For those tasked with developing color schemes for applied design or design of the built environment, there are various options for inspiration beyond color strategies found in traditional color theory.
Nature in all its forms can provide a wealth of inspiration for color scheme development and this approach is underpinned by research that investigated the impact of nature. Research findings indicate that the representation of nature in interior spaces tends to have a positive impact and can enhance feelings of comfort, relaxation, and wellbeing.
This evidence-based approach to color design is underpinned by universal preferences for biophilia, a term coined by Fromm to represent our “love of life and all that is alive”, and our attraction to nature, growth, and living systems (Fromm, 1973, p365). Wilson (1984) posited the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that we are hard-wired to seek out connections with nature and other forms of life. In addition, Kaplan and Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory proposed that people whose resources are depleted from attentional fatigue and stress can concentrate better after spending time in nature or viewing nature (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Kaplan, 1995).
In applied design and especially design for the built environment, the ongoing trend for biophilia tends to feature nuances of green, sage green, ochres, brownm and timber tones, and natural elements (foliage, timber, etc) plus design details that reflect the shapes and forms found in nature.
Variations of this color exploration/color scheme development task have been suggested by color theorists and educators in the past:
- Albers (1963) provided insight into a student exercise that involved examining the color interactions arising from juxtapositions of pressed Fall leaves and colored paper.
- Itten (1961) describes student color explorations of ‘Subjective Timbre’ that involved students exploring color from a subjective perspective. These studies often resulted in a series of color studies based on observations of nature (see The Art of Color, pp24-29). In addition, Itten (1963) notes that many Bauhaus exercises involved studying nature to explore expressions of movement, repetition in line and form.
A) Find examples of nature - Explore all forms and representations of nature. This may involve getting out into nature and taking a walk in the park or a nature trail. Select some examples of nature that you find appealing for this color palette development exercise. Alternatively, find examples of imagery of nature in your photographs or online.
B) Take time to pay close attention to the colors in nature - Observe your examples of nature and identify the full array of colors evident in these examples. Using colored pencils or other media on hand; or, a color-picker tool, identify all of the color samples in your example of nature.
C) Develop your color response - Refine your color observations. Use your knowledge of color to explore variations in hue, saturation and tonal value. Play with juxtapositions - explore how combinations of color side-by-side look and feel. Play with varied proportions - explore how small vs. large masses of color change effect.
D) Create a color palette scheme based on your color observations - Using an app or program like Canva, create color scheme palettes inspired by your observations of color in nature.
E) Compare and contrast color palettes - Examine color scheme palettes and identify potential applications across various sectors of applied design including graphic design, interior design, textile design.
Color scheme development using manually-based media or digital technology brings many benefits for those involved with color application in applied design and design of the built environment.
- Refine ability to distinguish subtle hue variations.
- Become visually familiar with the intrinsic tonal value of each hue.
- Become familiar with the intrinsic saturation level of each hue.
- Refine ability to identify and distinguish variations in contrast.
- Become familiar with the impact that subtle changes in hue, tonal value, and saturation level have on color schemes.
- Refine ability to predict the outcome of subtle changes in color combinations across different colorways.
References
Albers, J. (1963), Interaction of color. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Itten, J. (1961). The art of color. New York: John Wiley.
Itten, J. (1963). Design and form: The basic course at the Bauhaus and later (Revised edition, 1975). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Fromm, E. (1973). The anatomy of human destructiveness. New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston. Accessible at https://archive.org/details/ErichFrommTheAnatomyOfHumanDestructiveness/
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15 (30), 169-182.
Kaplan, R. & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Lemos, P.J. (1920). Applied art: Drawing, painting, design and handicraft. Portland Oregon: Mountain View Publishing. Accessible at https://archive.org/details/appliedartdrawin00byulemo/
Shillito, P. (1979). Shillito Design School curriculum. Sydney
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Accessible at https://archive.org/details/edward-o.-wilson-biophilia/
Image of Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee. National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/fall-colors.htm
About the author - Dr Zena O’Connor established Design Research Associates in 2006 and has focussed on evidence-based color strategies, insight, and recommendations for applied design and the built environment. Zena has completed numerous color design projects across commercial, residential and the healthcare and aged care sectors. A designer by training, Zena’s PhD research investigated color in the built environment (Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning, University of Sydney). She has developed and taught university courses (Sydney University, University of NSW and Sydney Design School) and published 70+ peer-reviewed academic articles on color in applied design and the built environment. https://zenaoconnor.com