Colours in architecture

In current building scene there are not many architects working with colours in architecture and design. We get to see colours in interiors but exteriors are generally glazed, whites or shades of browns. Recently I came across the works of Ar Ricardo Boffil on instagram, and the interplay of form and colour astonished me. In La Muralla Roja Resort, the colour on geometric forms merges with pale sky which looks like mesmerizing work of art. I have been meaning to experiment in similar way for quite some time. At PAA we are very colour specific, having our shades of blue, pink and yellows. So far, we have used colours in interiors but facades remain unexplored.

PALE BLUE AND PINK AGAINST SEA AND SKY

In college we had exercise of colouring on a Cube’s faces with varying intensities, showing effect of light on its faces. We use same principle to colour walls, separating two faces distinctly. This enhances geometry and form of space.

THE CUBE WITH THREE SHADES OF LIGHT

Architects make buildings for end user and Science confirms that human response to color is total – it influences us psychologically and physiologically. As colour is a very subjective matter its important to involve the client in process.

GEOMETRICAL FORMS AND PLANES

Like explained in earlier blogs, colour can be used as water or sun in buildings. I am very sure that adding right shade to a wall can transform it from dull to exciting. The art of formation and colours can be interlinked to achieve extra from an ordinary space.

GRADIENT ON SURFACES

STAGGERED SURFACES

When something has no colour, it is transparent. An example is air.”