Why a 17th Century Phenomenon Is Key to Architecture Today

As odd as it sounds, in the ancient languages, humans did not even have names for colors. Today we have names to represent almost every nuance and shade, but hundreds of years ago, the words used to describe the visual experience we know as color were primarily derived from moods and included examples like lively, smart, dull, and dreary.

Today there are entire fields devoted to the study of color and its power in our lives. In fact, color theory is a major consideration in the world of modern architecture and design, but its roots date back to the 17th century when Sir Isaac Newton developed the color wheel, which became a central component of color theory.

Creatives today still depend on the color wheel for finding the right color blends to create the targeted aesthetic of a room or even an entire structure. Today’s color theory also incorporates concepts such as tint, hue, and shade.

Why does this matter in architecture? Because with color representing the union of art and science, these centuries-old notions are deeply rooted in the subconscious thoughts and feelings of humanity and are entrenched in long-accepted scientific truth. On an organic level, colors mirror our existing emotions and promote new ones, which is a fundamental goal of architectural design. According to Psychology Today, for example, red is tied to feelings of warmth and personal attractiveness, violet feels distinguished, green is creative, and blue evokes trustworthiness.

Colors not only impact our emotional responses in architecture; they also affect other perceptions in a space. Architects are cognizant of these phenomena too, and professionals integrate them in their planning.

For example, painting a ceiling in a darker shade than the walls creates the sensation of a lower space. In addition, if only one wall is painted a certain color, there is a “spatial shortening” effect, whereas if two of the four or more walls are painted that color, the room feels narrower. In the same vein, if the main wall and the ceiling are the same color, it expands a room visually. Architects play with these notions when they design a space.

The gold standard in color trends is the list released every year by the Pantone Color Institute. 2019’s hottest colors include 72 shades in 8 palettes, all inspired by “fetish foods.” Two palettes at opposite ends of the spectrum create the Classico and Cravings collections. Cravings include vibrant oranges, intense reds, and majestic purples and represent “maximalist” design choices. Classico’s colors are more elegant and understated, with charcoals, deep blues, and neutral greys. Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral, which the institute describes as “an animating life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.”

While we have added hundreds of names to the color wheel since historic times, we have still taken our cues from the ancients, who named their shades for the feelings they evoked, and the resulting studies in psychology remain relevant today.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

Rogue Marketing continues to lead with intention in a space often driven by noise. Q2 2025 reflected a strategic focus on substance, where each initiative supported long-term brand growth. The team transformed internal recognition efforts into enduring brand assets and refined event strategies through immersive, results-driven experiences. Website launches during the quarter balanced visual…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More
ham radios
Hamvention 2025: ICOM Ham Radios Inspire Beginners and Veteran Operators Alike
July 9, 2025

Dayton Hamvention 2025 drew amateur radio hobbyists of all experience levels who shared stories and personal milestones. ICOM ham radios took center stage in many of these testimonials, featuring longtime fans to new licensees discovering the hobby through family and school. Attendees praised the reliability, sound quality, and ease of use of models like…

Read More
global radio enthusiasts
Dayton Hamvention 2025: Global Radio Enthusiasts Rely on Icom Radios for Versatility and Reliable Performance
July 9, 2025

Radio operators from around the world gathered at Dayton Hamvention 2025 to share firsthand stories of connection, experimentation, and gear that stands the test of time. As digital modes, satellite operation, and mobile setups continue to grow in popularity, global radio enthusiasts reaffirmed Icom as a trusted choice across all experience levels.. A diverse…

Read More