Color is a very special component of architecture. It is used to emphasize the spirit and nature of a building, and clarify the relations of the parts of it. It is utilised in terms of functionality and aesthetics as well. But nevertheless, color in architecture is complementary, according to Ramuseen. Architecture can be brilliant even without it. That is because architecture is first and foremost related to form and space. We only need to look at Greek temples, in which time has wiped out any trace of colour, to see that good architecture can be magnificent while still being "naked" stone.
Color has been a part of architecture since its beginnings. However it was limited to colors of nature, as it was determined by the natural color of the building materials of the primitive men. When gradually, people began to transform these materials, they were exposed to a wider range of color in their lives. In this sense, in terms of color, it may appear to be that in architecture people have always imitated . We can see this clearly in Norwegian log houses or Italian stucco houses and more. But that was only because color has been and still is highly symbolic. Not only do we, to this day, reserve specific colors for specific objects, or special occasions, but we attribute different traits to different colors. It is not yet clear how the human mind seems to do that, but it is widely known that color has a powerful psychological effect on us.
That is exactly why a skillful architect will use color, as a very powerful means of expression to convey what he desires in his design. Rasmuseen illustrates this with the example of the Faaborg Musem of Carl Peterson, a splendid architectural design, where color is not only used to give character to every room, but in a way that is also very captivating. He even gives the example of the Copenhagen City Hall as a poor example of the use of color. However Rasmuseen states that there are no specific rules or directions that can guarantee good architecture. It is upon the hands of the architect to employ color in any way that he deems right and appropriate in his design.
Even though our eyes adapt very fast to changes in light, so that we can perceive all details of color, the way we experience color differs greatly when there's changes in light. Rasmuseen illustrates this with the paintings of Vermeer and Hooch, which represent very similar models, but look completely different due to changes of light, and contrasts between cool and warm colors. Color and light are deeply connected and the architect must combine both appropriately, so that color can sparkle in radiance and enhance the design.
Even though color is not fundamental in architecture, if used masterfully, can beautify any design.
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