of Value Valentino’s flagships all share the same materiality. in the miami design district, one can see the contrast of value between the same material. one can see a lighter tint being used on the ground, the walls are much different, in that, the terrazzo has a smoother texture and a darker appearance. one can assume that this is in order to not distract from the items that are displayed against those walls. white colored items pop against the dark gray walls, and vibrant colors cut through the monotony of a gray space.
Image depicting the contrast in value between the terrazzo that was chosen. The ground has a much lighter tint, while the walls have a darker terrazzo with a smoother texture, and less busy patterning.
photo via hauteliving by hadley Henriette’s valentino unveils two-story mega boutique in miami’s design district
Design Features Through many of the turns one makes in the valentino’s boutique, what i found is that one’s view is almost always framed by something. in this image one can see the framed view both in the mannequin framed through the gold mirror, as well as, the clothing display itself. our view here, being framed by terrazzo on the wall and ground. notice how the height of the terrazzo wall is cut. the white wall above creating absence, to emphasize the framed clothing display.
Image depicting contrast through design features. here one sees how a simple mirror is used to focus one’s attention onto what’s important, which in this case, is clothing.
photo via hauteliving by hadley Henriette’s valentino unveils two-story mega boutique in miami’s design district
Contrast of Texture The boutique’s contrast in texture is one of the most prevalent themes when regarding emphasis. when looking at the floor’s texture, one will notice it’s light tint, as well as a larger scaled texture pattern. the walls are much different, in that, the terrazzo has a smoother texture with an overall less busy appearance. one can assume that this is in order to not distract from the items that are displayed against those walls. the floor however, has added visual interest through it’s texture in order to not make the space appear dull. textures from white carrera marble add visual interest and emphasis to a shoe display. while the rich gold hardware catch light in order to draw the eye to those major focal points.
Image depicting the contrast texture. here one can see the different stones that are used to support the valentino aesthetic.
photo via hauteliving by hadley Henriette’s valentino unveils two-story mega boutique in miami’s design district
Design Features When analyzing valentino’s flagship here in miami, it becomes clear that the focal point is fashion. whether that is clothing or shoes, the experience of the store is simple and yet playful. clothing is displayed as pieces of art. the architecture of the store itself acting as a frame. in this environment, the clothing has creative freedom. to be vibrant, to have busy patterning, to have interesting silhouettes and textures. the absence of that in the architecture allows these pieces of art to be the point of focus.
Image depicting a zoomed-in image showing the focal point throughout the boutique. Which is fashion. Clothing is allowed to have freedoms with color and pattern, while the natural stones provide their presence as a backdrop.
Photo via world red eye
M8 Retail + Color
Conclusion This assignment made me appreciate Valentino. It’s interesting how he contrasts the architecture of the store, with the design of his apparel. The things learned in this chapter could be applied to many of my design projects in school, and in my professional life.
Intro M9 Scale + Color
Scale + Color was about understanding how scale, when it comes to shape and color are important. Color should have set proportions depending on their importance to a space. Also how essentially design is all about us. Every environment when it comes to scale is designed to our proportions, to our scale.
M9 Scale + Color
Conclusion The point of this chapter was to have us understand that using a proportion system can provide an accurate color proportions. To understand the difference between scale and proportion, and how implementing color is as effective as design elements.
Intro M10 Hospitality + Color
Hospitality + Color is about understanding that using color in conjunction with line, shape, texture, and pattern gives the designer the capacity to add visual stimuli and create a variety of experiences for the users of the built environment. In the assignment, we had to choose from a list of hotels in Miami, to then identify how color and variety are used to enhance the experience of the space.
Lobby The lobby is very relaxing, the space is inviting and yet sterile. It feels as through there is a contrast between what is man made and what is natural. The two are treated with equal importance, and they balance each other out. Walls are painted white, making the room appear larger, while the floor has greater presence as a result of it’s dark grey color. The floors make your eyes move down, while the seating areas make the room appear more narrow. This breaks up the open floor plan into zones, and guides your path towards the moss covered mural. The matte concrete floors provide the perfect background to a white fur rug. Plants are used as a focal point to direct visitors to lounge areas. The use of tropical plants anchor the lobby to Miami. Interesting shapes can be seen through the accessories and furniture. For example the woven basket has a relaxed, fluid shape, again expressing the concept of the space. Since the color pallet Is restrictive in the amount of hues they were able to use, its interesting to see them maintain visual interest and balance through the use of textures.
The lobby, and the hotel in general uses a neutral color scheme with green accents. In order to break monotony the design utilizes texture and pattern to add visual interest.
Line in this case communicates action to move forward, and uses the moss mural as a focal point.
Texture the textures are also organic in nature, in that natural materials like wood and woven fibers.
Shape the dĂŠcor and furniture often have organic influences, this according to the designer is precisely the point.
Pattern along the left size of the room are wooden louvers, which add visual interest to the room.
Deck The outside deck has two floors, on the right you see a photo from the ground, while the previous slide shows a photo from above. This deck if finished with rich warm wood planks. The floor again has more visual weight, while the furniture and umbrellas are either white or a light mint green. The use of white in the furniture gives a beachy feel, while plants provide a welcomed pop of color. Like we saw in the lobby, the path ways are narrow and long; giving one a sense that the space is larger, and longer. This perspective is framed by planters filled with tropical plants with foliage providing visual interest through their texture. Some planters contain vibrant purple flowers, while others contain cordgrass. In the shaded deck area, the ceiling is painted white in order to make that space feel light, and taller. Also like the lobby, one sees the use of shape being used through furniture and accessories. On the top right the outdoor seating is composed of three tectonic elements that are very different. These tectonic elements are: the cushion, the armrest, and the pillows. These elements are all different materials and colors. This seating area could easily have been all white and made of fabric, but by playing with shapes and textures they were able to compose a seating area with visual appeal. The color scheme is again neutral with accents of green.
The outdoor deck, like we saw in the interior, uses neutral color scheme with green accents. In order to break the monotony the design uses the texture of tropical plants.
Line the placement of furniture and the shaded seating area suggests movement through the space.
Texture tropical plants are used architecturally to cut through the monotony of outdoor area’s use of fabric and wood.
Shape Uses a variety of shapes and textures to ass visual interest.
Pattern all of the wood used outside is composed of wood planks, this linear composition adds another layer of interest to the composition.
M10 Hospitality + Color
Conclusion Hospitality + Color gave me a taste of what goes into when designing the interior of a hotel. It becomes quickly obvious that the movements one has in a hotel are strictly designed. Lobbies must both wow, and clearly guide visitors through the process of getting access to their rooms. It’s interesting to see the different moods that hotels can have, depending on the concept of their business.
Intro M11 Rendering + Color
In this module we were given lines to an interior rendering. The task was then for us to add color and texture. We were to use the tools that were given to us by previous chapters.
M11 Rendering + Color
Conclusion This assignment was much more difficult that I had originally thought. It took me several tried to arrive to textures and colors that I was happy with. My color pallet was essentially an accented neutral palette. Which limited me to a degree, which is why I made sure to introduce a lot of texture and pattern variations.
Intro M12 Workspace + Color
Workspace+ Color is about understanding how color, shape, texture, and any other qualities contribute to a prooductive work environment. This module is one I made the mistake to overlook, for some reason I hadn’t seen this module. But I would have chosen Sandow for this assignment if I had the change to complete it. I like the accented neutral pallet that Sandow uses. The lack of varience in color makes it important for the design to include texture and pattern.
M12 Workspace + Color
Conclusion This assignment made me learn to not be too careful about the assignment one completes. Sometimes you don’t realize you’ve overlooked something until the last few minutes. With that said this assignment would have allowed me to understand why certain work spaces encourage productive working, while others make one feel uncomfortable.
Intro M13 Culture + Color
Module 13 is about getting to know one’s own culture better. This assignment also gives us a chance to research the culture of a culture that you admire. In my case, my culture and country is Nicaragua. Although I was born in the US, I spent most of my summers in Nicaragua. Memories are filled with the sight of their festivals and food. One of their largest festivals is the Fiestas Patronales, where streets become full of flowers and costumes. Women dress in Amerindian traditional gowns and dance Folklore as Marimbas ring. I have chosen to learn more about Japan’s culture through color. Since a study abroad trip I’ve been obsessed with the minimalist aesthetic.
Nicaragua The name “Nicaragua” comes from the Nahuatl-speaking tribe who originally inhabited the country; their capital city was Nicarao. Later, when the Spanish arrived, the combined the name of the capital with the Spanish word for water: “agua.” The Spanish first entered Nicaragua in 1522. Francisco Cordoba entered in 1524 with the intent of colonizing the area, which lead to the city of Granada. Nicaragua struggled but became officially independent from Spain in 1821, but suffered through many more dictatorships and foreign rule. Their people have often been oppressed, leading to refugee families like myself. Although corruption plagues the government, the country has a lot to offer. Their soaring volcanos, white sand beaches, Spanish colonial buildings around every turn, lakes, valleys, jungles, and creative people who’ve managed to stay positive in the face of injustice.
Bright Pink This color is associated with childhood. Most of the candy in Nicaragua is died in this color.
Turquoise Because of the high Catholic population of Central and South America, blue is often associated with religion as the color of the Virgin Mary’s robe or headscarf.
Orange/ Gold Symbolizes Wealth, church adornments. As well as artisanal crafts, which typically are adorned in gold.
Yellow Represents the Sun, and happiness.
Image depicting contrast through design features. here one sees how a simple mirror is used to focus one’s attention onto what’s important, which in this case, is clothing.
Info via http://thegivinglens.com/
Navy This color is associated with mourning, trust, and tranquility.
Japan Japan has a long and complicated history, one that has been heavily influenced by ancient Korea and China. These countries would invade Japan, and with their waves of immigration came their traditions. From Korea there was Buddhism. And from China, their system of government. It was a result of their vulnerability to invasion that they remained completely blocked off to any foreigner until the 1500s. This marked another time in Japan’s history where missionaries and started to arrive from Europe. All foreigners who refused to disassociate religion from trade – this meant everyone but the Dutch left, and even then, their base was a man-made island off the port of Nagasaki. Travelling abroad was also forbidden to the Japanese. Japan’s weariness with foreigners stems from years of war and invasion. From 1984-1945 Japan was at war with China, Russia, The US, and the French. 1945 is the turning point in Japanese history. The occupation of Japan, the rewriting of their Constitution by a team of foreigners and the removal of their army. Since then, Japan’s economy has gone through the roof, to place it second in the world.
Red is the color of happiness, joy and celebration. But also represents blood, passion, self-sacrifice, and strength.
Pink/Salmon Associated with the freshness of Spring, femininity, youth, and good health.
White Is a color associated with meditation, contemplation, it is a delicate color, but it is also associated with death. You often find this color in the interior of homes and offices because of it’ calming quality. Gold Is a color representing decoration, wealth, and prestige. Often temples use this color excessively.
Image depicting contrast through design features. here one sees how a simple mirror is used to focus one’s attention onto what’s important, which in this case, is clothing.
Info via https://www.justlanded.com/english/Japan/Japan-Guide/Culture/History
Dark Brown often represents the home, traditionally homes were made of dark wood. The color is also associated with earth, strength, and durability.
M13 Culture + Color
Conclusion This assignment gave me a better understanding of my own culture. I appreciated the vibrancy of both the color and the people. This vibrancy is an ode to the resilience of Nicaraguan people to overcome obstacles such as dictatorships and general corruption. This is not dissimilar from what has historically happened in Japan, a culture which I have always admired.
Priscilla Cuadra