• Home
• Articles
• Essays
• Add site

Color Theory in Educational Facilities

Color Theory in Educational Facilities


In the process of constructing or renovating a school, the selection of a color palate may not seem as important as many of the other decisions that must be made. In fact, the selection of a color palate often seems like an afterthought. However, careful consideration of color selection can provide many positive benefits. The psycho-physiological effects of color are well-known. Reds and oranges are generally thought to be stimulating, while yellow is seen as bright and cheery. Blues and greens are thought to be calming. Dark colors give the illusion that they are receding while lighter colors appear closer. The intention of this paper is to investigate color selection theory for various age groups and color selection theory for various types of rooms.


Colors for Age Groups

Young children seem drawn to bright colors; therefore color schemes that are warm and bright complement the active nature of young children. One of the myths regarding the use of color that Fielding explores is the idea that primary colors are ideal colors for young children. Fielding (2006) states that "primary colors can be harsh, and are best used sparingly" (p. 29). While younger students might be drawn to the brighter colors, these colors are not always conducive to learning. Thompson (2003) suggests that, for pre-schools and elementary schools, "mild, soothing colors-such as warm, soft shades of whites and light creams-work well as the anchor color and stronger, brighter colors are recommended as accents and focal points (30).

Teenagers typically view primary colors as immature. In addition, teenagers typically reject neutral colors and view them to be bland. Adolescent students may respond better to colors that are less distracting or stress-inducing, such as blues or greens (Kennedy, 2005, 50). Thompson (2003) suggests that, for teenagers, "subtle colors, such as light sage greens and refreshing blues and greens, work well with trendy and more saturated hues used as accent colors" (30). In addition, for many teenagers, color selection may be used to help foster and promote a sense of school spirit.

A college-level facility must appeal to a wide variety of ages- from teenagers to adults of various ages; therefore, introducing a variety of colors is important. Kollie (2003) suggests that for college-level facilities, "dark saturated colors can be used strategically in a classroom to avoid distraction from equipment like televisions, video monitors, and projectors" (31).


Colors for Rooms

In classrooms students and teachers should feel stimulated and motivated, but not distracted and unable to concentrate. Color selection can play an important role in determining the functionability of a room. Monotone classroom environments can induce anxiety and lead to irritability and an inability to concentrate; color can help to increase classroom success (Kennedy, 2005, 48). Thompson (2003) suggests an effective painting technique for classrooms. She suggests to "paint the teaching wall a deep or brighter shade than used on the sidewalls" (31). This technique has two benefits. First, it attracts student attention to the front of the room where, presumably, instruction and learning will take place. Secondly, it gives the eyes a visual break when focus is shifted to the sidewalls (Kollie, 2003, 32).

Libraries are often regarded as dull and dreary spaces. With careful color palate selection, a library can certainly improve its image. Thompson (2003) recommends "using color to warm and brighten these spaces encourages students to read" (31). Students may find these warm, bright colors exciting and motivating. In selecting colors for a library it is important to attempt to select colors that will help reduce eyestrain and glare from computer monitors (Kollie, 2003, 32).

Auditoriums, gymnasiums and cafeterias are often dark, dull, poorly lit large spaces. Their sheer size makes the selection of a color palate important. If a color that is too bright is picked it can seem overwhelming on such a large space. Conversely, a bland color can contribute to the feel of a dull, boring space. Thompson (2003) recommends using "lighter warm tones or neutrals for the main color, with brightly colored accents to invigorate the room" (31).

Corridors and stairwells are ideal spaces to use bright, happy colors to reflect school spirit. In addition, the strategic use of colors can help to visually shorten a long hallway or enlarge a small, dark hallway (Thompson, 2003, 31). Kennedy (2005) suggests that the use of color can also help students in navigating the school building. Color can be used to code sections of the building and can aid in navigation and traffic flow (48).

Color selection should be given greater importance in the building and design process. It can provide many potential benefits. Both Kennedy and Thompson discussed the potential gains that may be obtained from color palate selection. These benefits include: enhanced learning, increased morale, improved behaviors. Color can also affect a student's attention span, eye strain, work productivity, and accuracy. Studies have also shown that color can reduce absenteeism and vandalism. If simple color palate selection can assist in curing all of these ills why is it not given more careful consideration? Selecting the correct colors and correct painting techniques for students of particular ages and well as selecting the correct color palate and techniques for rooms of particular uses is crucial to the productivity and climate of the space. Bright, engaging colors may not always be the best choice as they can be distracting and overwhelming. However, conversely neutral colors may develop an environment that is dull and unmotivating. The use of color requires careful consideration and balance.



Works Cited

Fielding, Richard. "What They See is What They Get: Ten Myths about Color and
Lighting in Schools". Edutopia (2006): 28-30.
Kennedy, Maria. "Classroom colors". American School and University (2005): 48-52.
Kollie, Eric. "Light and Color Goes to School". College Planning & Management (2003): 30-
32.
Thompson, Steven. "Color in Education". School Planning & Management (2003): 30-32.

Posted by: Sarah S.

Best Custom Writing Sites

Sites that provide custom writing services are better alternative to downloading pre-written paper samples, especially if you temporarily can't handle writing your own paper for some reason, and can not afford risking your course and reputation for plagiarism detection failure. The prices for custom written essays are affordable, but if you need 15-pages long master level report overnight, you better prepare to spend a noticeable sum.