7/4/2020

Color Theory, Schemes and Psychology

HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE
Department of Architecture
Lecture Content in Theory of Architecture 1 (ARTHEORY1)
1st Semester, Curriculum 2018-2019

Target Program Outcomes (PO):

(a) create architectural solutions by applying knowledge in history,
theory, planning, building technology and utilities, structural concepts
and professional practice
(b) effectively communicate orally and in writing using English or Filipino
Week 5 Learning Output:
•Determine the various psychological implications of color both on the
exterior & interior application of a building
• Classify the appropriate colors applicable on specific structures
• Validate the usage of colors on existing structures, interior & exterior
• Elaborate how to use the color wheel
• Elaborate the proper application of color schemes
• Display effective communication skills

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COLOR this is a
phenomenon of light &
visual perception that
maybe described in
terms of an individual’s
perception of hue,
saturation & lightness
for objects, & hue,
saturation, &
brightness of light
sources.

CHROMATICS – The
Science of Colors.

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TERMS TO KNOW
Hue: Another name for color
The term 'hue' denotes color, any color. It means the name of a color and can be used interchangeably with the
word 'color'. Each hue in the spectrum has its own characteristic. Some are bright, some are dull; some are dark,
some light, some are strong, some weak.

Chroma: Intensity or saturation

of color
Value: The lightness or darkness
of a color.
Tint: Color + White
Tone: Color + Grey
Shade: Color + Black
Key Color: Dominant color in a color
scheme or mixture.

Red - is a very aggressive color. It is not often used in large areas for
bedrooms as it is a stimulating color, but used to highlight and create the
element of romance, love and passionate luxury through the use of drapery,
bed linen and accessories. Red is a vibrant color, a powerful color. It is good for
drapes, Lobby, etc.
Psychology:
Warm, Stimulate, Generate Aggression, Angry, Assertive,
Exciting, Strength, Excitement, Vitality, Physical Power,
Flatters Skin Color, Advances, Luxury, Power,
Danger Signal, Stop Signal, Arouses, Hot, Passionate,
Rich, Celebratory, Luck, Love, Romance, Courage, Fire,
Vigorous, Luxury, Bold, Brave, Increases Blood Pressure,
Increases Respiratory Rate, Aids Digestion,
Increases Strength, Bullying, Physical, Impulsive,
Sensuous, Extreme, Athletic.

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RED
Hues of Red

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Blue – the word itself is derived from the Old French word bleu.
- it’s the color of intellectual activity & influence the mood
& feelings evoked in a space.
- It is the ideal color for reception areas as it is formal,
conservative and balancing.
Psychology:
Cool, Tranquilizer, Healing, Peace Bringing Properties,
Relaxing, Restful, Openness, Expansiveness, Sedative,
Formality, Water Association, Fresh, Airy,
Sense Of Wellbeing, Refreshing, Lowers Blood
Pressure, Justice, Slows Respiratory Rate,
Antidote For Red, Conceptual, Responsible, Serenity,
Loyalty, Dogmatic, Pragmatic, Rigid, Manipulative,
Conservative, Authoritative, Smart, Balancing,
Masculine or Feminine, Spatial, Heavenly.

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BLUE
Hues of Blue

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Yellow - is the happiest and cheerful color to use in interior design and
decorating.

Psychology:
Sunshine, warmth, fun, happiness, warning,
friendship, caution, slow, intelligence, cowardice,
love, animal crossing, Mardi Gras, summer, lemons,
Easter, autumn, electricity, liberalism, hope,
optimism, imagination, curiosity

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YELLOW
Hues of Yellow

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Green– the secondary color which is a product of blue & yellow.

- it has a nerve calming effect and is ideal in bathrooms and bedrooms as it
has relaxing and calming properties.
- It can be used with a wide brush, and highlighted with bold accents, just
like flowers popping out from under their leaves.
Psychology:
Cool, Relaxing, Restful, Discreet, Security, Harmony,
Calming, Steady Nerves, Balance, Elegant, Sophisticated,
Envy, Jealousy, Inexperience, Quietly Social, Wealth,
Refreshment, Compassion, Rejuvenation, Balance,
Growth, Birth, Expansiveness, Moderation, Conventional.

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GREEN
Hues of Green

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Violet– the secondary color which is approximately nearer to blue.

- Violet is a spectral color which is closer to blue, while Purple is a
combination of red and blue or light violet. The purples are colors that
are not spectral colors – purples are extra-spectral colors.
- Violet is great for girls bedrooms as it is peaceful and calm.
- works well in working or learning areas.
Psychology:
Well Balanced, Restful, Promotes Peace And
Calm, Serene, Regal, Dignified, Elegance, Day Dreaming,
Spiritual, Royalty, Supremacy, Quietness, Reverence, Lowers
Blood Pressure, Internal Dialogue, Philosophical,
Thinking, Creativity, Mourning.

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VIOLET
Hues of Violet

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Orange– the secondary color which occurs between red and yellow in the
visible spectrum.
- use where there will be large congregations of people as it decreases
irritability and hostility and improves social behavior.
- useful in large learning institutions like universities and schools.
- popular color choice for teenager children’s bedrooms as it is cheerful,
happy and active and has anti depressive properties.
Psychology:
Warm, Anti Depressant, Happiness, Joyfulness, Cheerful,
Assertive, Dynamic, Spontaneous, Liveliness, Welcoming,
Social, Pleasure Seeking, Extroverted, Exuberance,
Decreases Irritability And Hostility, Emotional, Active,
Boldness, Improves Social Behavior, Induces Appetite.

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ORANGE
Hues of Orange

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Black– the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible
spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light. Although black is
sometimes described as an "achromatic", or hue-less, color, in practice it
can be considered a color.

Psychology:
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people
appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black
to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies
submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or
evil.

White– a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three
types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with
high brightness compared to the surroundings.
Psychology:
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.
White reflects light and is considered a summer color.
White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light,
neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt
and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors.
Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.

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Color Wheel - A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field
of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since
then, scientists and artists have studied and designed numerous variations of this
concept.

Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it be music, poetry,

color, or even an ice cream sundae.

In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the
viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience. When
something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Mono-chromatic: Using one color (hue) throughout, utilizing that
colors various tints, tones and shades. When using a mono-
chromatic scheme using multiple textures creates character and
maintains unity.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Analogous: Using three colors (hues) that are neighboring each
other on the color wheel. These schemes can be warm or cool since
colors are adjacent on the color wheel.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Complementary: Using two colors (hues) that are opposites such as
red and green or violet and yellow. Choose varying tints tones and
shades which will give the bold dramatic effect you are looking for.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each other.
Split - Complementary: The split-complementary color scheme is a
variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color,
it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the
complementary color scheme, but has less tension.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Triadic: Using three colors (hues) that are equal distance apart on
the color wheel, such as red, yellow and blue or using secondary
colors yellow-green, blue-violet, and red-orange.

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WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Tetradic: The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors
arranged into two complementary pairs.
This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.
The tetradic color scheme works best if you let one color be dominant.

WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that harmonize with each
other.
Achromatic: use only black, white and grey, they posses no other
hue. They are restrained and sophisticated.

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TIPS on choosing schemes:

1. Walls, floors, ceiling - People feel more
comfortable in room with light ceiling, medium
walls and dark floors and it corresponds to the
color of sky, foliage and earth respectively.
2. Proportions of the room - If a room is too large,
the effect can be subdued by using dark colors
and complementary color schemes. If the room is
too small, it can be made to appear larger by the
use of light colors and monochromatic and
analogous color schemes.
3. Larger areas on façade should be painted with
light colors with small horizontal bands painted in
dark colors.
4. Choice of color scheme also depends upon the
nature of projects. For residential areas,
harmonious color schemes (monochromatic or
analogous) are preferred.
5. In the Philippines, warm colors are much
preferred at the exterior & landscape
complements the overall effect of the building.

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LMD: Light, Medium and Dark - How you use these colors can affect the overall
appearance of your room.
• Light- Is the Background- this is usually easy to achieve since most rentals
are equipped with light to off-white walls.
• Medium- Large furniture and windows - Since the color of these objects
will blend with the above lighter selection, the medium furniture will
ground the room and give it a foundation.
• Darker- Accessories. Since your eye is drawn to a darker more intense color
you will be able to arrange you accessories in a manner to guide the eye
flowing through your room.

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