The Palette Paradox: Decoding the impact of colour in architecture

In architecture or interior design, in addition to form and space, colour plays a vital role. This element in design has the capability of transforming buildings from mere structures to captivating works of art. As mentioned by designer Pranjali Varshney, who is an expert in acrylic fluid art,  “Colours play a significant role in our lives and have a profound impact on our emotions, perceptions, and behaviours.”

The alumna of Apeejay Institute of Technology–School of Architecture & Planning (AITSAP), further highlights the powerful role of colour in building architecture:

Psychological and emotional response: Colours have the ability to evoke feelings and affect mood. Cool colours like blue and green tend to have a calming and soothing impact, whereas warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are frequently linked to vitality, excitement, and happiness. In order to influence behaviour or create desirable atmospheres, either in interior design or through art, it can be helpful to understand colour psychology.

Personal expression: Colours also encourage creativity and individuality. Based on a person’s taste, feeling, and personality, people frequently link themselves with particular colours. Wearing specific hues can improve our confidence, reflect our attitude, or make us stand out in a crowd. Similarly, every piece of art that an artist creates is a depiction of his/her personality.

Aesthetics and design: To create visually appealing compositions, colours are frequently used in art, design, and visual communication. Whether it’s in a painting, an interior space, a piece of artwork, or a branding scheme, the appropriate color combination can improve the overall appearance and impact of a design. Darker tones evoke a sense of closeness and intimacy, whereas lighter colors tend to make places feel bigger and more open.

Vastu shastra: Colour selection plays  a role in the traditional Indian system of architecture that suggests using specific colours in different rooms to create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere. Vastu principles state that each color corresponds to a certain energy or element. It is said that use of the proper colours in various parts of a place can affect the flow of good energy and balance the space’s five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Vastu also takes into account the directional impact of colours. A certain colour is connected to each cardinal direction to enhance the energy flow. For instance, red is connected with the south, which signifies dynamism and energy, and green is associated with the east, which symbolises growth and fresh beginnings.

Colour therapy or Chromotherapy: Colours are believed to have a positive impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. Vastu practitioners may also recommend specific colors as a form of remedial color therapy. This involves using specific colors to rectify or balance any negative energies or Vastu doshas (imbalances) in a space.

Read Here: This AIT-SAP alumna is creating colourful magic on canvas 

In addition to the above mentioned role, colours add to the sustainability of any design in contemporary architecture. Cool roof coatings, with light-coloured pigments, reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption and the urban heat island effect. Similarly, selecting lighter shades for building facades can minimise the need for air conditioning, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

All in all, the power of colour in building architecture cannot be overstated. Colours add vibrancy, meaning, and depth to our surroundings, helping us communicate, understand, and appreciate the world around us. And so, architects harness the transformative potential of colour to create visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and sustainable spaces that leave a lasting impact on occupants and the surrounding environment.