Topic 8.

CHROMATIC ENERGY AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, you should:

1. Describe the effect of the different colors to the architecture.

2. Name the composition of the different color harmonies.
3. Understand the importance of considering chromatic energy to architecture

Test what you know:

1. Reading Assignment:

2. Discussion Question: Give one the relevance of color psychology to human perceptions?
Why do you say so?
3. Discussion Forum 1:
commonalities of their answers with yours?

Discussion
I. Chromatic Energy
chromatikos, which means color. The word
chromatic, therefore, refers to anything related to color or color phenomenon. Energy, on
the other hand, is
being active. Therefore, chromatic energy simply
refers to the color and its psychological effects on
people.
Two Categories of Color:
1. Warm Colors reds, yellows, orange: can
spark a variety of emotions ranging from
comfort to warmth to hostility and anger.
2. Cool Colors greens, blues and purples:
Often spark feelings of calmness as well as
sadness.

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 The Color Spectrum
Source: https://study.com/cimages/videopreview/videopreview-full/6u9d5napi7.jpg

II. Color Psychology

Color psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior. Color
influences perceptions. Colors also have certain qualities that can affect the tastes and
emotions of people. The way color affects individuals may vary depending on age, gender,
and culture. Although color association can vary contextually between cultures, color
preference is relatively uniform across gender and race.
III. Color Harmony
Color harmony is the theory of combining colors in a way that is harmonious to the eye. In
other words, what colors work well together

Color Harmony
(Ching,& Binggeli, 2012)

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 Neighboring colors are analogous
hues. Opposite colors are
complementary hues.
Mixing analogous hues result in
harmonious and closely related hues.
Mixing complementary hues produce
neutral hues.

The value of a color can be raised by

adding white (tint) and lowered by
adding black (shade).
The intensity of a color can be
strengthened by adding more of the
dominant hues. It can be lowered by
mixing gray with the color or by adding
the complementary hue. Hues that are
grayed or neutralized in this manner are
often called tones.

Two complementary colors placed side

by side tend to
saturation and brilliance without an
apparent change in hues. This
combination is known as simultaneous
contrast.

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 Both black and white have a visible
effect on adjacent colors. Surrounding
colors with black tends to make them
richer and more vibrant. Outlining with
white, on the other hand, tend to spread
and alter the hues as they separate.

Deep cool colors appear to contract.

Light, warm colors tend to expand and
increase the apparent size of objects,
especially when seen against a dark
background.

Warm hues appear to advance. Dark

values and saturated hues suggest
nearness.

Synthesis Activities

1. Student Activity: Using the storyboard presentation, compile photographs of buildings

applying the different color harmonies. Identify the architect, the location, the function of
the building and the colors and the color harmony used.
2. Reflection Question: Give one importance of color in architectural design?
3. Discussion Forum 3:
answers? Why? Why not?
4. Test what you have learned: Online quiz 20 pts

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 References:

Ching, F. D. K (1995). A visual dictionary of architecture. USA: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
Ching, F. D. K. (2007). Form, space and order. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
Ching, F.D.K. & Binggeli, C. (2012). Interior design illustrated (3rd ed.). New Jersey:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Salvan, G. S. (1986). Architectural theory of design. Quezon City, Philippines: JMC
Press, Inc.

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