Color Theory by Valeria Castillo

COLOR THEORY

By Valeria Castillo

Module 1: About the Designer Module 2: Color + Research Module 3: Color + Theory

Module 7: Color + Rhythm Module 8: Color + Emphasis Module 9: Color + Scale + Unity

Module 4: Color + Designers

Module 10: Color + Variety

Module 5: Color + Film

Module 11: Color + Culture

Module 6: Color + Balance

Conclusion

TABLE OF CONTENTS

M.1

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

4 My name is Valeria Castillo, and I am from Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. I came to the United States, at the age of 16 to pursue my undergraduate degree in the Architecture field. I went to Miami Dade College for two years, where I got my Associates Degree in Architecture. After this period of time, I transferred to FIU in order to continue my studies in the design field. One of my hobbies is discovering new places, so whenever I have free time, I usually find myself making plans for a new adventure. In my short span of life, I have been to lovely cities such as Bogota, Manaus, Milan, Rome, Venice, Sicily, New York, Boston, Quebec, Ottawa and many more. I love my family and they are my fuel for motivation. Whenever I feel like giving up, they push me closer to the finish line. In ten years, I see myself with my Masters in Interior Architecture and starting my own Interior Design firm. I would like to get a degree in Urban Design in Boston or New York City, and live for three years in one of these cities. Finally, I try to absorb as much as I can from my professors and friends, since knowledge is the best weapon we can use to get where we want to!

ASSIGNMENT

M.2

For this module we were asked to read, re-足 search and analyze an article related to the use of color. After immersing ourselves in the information, we had to summarize it and express our opinion regarding the topic.

COLOR + RESEARCH

SPATIAL COLOR BY SHASHI

EXPERIENCE

8 Learning about what experts are saying about color is highly ben-足 eficial for each and every one of us. In order for us to design spaces that are suitable for everyone, we must what is going on outside of our surroundings. This article has taught me about certain aspects about color that are new to me. Now that I know them, I will definitely integrate them into my designs and research as much as I can about the things that are happening around me.

Works Cited Caan, Sashi. "Spatial Color." Construct 49 2007: 40-足43. Web. Dix, Ebony. "Color: Is It Real and Does It Impact Behavior?" Color: Is It Real and Does It Impact Behavior? Serendip, 2006. Web. 26 June 2015. Hackett, Gary. "The Relationship between Color and Form in Judgments of Preference and Harmony." JOV Journal of Vision. N.p., Aug. 2009. Web. 26 June 2015. Sylvania, Osram. "Light and Color." Colo Osram Sylvania. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 June 2015.

ASSIGNMENT

M.3

For this module we were asked to read and analyze chapter 1: COLOR + THEORY. This chapter contains important information re-足 garding the basics of colors and their rela-足 tionship within themselves.

REFLECTION

DIFFRACTION

REFRACTION

COLOR + THEORY

CHROMATIC

ACHROMATIC

• • • • • • • • •

Color Theory studies principles to understand color. The human eye can see colored light, which is called the “visible spectrum”. The properties of light are: reflection, diffraction and refraction. The three dimensions of light are hue, value and chroma. Hue is pure color, value is the lightness or darkness of a colors and chroma refers to the purity of a color. Additive color means mixing three primaries of light. Subtractive color involves mixing primaries of pigments. Tint: color + white, Tone: color + gray, Shade: color + black. Chromatic: all colors except black, white and gray. Achromatic: black, white and gray.

EXPERIENCE

FACTS ABOUT COLOR

In this chapter we have learned about the most essential information involved in the interior design business in relationship to color. It discusses information about how the human eye perceives color and how this color has a direct impact on us. With this knowledge I am able to strengthen my designs and maximize their potential to the fullest, with the means of obtaining the best help possible from color.

ASSIGNMENT

M.4

This assignment consisted in analyzing the use and impact of color in a movie film, taking into consideration that every color shown in the scenes is a conscious move of the filmmakers. We were asked to choose a movie from a list and make critical observa-足 tion about a particular scene in the film.

COLOR + DESIGNERS

In 1924 Gerrit Rietveld designed the Schroder House, a building composed by planar elements in various sizes. He also created partitions that could be moved around, in order to create different spaces. With primary colors, he em-足 phasized the roll of each piece in the house and managed to distinguish spaces (Sveiven).

SCHRODER HOUSE

Rietveld mainly uses the primary hues red, blue and yellow in his designs, establishing a clean and balanced en-足 vironment in each and every space. He creates a contrast between colors when he uses this chromatic palette of pure hues combined with the achromatic hues.

SCHRODER HOUSE

EXPERIENCE

This project has made develop a critical eye regarding the use of color in an interior space. Studying projects that already exist influ-足 ence our perception and perspective about the design world. This is why we must always pay attention to what experts have to offer, they might teach us techniques that we do not know yet.

M.5

COLOR + FILM

SUMMARY

After having survived twice The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is taken to District 13, where she must be the leader of a rebellion against The Capitol. In this rebellion, Katniss with the help of her friends and followers will strive to save Peeta and the rest of the citizens. As far as the colors of the film, they are a mainly GRAY, BLACK, ORANGE and WHITE. The reason being is that since is a movie about resistance, and courage, it uses neutral colors to transmit the character’s feelings of re- sentment against The Capitol. Katniss and her followers are not happy of how things are being handled, so the colors used symbolize this message. The colors are mainly dark colors intended to show the mood of the film. Through the analysis of this film I have learnt about the power of color and how it can shape the feelings we have about something. In order for the movie to be suc- cessful, colors must follow the story being told by the filmmakers. In other words, there must be a connection between what every scene of the film is trying to express and how color is representing the message as well. Other wise, there could be a major misunderstanding in what the author is trying to express.

ASSIGNMENT

This assignment consisted in analyzing the use and impact of color in a movie film, taking into consideration that every color shown in the scenes is a conscious move of the filmmakers. We were asked to choose a movie from a list and make critical observation about a particular scene in the film. My option was The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.

In this scene that I have chosen, when they get to the hospi- tal, there is a bombing squadron lead by the Capitol. Katniss and her team fight the enemy as best as they can, but the bombs still kill everyone inside. After the bombing ceases, Katniss takes a look at the ruins of all the buildings and all the citizens that have died. After precessing what just happened and with rage and pain, she gives a encouraging and defying speech to the Capitol, which ends up being broadcasted b in the news feed. The colors in the scene are gray in all the ruins that the bombing has caused, black which is appreciated in Katniss and her team’s clothing, and gold in the fire that the ruins are catching. These colors succeed at telling the story because they represent what the producers are trying to say. For instance, Katniss is dressed in black to show that she has power and that she can be the rightful leader to seek peace and safety. Black is also used to represent the death of everyone that has died in the rebellion, and the emptiness it has left. Gray is the color that symbolizes what Katniss is feeling, which is loss and depression. The gold means caution, it is a way to tell the Capitol that they must be cautious of their actions and that a rebellion is coming. There is orange occasionally in the fire, which symbolizes hope and sur- vival for everyone. The scene is brightly lit with sunlight, which gives hope to the rebels.

The image that we see to the left evokes a feeling of freshness and happiness, so I thought it would be a good idea to try to recreate this feeling in the image provided. The flowers re-足 member me of the season Spring, a season of rebirth and renewal. I chose light gray as my dominant color. I think this color is an excellent choice for the walls and floor since it is a neutral color .The dark olive green tint is my secondary hue, mainly used in the sofas and table. The ochre and yellow are accent 1 and 2, to give that sense of freshness to the area with a neutral background. Finally, accent 3 is used for the backg ceiling and the right wall. GRAY is solid and stable. Associated with calmness and composure. DARK OLIVE GREEN is the traditional color for peace. YELLOW represents happiness, and opti-足 mism, of enlightenment.

ASSIGNMENT

This module is related with Color + Balance. We were asked to read and understand the chapter about it, and then render a space with a color palette of our choosing and the 60-足30-足10 rule.

OCHRE GRAYS

YELLOW DARK OLIVE GREEN

The color palette I chose, has ochre, yellow and dark olive green, three colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, which creates an analogous color palette. The yellow is a warm hue, so it is perfectly balanced with the cool and neutral gray tones. The ochre (yellow-orange) is tertiary shade, the yellow is a primary tint and the dark olive green (yellow-green) is a secondary tint. The green has been adjusted to create more dy- namism within the space. In the 60-30-10 rule, the gray is the dominant, the dark olive green is secondary, and the yellow and ochre are accent colors.

RHYTHM

26 • Rhythm is a natural evolutionary trait in nature that can be transferred to interior spaces and can be further em- phasized with color. • Hierarchy in color assists in orientation and helps transmit the concept of the space. • Interior Design gets its inspiration from the natural environment (bio-inspired). • Do not exceed a color rhythm of more that 3 hues. • Types of rhythm: repetition, alternation, progression, continuation and radiation. • Repetition is the systematic orderly succession of identi- cal design elements (shape, line, color, form) along a define path in space. • Alternation consists in repeating two different elements in sequence. • Progression requires a continuous change in elements, which are being repeated. • Continuation involves the placement of colors to create a continuous visual movement. • Radiation is a concentric color arrangement to unify design elements to create visual movement.

M.8

STYLE

COLOR + EMPHASIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About BOGA STYLE Contrast of Value Contrast of Hue Contrast of Texture Contrast of a Design Feature Focal Point References

29 30-足31 32 33 34 35 36

ASSIGNMENT

For this project we were asked to choose a retail environment, and explore, document, and analyze the concept of EMPHASIS in the space. We had to locate and photograph demonstration of Con-足 trast of Hue, Contrast of Value, Contrast of texture, Contrast of a Design Feature and Focal Point. We had to pay attention, especially, to the use of color and how this one created emphasis in the store. The store I chose is BOGA STYLE, located in Caracas, Venezuela.

M.8

STYLE

COLOR + EMPHASIS

M.8

STYLE

COLOR + EMPHASIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About BOGA STYLE Contrast of Value Contrast of Hue Contrast of Texture Contrast of a Design Feature Focal Point References

3 4-足5 6 7 8 9 10

ASSIGNMENT

M.8

STYLE

COLOR + EMPHASIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About BOGA STYLE Contrast of Value Contrast of Hue Contrast of Texture Contrast of a Design Feature Focal Point References

3 4-足5 6 7 8 9 10

ASSIGNMENT

M.8

STYLE

COLOR + EMPHASIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About BOGA STYLE Contrast of Value Contrast of Hue Contrast of Texture Contrast of a Design Feature Focal Point References

3 4-足5 6 7 8 9 10

ASSIGNMENT

EXPERIENCE

Doing a field trip was such a fun thing to do!! It is nice to do something different every time we have the chance. By going to the place, and examining the dif-足 ferent subjects in discussion in person, we have a deeper understanding of the concepts. This fieldFor tripthis willproject changewe the wayasked we look at a retail spaceenvironment, from now and were to choose a retail on, since we will be able to appreciate the different contrasts the designer has in the explore, document, and analyze the concept of EMPHASIS created to achieve EMPHASIS the particular environment.of Con-足 space. We COLOR had to locate andinphotograph demonstration trast of Hue, Contrast of Value, Contrast of texture, Contrast of a Design Feature and Focal Point. We had to pay attention, especially, to the use of color and how this one created emphasis in the store. The store I chose is BOGA STYLE, located in Caracas, Venezuela.

SCALE

M.9

• Proportion refers to the size of relationships between elements (parts) and the visual composition or space (whole). • Scale involves the size of a shape in relation to a given known, usually the body. • If the proportions of color are off, then there is an im- mediate consequence on the design, since scale and proportion can alter our perception of an environment. • Grids are always helpful at expressing the proportions of color palette. • Color proportion should be fit to interior spaces and related to other aspects involved in the design. • Color can be used to modify our perception regarding the size of a space. • The Golden Section, The Fibonacci Sequence and Le Modulor are grid systems that will assist you in accomplish- ing precise color proportions and harmony.

COLOR + SCALE + UNITY

EXPERIENCE

UNITY

It is extremely important to understand the relationship that exists between color, proportion and scale. Designers should follow basic proportions in order to enhance a space; these being The Golden Section, Le Modular and The Fibonacci Se- quence. With the optimal implementation of these proportional relationships, designers can guaran tee comfort and pleasure for the client. Basic rules regarding the use of certain colors also exist to assist designers in color matching. For instance, if you have a large and empty room, it tends to feel cold and unwelcoming. Nonetheless, with the right distribution of color, the gigantic room could feel as warm and cozy as a blanket. Moreover, there should always be a harmonious ha palette of colors so that individuals feel more comfortable within the space. For this unity of color to be achieved, there are certain color schemes that serve as a guide for interior designers (complementary, analogous, monochromatic, etc). Harmonious color palettes are easy to distinguish since they are pleasing to the eye and it all comes down to this, creating a space that is visually pleasurable to the individual that inhabits it.

• Unity is the repetition of color to achieve a unified whole. • Harmony refers to the result of a perfect balance between colors. • There are 6 elements of color harmony. • There are 7 color harmonies: Monochro- matic, Complementary, Split Complemen- tary and Double Complementary, Analo- gous, Triadic, Tetrad, Multi-Hue, and Achro- matic.

ASSIGNMENT

This module is related with Color + Scale + Unity. Naturally, the human brain has a fondness for visual balance, which is accomplished with the right scale and the perfect unity of colors in an environment. Consequently, SCALE and UNITY are both essential aspects of color theory in design, since they must be achieved in order to create visually aesthetic color organizations.

M.10

W HOTEL

PROJECT: W Hotel DESIGNER: Yabu Pushelberg and Costas Kondylis and Partners LOCATION: South Beach

COLOR + VARIETY

DETAILS

The Living Room Bar is a pool of variations perfectly combined with color to create a dynamic space. Columns, furniture, lamps and wall coverings constitute the mixture of line, shape, texture and pattern.

Whenever creating a space, the designer must always think of a way to introduce diversity and contrast to the environment. Cer- tain rules must be known first and then the designer can play with them to create exciting and vi- brant spaces. Variety makes room for the interesting, we must spice things up!

The perfect way to introduce this concept to the design is with the help of CONTRAST –juxtaposi- tion of forms, lines or colors in a space-to intensify the attention of viewers. What better way to understand the concepts of variety than by studying the W Hotel at South Beach? It is filled with in- credibly exciting spaces such as the Living Room Bar and the Lobby; both with mixtures of lines, shapes, textures and patterns.

ASSIGNMENT

For this module we were we asked to read the chapter Color + Variety. We had to visit two hospitality projects and document, study and critique the use of color and variety in the environment; paying close attention to the demonstration of Color + Line, Color + Pattern, Color + Texture, and Color + Shape. After doing some research, I chose the W Hotel and the EPIC Hotel, because of their superiority at creating harmonious, yet varied and exciting spaces.

The Living Room Bar at the W Hotel is a exquisite work of art to look at. The color palette offers gray, white, purple and black. Gray is the dominant hue (60%), which is seen in the walls and floor of the space. White constitutes part of the furniture and columns (30%). Finally, purple and black are the accent colors to give the final details to the room (10%). This combination of hues gives the space this elegant and luxurious look that cannot be denied. They also intensify objects in their own way: color+line, color+shape, color+texture, and color+pattern.

COLOR USE

ASSIGNMENT

COLOR USE

48 The Living Room Bar is a pool of variations perfectly combined with color to create a dynamic space. Columns, furniture, lamps and wall coverings constitute the mixture of line, shape, texture and pattern.

Whenever creating a space, the designer must always think of a way to introduce diversity and contrast to EXPERIENCE the environment. Cer- tain must be known first and This rules has been such a fun and dynamic as-‐ signment o work on. It can is impressive how then the tdesigner play with many to things we take for granted whenever them create exciting and vi- we g o t o a p lace. T hanks t o t his e xperience, brant spaces. Variety makes I have learnt how to analyze and think room for the interesting, we must about a space, regarding its textures, pat-‐ spice terns, things lines and up! shapes. I chose the bar and lobby of the W Hotel at South Beach be-‐ cause the instant way I saw tto hem, I was cap -‐ Theat perfect introduce vated by their glamorous look. I also na-‐ this concept to the design is awith lyzed L ilt L ounge i n t he E PIC H otel. T he the help of CONTRAST –juxtaposi- reason why I chose these two hotels is be-‐ tion of forms, lines or colors in a cause they are both very diﬀerent, yet suc-‐ space-to intensify thein attention cessful at showing variety their design.

of viewers. What better way to understand the concepts of variety than by studying the W Hotel at South Beach? It is filled with in- credibly exciting spaces such as the Living Room Bar and the Lobby; both with mixtures of lines, shapes, textures and patterns.

ASSIGNMENT

EXPERIENCE

ASSIGNMENT

M.11

Culture is a major aspect that should be taken in consideration when designing a space. Colors meaning and symbolism change depending on the culture. In this module we had to research and analyze the use of color in two different countries, ours and another one of our interest. For this study, I chose to base my analysis in Italy and Venezuela, which is my home country.

It is amazing how much you can learn from one culture. I had never thought about a specific color palette for a certain country, but now that I have done this as- as signment I am able to recognize so many aspects about color, regarding cultures that I never did before. Appreciating culture differences is the key when designing a space for some- one else. Since colors have different mean- ings across the globe, the designer must always know the client’s culture so he can design a space that is relatable to him/her

COLOR + CULTURE

EXPERIENCE

ASSIGNMENT

M.11

COLOR + CULTURE

Color Theory refers to the study of the relationships that exist among colors. Color is light perceived by the human eye. Our visual nerves are the ones responsible for the transformation of this light into color.

CONCLUSION

Valeria Castillo IND 5325 Color Theory -足 Summer 2015