Architectural Colour in the Professional Palette

How do architects use colour? Do they adopt a different strategy or starting point for every project? Do they gradually cultivate individual colour palettes, which develop alongside their body of built work? Do they utilise, or are they aware of, the body of theoretical work that underpins the use of colour in the past, and forms the basis of most of the colour systems commercially available today?

Informed by the author’s thirty years in architectural practice and academia, this book investigates, documents and analyses the work of a number of contemporary architects in order to respond to these questions and provide a clear reference of contemporary colour use. The book suggests a holistic approach to the integration of colour in architecture; through a series of thematic essays, the text explores and reveals underlying principles in colour design and application. Case studies include:

• AHMM
• Caruso St John
• Erich Wiesner and Otto Steidle
• Gigon/Guyer
• O’Donnell + Tuomey
• Sauerbruch Hutton
• Steven Holl
• UN Studio.

The book provides clear insights into how particular contemporary architects use colour confidently and intelligently as an integral part of their design philosophy, in conjunction with their choices of materials and finishes.

Offering a stimulating view of the history of colour theory, and pragmatic advice to practising architects, this book will be inspiring to both design professionals and students.

Fiona McLachlan is Professor of Architectural Practice and head of the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) at the University of Edinburgh, and is a practising architect.