THE PSYCHOLOGY OF

COLORS
Since many years ago light and color in interior architecture and urban
design`s architecture have been familiarized, the longer coexistence effected
space users` spirits and their social communications,

If we create an environment with walls, floors, and neutral ceilings, when we

apply certain colors on the different surfaces, we get different visual effects.
For example, if we apply a darker shade on the ceiling, the sensation of a
lower space is generated; if we apply color to the central wall of space, the
idea of a certain "spatial shortening" is created visually; whereas, if it is
applied to all walls, the perception of a space longer than it really is, is
produced.

If only the lateral walls of the space are painted, there is a noted perception
of narrowing; otherwise, when painting the central wall and ceiling in the
same hue, the environment seems to expand. If you are looking to lower
the height of the space or put the focus at the height of the observer's
gaze, then painting all the surfaces at half height, and putting the darker
tones on the upper surfaces gives us this desired effect.

But colors do not exist without the presence of light. As Israel Pedrosa says in
his book Da Cor à Cor Inexistent, "color has no material existence: it is only
the sensation produced by certain nervous organizations under the action
of light, with more precision, the action provoked by the action of the light
on the organ of vision.“
• In children's projects,
colors are used to
motivate the child's
psychological and
sensory
development.
• Among innumerable
examples, the
following are
standouts: the
College in Alto de
Pinheiros of the
architects of Base
Urbana + Pessoa
Arquitetos;
the Prestwood
Elementary School of
De Rosee Sa; and
the 'Els Colors'
kindergarten by RCR
Arquitectes.
Switch Restaurant and Lounge
Karim Rashid
A futuristic statement that “switches” the role of hospitality design by provoking
thought and excitement within emotions
Strategic Design
Transitional from day to night that changes the mood
No natural lighting
Simple color scheme to reflect color changing walls
Everything is curved
Wall is “inspired by the Arabic letter ‘S’ turned on its side.”
In hospital projects or the
field of health, colors are used
as a complementary element
for the rehabilitation of
patients.
such as in the Esther
Koplowitz Foundation for
Patients with Cerebral Palsy,
designed by Hans Abaton
The Nemours
Children's
Hospital, which is
designed by
Stanley Beaman &
Sears.
In urban projects, colors are
sometimes used to restore
liveliness and to renovate
deteriorated spaces, such as
the intervention of the
Kampung Pelangi village, in
Indonesia, which uses a
significant amount of color to
give a "spatial identity.“
 Superkilen park of the Danish firm BIG,
• Color has not always been so detached from architectural design. Historically, the artist’s
profession encompassed all, but not exclusively: painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Color was used lavishly in architecture, because of the desire to glorify gods or kings or to
celebrate the marvel of the building itself. The thought-to-be bare and neutral stone temples
of ancient Greece have recently been proven to have been richly painted with deep jewel — toned
pigments. The cathedrals of medieval Europe were also painted, as well as the palaces and
• temples
Biologicalofreactions
China, which were
to color filled
are with
solely color symbolism.
physical in nature. Instead of the obvious optical reaction
to color, it is in fact a reaction to the energy of the light waves. Tests show that even if a
person is blindfolded his or her pulse will noticeably increase when exposed to the color
red and decrease when exposed to blue.
• Conscious Symbolism Association
Conscious Symbolism develops through personal experiences. There are some universal
associations that are surprisingly uniform from culture to culture. Blue for example is usually
associated with sky and water, yellow with sun and light, and red with blood and fire.

• Cultural Influence
There are also cultural influences on our experience of color. For example, in the English
language, if a person is said to be green he/ she feels sick; in German, on the other hand, if a
person is said to be green he / she is hopeful.
• Personal Relations
Our personal relations to color vary greatly. It is a field that the designer has hardly any
control over. Generally speaking younger people prefer more saturated and primary colors
Where older people prefer less saturated and
the Old City of Jaipur- Red sandstone gives the city its identity
the city of lakes—Udaipur. Its five major lakes, paired with the sparkling white marble of its palaces lend it the
befitting nickname of ‘White City’
 Old City of Jaisalmer Moroccan city Chefchaouen
Yellow sandstone gives the city a sense of collective belonging The city is painted blue for the apparent theories of
either keeping mosquitoes away or as a symbol of
freedom from Hitler

The Color Theory, is a topic of evaluation and study in various fields, including medical and other sciences. Colors like
whites and greys have always been favored by the architects and designers, but many architects have been bold enough
to realize that the effect of these colors can be graving, and feel isolated. So eventually, architects and healthcare
organizations have realized and come together to make more habitable and colorful centers and this has proven positive.
 Colors influence how you feel – energized, calm, cheery, relaxed, intense, even depressed
Not just hue, but saturation, tint and brightness. Hue – pure color, tint is original color + white
(lighter than original color), shade is original color + black (darker than original color), saturation
defines a range from pure color to grey
Just as no two people are alike, different people will perceive the same color differently. Can be
• related
White –tototal
memories or specific
reflection, feelings
refreshing, associated
clean, hygienic with a certain
and sterile color.
(medicinal) and contemporary. Makes
a small space look larger. Nice backdrop for colors/accents, gives your eye a place to rest. White
projects purity, cleanliness and neutrality. Best-selling color of classic American t-shirt. Scientists
originally wore beige coats, in late 19th Century, changed to white to promote idea of hope and
healing.
• Grey – subtle elegance, conservative, nice neutral background. Works with virtually every color,
except perhaps brown. Can quiet a bright hue, but can be suppressive, even depressing if used too
heavily. Grey is associated with intellect and brain (grey matter.)
• Black – total absorption, associated with authoritative, formal, death, mourning, serious. Graphic,
great backdrop for white, neutrals, colors.   Communicates sophistication, weight and seriousness.
Black implies weight. Color associated with judge’s robes, priest’s, tuxedos and limos for power and
sophistication.
• Yellow – bright, optimistic, happy, playful, youthful. The strongest and happiest color
psychologically. During the tenth century in France, the doors of traitors and criminals were painted
yellow. Yellow houses are thought to sell fastest.
• Red – power, stimulating, energetic, can increase heart rate and blood pressure, passion, increases
appetite used widely in kitchens for this reason. Not used in hospitals as it reminds people of blood.
Color of the highest arc in the rainbow, longest wavelength of light. Red flowers are usually
• Pink – feminine, soothing, sweet, nurturing and physically soothing. Associated with romance. Too
much pink can be physically draining/emasculating -- Baker miller pink (P-618) reduce hostile,
violent or aggressive behaviour in prisons/juvenile correctional facilities by lowering blood pressure
and heart rate. Sports teams sometimes paint locker rooms of opposite teams pink as a
tranquilizing effect.
• Brown – warmer and softer than black, elemental, natural earth color. Most people find it
supportive and prefer it to black. Use of too many neutrals not enough contrast.
• Orange – stimulating color, food, warmth, fun, sensuality. Like red, it increases appetites and
stimulates activity; used in many kitchens/restaurants.
• Blue – intellectual, soothing, serene and mentally calming. Evokes restfulness. Least gender
specific color. Can be perceived as cold and unfriendly. Blue is the world’s favourite color. Most
attractive color to mosquitos.
• Green – balance, harmony, refreshing. Tints of green can be considered a “neutral” working well
with many other colors. References nature and environmental awareness. Second only to blue as
the favourite color. Occupies more space in the visible spectrum, most pervasive color in nature.
Used for night-vision goggles as color human eye is most sensitive to and able to discern. Pale
green tint used in older hospitals because it was the complement of blood, more restful to the eyes
when doctors looked away from their patients during surgery – visual relief from after images from
looking at blood.
• Violet – spiritual, luxury and royalty. Highly introvertive, encourages deep contemplation (zen),
Associated with royalty, fine quality, however, used too liberally communicates cheap, poor quality.
Color often well liked by very creative or eccentric people.

• COLORS AS WE AGE
YOUNG DISABLED MODULES, Zaragoza, Spain
Refurbishment and Extension of ArcelorMittal R&D Headquarters, Avilés, Spain
Falcon Headquarters by Rojkind Arquitectos, San Angel, Mexico
123 social green housing in Madrid by SOMOS.arquitectos, Madrid
Didden Village by MVRDV, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Purple Hill House by IROJE KHM Architects, Gyeounggi-do,