COLOR THEORY
vivian taboada I SUMMER 2017 I PROF. DARCY PAPpANO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
theory + color i 0
healthcare + color i 5
variety + color i 10
you + color i 1
rhythm + color i 6
rendering + color i 11
designers + color i 2
retail + color i 7
culture + color i 12
film + color i 3
proportion+ color i 8
balance+ color i 4
photography + color i 9
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Theory explains the concepts and ideas involved in describing and rationalizing phenomena...�
THEORY + This is an introductory module to the concept of color. We learned the different properties of color that influence how we, humans, perceive and are afected by it. Because color is present all around us and has the ability to influence our environment and perception, it is important that we, as interior designers, understand it and apply it accordingly.
YOU +
ABOUT ME
VIVIAN TABOADA Cuban I Oldest sister. Family of four I ENG + SPA I From Havana, but I call MIAmi home.
I did not always want to be an Interior Designer. However, my path to I.D was not fortitious nor superficial. I have been intrigued and fascinated by interior spaces my whole life. I often wondered what random houses or buildings looked like inside and constantly thought of ways to improve, in my imagination, every place i visisted. I think my path to Interior Design led me to find a lifelong passion in what I initially labeled as a simple curiosity. Hobbies: Art I Cooking I Puzzles I DIY I Learning I Music I Pets I Photography I
They say some people are right brain dominant while others are left brain dominant. Sometimes I think I am neither.
interior design allows me to reconcile my rational thinking side with my creative inclinations.
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WHY STUDY DESIGN
I LIKE PINK (But, I do not dress in it. EVER.)
Italy Spain
Toronto
VT I NH I NY I NJ VA I DC I GA I TN TX I NV I IL I FL
D.R I P.R Cuba Bahamas
TRAVEL (The places I’ve been)
“DESIGNERS + It is not possible to live in this age if you don't have a sense of many contradictory forces.�
Remment Lucas "Rem" Koolhaas (1944) is a Dutch architect, architectural theorist, urbanist and Professor in Practice of Architecture and Urban Design at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. Koolhaas studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London and at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Koolhaas is the founding partner of OMA. He is widely regarded as one of the most important architectural thinkers and urbanists of his generation. He won the Pritzker Prize in 2000. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rem_Koolhaas)
The McCormick Tribune Campus Center is a building on the main campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology. It was the first building designed by architect Rem Koolhaas within the United States after his design proposal was selected in an international design competition where other finalists included Zaha Hadid and Peter Eisemann. The site was previously used as a student parking lot with elevated tracks for the train passing overhead. Koolhaas tracked movements of students across the lot, which led to diagonal passageways as the center's interior thoroughfares. A major design challenge was to buffer the noise of the train tracks passing over the building. The solution was to enclose a section of the tracks in a stainless steel tube passing over the building. Today, the building serves as a central hub for student life on campus. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCormick_Tribune_Campus_Center)
I I T MCCORMICK
CAMPUS CENTER
orange warmth Koolhaas’ application of color in the building is very generous to say the least. Despite its modern and clean aesthetic, and the extensive use of concrete and steel as building materials, the bright and colorful details make this building stand out the most. Standing on the outside, the building exterior is highlighted against the surroundings by intensely colorful facade. The bright orange hue creates a vibrant, beautiful contrast with the lush green landscape. The interior is not a bit less appealing. The same panels that give the facade its color filter daylight into the interior turning it into something close to a warm summer day. The filtered orange light fills the space with an ethereal, almost dreamy essence.
electric red In addition to orange, red is also extensively used throughout the building. Being such an energy-charged color, it is used here to activate the space. Red is featured in active areas, such as corridors and study spaces to energize students while studying and estimulate movement.
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"Life is a story... You can choose your story... A story with God is the better story."
FILM +
Life of Pi is a movie based on a novel by the same name. It explores the issue of spirituality and practicality from an early age. The main plot follows Pi, a young Indian boy stranded in the Pacific Ocean after a ship wreck. Pi’s only companion is a tiger named Richard Parker. The story is narrated from Pi’s point of view and consists of three sections. In part one, young Pi is enjoying his childhood in India where his family owns a zoo which allows him to grow up with an affluent lifestyle. In part two, Pi and his family leave for Canada aboard a Japanese ship. When the ship sinks, Pi escapes in a lifeboat accompanied by a hyena, zebra, and orangutan. This is the main part of the story as it documents Pi’s struggles in the middle of the ocean and his eventual survival. Part three, takes place as Pi narrates his story to two Japanese officials. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi)
Life of Pi is a story about struggling to survive through seemingly insurmountable odds; it is a testament to survival. It is also a story about spirituality and growth. This scene depicts Pi’s search for the spiritual world as it has an almost heavenly nature to it. Throughout the film, the crystalline water mirrors the sky above, thus blurring the line between the physical and spiritual world, between heaven and earth. Pi seems to be caught between the two. As Pi is standing in desolation, the sun is rising as a symbol of hope and new beginnings, signaling that there is light at the end of the tunel and that a positive outcome is possible. The scene mostly features a monochromatic palette of warm, golden yellow tones that further accentuates the idea of hope. Red is the color of fire and blood. It is also associated with energy, strength, and determination. As the boat is Pi’s only means of survival, it also denotes his will to live and inner strength.
SCENE ANALYSIS
monochromatic + warm complementary accent
Blue is the color of the sky and sea and that is what is depicted in blue in this scene. Pi’s world has taken on a blue tint further accentuating the vast extension of the water and sky and highlighting how alone he is. The color also symbolizes sadness as Pi realizes the severity of his current situation, having lost his family and uncertain about his survival. However, blue also symbolizes confidence, truth and is often associated with heaven. This simbolizes Pi’s embracing of the spiritual world and of God’s will.
monochromatic + cool
“BALANCE + we use balance to make sense of the world around us...�
This module explains how visual balance is achieved though symmetry, asymmetry, and radial balance in order to organize chaos and create aesthetically pleasing and welcoming living spaces. Achieving balance through color is no easy task. Use too little and it becomes boring, use too much and it becomes chaotic. The appropriate amount of color creates the perfect balance between a visually estimulating and relaxing space.
HEALTHCARE + This module higjlights the evolution of healthcare as a result of the application of Evidence Based Design and the increased life expectancy of the population. While there are 12 identified aspects of a healthy environment, there is no single color palette selection that can provide a desired healthcare outcome. However, access to nature and daylight does have a positive effect in our health and wellbeing. Thus the application of biophilic and biomimicry concepts has bcome an important practice in the healthcare design industry.
“RHYTHM + rhythm is movement.�
Rhythm is an important element in interior spaces. It communicates what the intended activity is for a particular space along with guiding people and assisting in wayfinding. When using color to achieve rhythm, color contrast or similarity in hue, value or intensity are used. In addition, rhythm can be used to highlight important elements throughout the space
RETAIL +
“The 175-Year Old French Fashion Empire” The Hermes Fashion House was established in Paris as a harness making shop in 1837 by Thierry Hermes. The shop served European noblemen and European royalty including Napoléon III and his empress, Eugénie. In 1922 the company introduced its first handbags which have since become iconic fashion items and a recognized status symbol. The “Kelly bag”, for instance, was popularized by Grace Kelly in the 50’s. The brand has since grown to include other luxury goods such as clothes, scarves, accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, and ties. Their identity, however, is deeply rooted in their start as a saddle making company; their logo is a statement to that history. Today, Hermes is among best established and most recognized luxury brands boasting a very famous clientele.
“The birkin”
“ in terms of visual emphasis, orange has been graded as the color with most visibility...”
Contrast of Hue In order to achieve constrast of hue, full intensity, complementary colors are used together. (Reed, 2010) Hermes’ interior does not feature an overly colorful design with strong contrast of hues. Some of the most vibrant colors are those of the products themselves, thus emphasizing them against the white walls and an overall neutral palette. However, the brand’s recognizable orange color is used throughout the store for all the seating arragenments. The result is a balanced look where the furnishings complement one another while still being highlighted within the space.
Contrast of Value Value contrast is created when dark and light values are combined: white, gray, and black which can be used to create emphasis in the absence of other colors. (Reed, 2010) For example, the image shows how a darker color was used as a background to the wall display and as a base for the floor displays. This is an appropriate choice as it calls attention to the products by creating contrast between the displays and an otherwise light-colored space. In addition, a dark color background is more suitable for these items, which are maded of glass, as it makes them stand out more.
“the easiest of the contrast types.�
“... an alternative style...�
Contrast of Design Feature This type of contrast is achieved by establishing a hierarchy of information where one feature is presented differently from its surroundings. (Reed, 2010) The screen found at the store easily stands out from other elements by means of its form and color. The choice of material, a warm-colored wood, highlights this feature against the bright, cold, all-white backdrop. Its construction and shape futher establish it as an important feature. The curvilinear shape and screen-like design is unique to this element. In addition, its placement within the space is worth noting as it mirrors and frames the reception counter oppossite to it. It also creates a sense of enclosure and visual privacy in an otherwise large and open floor plan.
“soft vs hard�
Contrast of Texture Contrast of textures is achieved by soft/hard, rough/smooth, texture/texture combinations. (Reed, 2010) The Hermes store features smooth surfaces throughout. The main contrast of texture is created between the white walls, white granite floor, and the wood grain of the displays.
“SINGLE DESIGN ELEMENT THAT RECEIVES GREATEST VISUAL EMPHASIS�
Focal Point Visual points enjoy visual dominance within the space which is achieved by highliting with color, shape, or size. (Reed, 2010) It can also be achieved by directional movement leading the eye towards the element and attracting visitors to walk towards it. The stairs are a good example of this approach. They dominate the space due to their magnitude and grandeur. The undulating design seems to wrap the entire store while guiding the eye towards the top and inviting to follow along.
“PROPORTION + PROPORTION IS ONE OF THE KEY ELEMENTS WE USE TO RATIONALIZE AND SEEK ORDER IN THE THINGS AROUND US.”
Proportion is used to order the things around us. When using color to achieve proportion within a space, it is important to use a three-color scheme. With a dominant, subdominant, accent color for too little color leads to uninteresting spaces while too much of it may be overwhelming.
“
photography is a love affair with life.”
PHOTOGRAPHY +
“ VARIETY + order without diversity can result in monotonous boredom, diversity wothout order can produce chaos...�
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 or space.
HOTEL LOBBY
PROJECT: Fontainbleau Hotel
LOCATION: Miami Beach, FL
DESIGNER: Morris Lapidus
The Fontainbleau lobby features a great variety of colors, materials, and textures. However, the interior is not overpowered by these choices due to its large size, high ceilings and, most importantly, due to to the color selection and composition. The majority of the interior is light colored which serves as a canvas for the bright colors and textures used. As a result, color and shape are used to highlight important elements within the space, thus allowing them to stand out more. This is the appropriate strategy for this lobby as it is an open space where similar colored elements, if used, would blend into the surroundings, making it an uninteresting and bland. Overall, the lobby is a visually interesting and coherent space. Color, shape, texture, pattern, and line are used to emphasize elements where needed resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing and glamorous decor. Line: the connection of two points in space. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved. Lines feature prominently in the columns. The vertical lines move the eye upwards and accentuate the height, not only of the ceiling, but the columns themselves. As they recess into the ceiling, the columns seem to even extend past it. The vertical lines also make the columns appear more slender as they are wide in diameter. Shape: the result of one or more lines connecting to form a two-dimensional shape. Circle, square, triangle. Circular and organic shapes are used to accentuate the sitting areas throughout the lobby. They consist of brightly colored floor rugs combined with a ceiling detail overhead and a monumental, but ethereal-like, chandelier above. The choice of organic shapes for this purpose adds interest to the otherwise large, rigid, and open plan space. The ceiling detail further accentuates the sitting area and increases its visibility from any point in the lobby. Texture: visual and tactile characteristics of the surface materials resulting from the way they are built or combined. Rough, smooth, matte, reflective, translucent, glossy, satin finish. The chandeliers add an interesting texture to the interior as the crystals shine and float above the floor below. They are highly visible anywhere in the lobby, thus adding a nice contrast to the smooth, white-painted ceiling. Overall, the hotel mostly features smooth, glossy surfaces throughtout. Pattern: repetitive arrangement of shapes in a systematic sequence. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal. The famous bowtie pattern definitely stands out in the interior space. The black and white pattern brings geometric rigidity to an otherwise organic and fluid space, thus creating striking contrast.
LINE
SHAPE
PATTERN
TEXTURE
SCARPETTA
PROJECT: Fontainbleau Hotel
LOCATION: Miami Beach, FL
DESIGNER: Morris Lapidus
TEXTURE
LINE
PATTERN
SHAPE
The Scarpetta restaurant features many elements that result in a very visually charged interior of martime-inspired decor. Line: the horizontal lines in the shades emphasize and wident the perimeter of the room, making it appear larger. It also adds movement as the lines guide the eye along and around the space. Shape: the ceiling features a circular, recessed soffit and a large chandelier. This accentuates the center of the room and becomes the focal point in the space. Texture: the columns feature different materials that create interesting visual contrast when combined. The smooth, highly reflective metal stands out against the matte, darker leather covered column while the ropes adds rough texture and a touch of sea-inspired decor. Pattern: the chairs are upholstered in a bright blue fabric of organic shapes reminiscent of algae floating in the water.
RENDERING +
POPPY YELLOW This palette caught my eye because it features a nicely balanced selection of warm and cool and light and bright colors. The bright yellow creates a striking contrast against the lightly colored background and adds visual interest to an otherwise boring, neutral palette. I find this to be a very sophisticated, clean, modern combination of colors, one that is also cheerful and reminiscent of bright, happy summer days.
monochromatic, neutral grays analogous yellow and green
THE RULE 60 I 30 I 10 accent 10%
GREEN: conveys a sense of
healthiness and harmony. The color of nature, it symbolizes growth. Security. Freshness.
GRAY: Cool, neutral, and balanced
color. Emotionless, moody color that is typically associated with meanings of formal, conservative, and sophisticated. Timeless and practical.
dominant 60% secondary 30%
YELLOW: extremely cheerful
color. Joy + happiness. It must not be overused as it can make people anxious or nervous. Warmth. Brightness. Optimism
RESULTS
EXPERIENCE
For this room and my chosen palette, I decided to go with a neutral canvas of cool grays (dominant). This allows for the bright, vibrant yellow color to pop out even more in space (secondary) without being too overwhelming due to the balancing nature of the grays. As for accent color, I chose some greenery elements to bring the palette together. Overall, I am happy with the results. I think it represents the inspiration image well while also following the 60-30-10 rule.
This was a very interesting assignment to do. I think it demonstrates the powerful effect of color in a room and how easily it can transform space depending on the different combinations and amounts of color used. Mastering the art of color is a practice that takes time and trial and error, but this assignment was definitely a good
CULTURE +
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and the second most populous after Hispaniola. Culturally, Cuba is considered part of Latin America. It is a multiethnic country whose people, culture and customs derive from diverse origins, including the native TaĂno and Ciboney peoples, the Spanish colonialists and the African slaves. Cuba’s architecture today is a testament to its past with Havana being a very architecturally diverse city. Walking the streets of Havana is like traveling back in time. Many buildings date back to the colonial period featuring colonial and baroque buildings architecture while later ones clearly show their neoclassical and art deco influences.
the colors Blue: the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Yellow: the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Red: the color of fire and blood, associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Green: is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety Brown: suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities. Pink: signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes feminine qualities and passiveness.
CUBA the flag
The Cuban flag features three colors: white, blue and red. It dates back to the colonial era and the independence war from Spain. The three blue stripes represent the three main regions that the island was divided in. The red triangle symbolizes strength and constancy and the blood shed by those who fought for freedom. The white star represents freedom. The CUban flag is often referred to as the Lone Star. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba)
My country of choice is Ireland. I have long been fascinated by its beautiful landscape of vibrant green and deep blue water and I wish to trave there some day. Ireland is an island nation on the westernmost edge of Europe. It is the continent's second largest island. It is known for its wide expanses of lush, green fields and is nicknamed, in fact, is the Emerald Isle. But there are also large areas of rugged, rocky landscape. Irish culture and tradition date back to the Celtic people. Ireland’s architecture is very diverse and old due to its ancient history. The Irish countryside still features buildings from the Stone Age with Gothic, Georgian, and Renaissance architecture featured all throughout.
the colors
White: associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. Safety, purity, and cleanliness. Orange: combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. Associated with joy and sunshine. Represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. Gray: cool, neutral, and balanced color. Gray is an emotionless, moody color that is typically associated with meanings of dull, dirty, and dingy, as well as formal, conservative, and sophisticated Green: Represents the Irish people. It is present the natural surroundings and is also one of the flag colors. Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Growth and hope.
IRELAND the flag
The Irish flag features three colors: white, orange and green. Orange stands for Irish Protestants. Is associated with Northern Irish Protestants because of William of Orange who defeated the deposed King James II, a Roman Catholic, in the fateful Battle of the Boyne. Green signifies Irish Catholics and the republican cause. More importantly, green symbolizes revolution. White represents the hope for peace between them. The white in the center signifies a lasting truce between the "Orange" and the "Green.� https://www.infoplease.com/whats-symbolism-irish-flag-0
CONCLUSION I enjoyed taking this class. I think it was very insightful and I learned valuable things that I can now apply in future projects. I only wish I had taken it sooner as the knowledge would have helped me in previous studios. Before this class, I had been using and applying color intuitively whereas now I have the tools to apply it consciously and purposely. I still believe that color is very difficult to master and it takes some trial and error to balance it in an interior space, but this class was a helpful start to that journey.
THE END
REFERENCES Official Hermes website. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2017, from http://www.hermes.com/ Reed, R. (2010). Color Emphasis. In Color design: Transforming interior space (pp. 78-91). New York, NY: Fairchild Books. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rem_Koolhaas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCormick_Tribune_Campus_Center https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba https://www.infoplease.com/whats-symbolism-irish-flag-0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi