CARING THROUGH COLOUR
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Duration: 2 months
Project: Interdisciplinary Team Research Project
This project investigates the influence of colours on the atmosphere of various spaces, focusing on their visual and emotional effects. Colours have a profound impact, evoking different emotional responses depending on the context.
Caring Society deeply resonates with the importance of prioritising the well-being of both individuals and society as a whole.
Colour as an Expression of Care.
Across RCA is a project that explores the impact of colours on the mood of different spaces. Visually, colours are significant and evoke emotional responses to specific environments. The project involves experiments conducted in spaces within the RCA Kensington campus that lack vibrancy, aiming to use colours to transform the overall mood of these areas.
Central to our team’s manifesto was a commitment to mutual care, supporting each group member throughout the process. This ethos of care extended to the broader student community by enhancing the atmosphere of shared spaces. Additionally, the project examines personal interpretations of colours, utilising a mood chart to track emotional responses weekly.
Project Members
The team comprised a dynamic blend of talents from various programmes within the RCA community: Hanna Fastrich from MA Ceramics and Glass, Keith Gunning from MA Fashion, Lucy Bishop from MA Textiles, Mateusz Baran from MA Visual Communication, Oyinkan Omotola from MA Architecture, and Mithil Suresh from MA Design Products. Each member contributed a unique perspective and skillset, forming the largest and most diverse team in the project. This diversity served as a powerful asset, enabling the integration of a wide range of viewpoints, ideas, and expertise from multiple disciplines.
The collaborative process was enriched by this fusion of talents, resulting in outcomes that were both innovative and impactful. By leveraging collective strengths, the project advanced the ethos of caring for users and society in meaningful and tangible ways, demonstrating the potential of design as a force for positive change.
Research and Idea Shaping
Drawing inspiration from vibrant street art, colourful playgrounds, and basketball courts, the aim was to infuse creativity into mundane spaces. Through a collective exploration of colours, the process sought to uncover hidden depths of inspiration and unleash boundless creativity, ultimately transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Reflecting on Indian heritage, profound inspiration was drawn from the vibrant landscapes of two renowned Indian cities: Jaipur, famously known as the "Pink City," and Jodhpur, often referred to as the "Blue City." Exploring their rich histories revealed fascinating narratives behind their distinctive hues.
The colour wheel was consulted to explore the significance and emotional connotations associated with each hue. Visits to the colour library on the Kensington campus further enriched the understanding of colour theory. Research also included a range of authoritative books, such as Colour and Human Responses by Faber Birren, The Psychology of Colour and Design by Deborah T. Sharpe, Colour in Your World by Faber Birren, The Little Book of Colour by Karen Haller, ROY G BIV by Jude Stewart, The Colour: A Visual History by Alexandra Loske, The History of Colour by Neil Parkinson, and numerous others.
Execution
An uncared-for space was identified, characterised by a dull atmosphere and artificial lighting that lacked vibrancy. To revitalise the area, colour was introduced through the use of light. Strips of coloured material were created and placed over the light boxes, transforming the space with a dynamic and engaging visual effect.
The approach involved affixing transparent coloured papers onto the light panels along the walls. This innovative combination of light and colour aimed to create an atmosphere that was both authentic and nurturing. Pink colour films were initially used, with plans to rotate colours weekly to influence the moods of those passing through the corridor. The process of affixing the colour films to the light panels was filmed, and the activity proved to be thoroughly enjoyable. Some peers passing through the corridor graciously allowed filming amidst the vibrant surroundings.
The response from users and staff members was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the vibrant transformation of the space.
Armed with a palette of colours, including yellow, blue, red, and green, green films were chosen to gauge the experience, reasoning that this colour would attract attention while still maintaining the functionality of the thoroughfare leading to the Art Bar. Although the idea of affixing the films to the mirrors was considered, it was ultimately decided against. After careful measurement of the light and precise application of the films, the outcome was eagerly anticipated.
Feedback from peers indicated that the result appeared intimidating and dimly lit.
Key focal points were identified for future endeavours, emphasising engagement with public spaces for conceptualisation and meaningful discourse. To address the need for a practical alternative, the integration of transparent colour film blinds was proposed as part of the intervention strategy. These blinds provide a versatile and easily adaptable method for altering the colours of a space to suit various preferences.
The use of transparent colour film blinds eliminates logistical challenges associated with the manual installation and adjustment of traditional colour-changing mechanisms. This innovative solution ensures seamless integration into any space, offering flexibility and ease of use while enriching the overall experience for users and observers alike.
Software
Adobe Photoshop
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