Originally published in Builder Polska magazine no. 10/2024.
The relationship between color and health is profound and multifaceted, encompassing psychological, physiological, and cultural dimensions. Frank Mahnke, a renowned expert in color psychology, emphasizes that color’s influence extends beyond mere aesthetics; as a form of energy created by light, it directly impacts our mind and bodily functions.
Color Perception
Color can alter cortical activity, affecting higher-level brain processes like perception, memory, and decision-making. It also influences the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, and can affect hormonal balance. These effects highlight that our reactions to color are holistic, influencing us on both psychological and physiological levels.
Perception is crucial in this process. It is the combination of sensory experiences influenced by cultural, physical and personal factors, creating what is called “phenomenal reality.” This reality is unique to each person because it is shaped by their personal experiences and cultural background.
An interesting aspect of color perception is its synesthetic quality, where the perception of color is linked to other senses, such as weight, taste, temperature and smell. For example, color can convey thermal sensations such as warm (warm colors with yellow, red and orange) or cold (color with blue, fresh green and purple ), humid or refreshing.
From a tactile perspective, it can appear more or less hard, soft, or light; acoustically, we can associate it with sharp, deep, or muted sounds; from an olfactory and gustatory viewpoint, color can give us a sense of sweetness or acidity.
This phenomenon highlights the multisensory nature of color perception and its potential to enhance or detract from an environment’s ambiance.
Understanding these synesthetic associations can be particularly valuable in creating multisensory experiences in design, such as using specific colors in a dining area to enhance the perception of flavors or selecting colors in a workspace to influence the perceived atmosphere.
Color and emotions
The emotional impact of color is another critical area of exploration. Biologically, different colors evoke different physiological responses. For example, red is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can create feelings of excitement or urgency. This response is believed to be rooted in evolutionary biology, where such cues were essential for survival.
On the other hand, blue has a calming effect, often lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which can promote relaxation. These innate responses to color highlight the significant role of color in influencing mood and emotional state.
However, the relationship between color and emotional response is complex and multifaceted. It is not merely the hue of a color that affects emotions but also its saturation and brightness. For instance, a vibrant red might evoke a different emotional response than a muted red, even though they share the same hue.
Cultural and symbolic interpretations of color add another layer of complexity. Different cultures ascribe different meanings to colors, which can greatly influence design choices. For example, while white is often associated with purity and cleanliness in many Western cultures, it may signify mourning in some Eastern cultures. This cultural variability necessitates a sensitive and informed approach to color selection in design, especially in multicultural or global contexts.
Visual ergonomics is a key consideration in the practical application of color. Extreme contrasts in color can strain the eyes and the nervous system, leading to discomfort or visual fatigue. This is why a balanced use of light and color is crucial in creating comfortable and visually pleasing environments. The interplay of dominant, subdominant, and contour colors can define a space’s visual hierarchy, aiding in wayfinding and enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.
To have an adequate color proposal in the environments it is therefore necessary to consider the characteristics of the predominant and secondary color, but also the use of warm and/or cold colors and color contrasts; furthermore, it is important to manage the reflection aspects of light.
Last but not least, what is outside the window also influences, because it reflects color within the spaces, changing our perception even during the day depending on the quality of natural and artificial light.
Practical considerations
In practical design applications, understanding the emotional and psychological responses to different colors can inform choices that enhance well-being and comfort. For example, using chromatic white instead of optical white can soften visual contrasts in interior spaces, creating a more harmonious and comfortable environment.
Additionally, the choice of color in different areas of a space, such as using more subdued tones for dominant surfaces like walls and brighter accents for furniture and decorations, can significantly impact the ambiance and functionality of a space.
Overstimulation and understimulation are significant considerations in designing with color. Overstimulation can occur in environments with excessively bright or vibrant colors, leading to visual fatigue, stress, and discomfort. This is especially relevant in spaces designed for relaxation or concentration, where too much visual stimulation can be counterproductive.
To mitigate these effects, designers can use a more subdued or harmonized color palette, balance bright colors with neutral tones, and avoid high contrast in large areas. Conversely, understimulation can result from environments that lack sufficient visual diversity, often featuring dull or monotonous colors.
This can lead to feelings of boredom, lethargy, or even depression, particularly in spaces where creativity and activity are essential. To counteract understimulation, designers can introduce more varied and vibrant colors, incorporate textures and patterns, and use dynamic lighting to create visual interest.
The distinction between public and private spaces also influences color choices. Public spaces often require designs that are universally accessible and comfortable, considering a broad audience’s diverse needs and preferences. In contrast, private spaces offer more flexibility for personalization, allowing for color schemes that reflect individual tastes and psychological needs.
This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the functional and emotional requirements of users when designing with color.
The choice of color in a room is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the natural light that penetrates, the type of artificial illumination that is installed, and the materials used for walls, ceilings, and floors, which can have a more reflective or absorbent effect.
Furniture also plays a role in determining the overall color scheme, as well as the personality and preferences of the people living or working in the space. For instance, some might prefer vibrant colors to convey vitality, while others might choose softer hues for a more tranquil atmosphere.
Public spaces, such as hospitals and care facilities, increasingly recognize the importance of color in promoting well-being and aiding recovery. These spaces often use calming colors, natural light, and elements of nature to create a soothing atmosphere that helps patients heal and feel comfortable. The design of these therapeutic environments reflects a broader understanding of the role that built environments play in mental and emotional health.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the interplay between color and health is intricate and deeply rooted in both our psychological and physiological makeup. As research continues to explore the myriad ways in which color affects human well-being, the potential for applying these insights in architecture and design becomes increasingly apparent.
Whether through creating calming hospital environments or stimulating educational spaces, thoughtful color selection can significantly enhance our emotional and physical health.
This comprehensive understanding of color and health not only informs the creation of more harmonious living and working environments but also emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from neuroscience, psychology, design, and cultural studies.
As we continue to explore this vibrant field, the potential for color to positively impact our lives becomes ever more evident, offering new avenues for enhancing well-being through thoughtful and informed design choices.
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Laura Sangiorgi graduated in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano in 2002, after a one year experience at “Sint Lucas” of Brussels. Since 2023 she has been a contract professor at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano, after 20 years as a Didactic Assistant for the courses of Professor Danilo Redaelli at the School of Architecture and at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano, with seminars on themes concerning representation, perception, color and neuroscience. She is also a lecturer at the ‘Neuroscience applied to architecture’ programme at Università IUAV teaching about color and neuroscience. In the last few years, she has been studying how the use of color can affect the way we live and react to the environment. Principles behind the science of color are a strong part of her professional practice. She’s a design member of IMPRONTA, a research and consulting studio focused on design for health and well-being.
Natalia Olszewska is a specialist in the application of neuroscience in architectural design. She is a co-founder of IMPRONTA, a research and consulting studio focused on design for health and well-being. Has a unique educational background in medicine (Jagiellonian University and Tor Vergata), neuroscience (University College London, École Normale Supérieure, Sorbonne), and applied neuroscience in architectural design (IUAV University). Completed scientific internships at institutions such as Harvard University and Collège de France. Gained experience working on projects for global companies like Arup, Skanska, and Google. Lecturer in the NAAD (Neuroscience Applied to Architectural Design) Master’s program organized by IUAV University.