Color, Environment, and Human Response: An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use as a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment

An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use as a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment

Written primarily for professionals involved in the planning and design of public facilities, Color, Environment, and Human Response examines the properties and effects of color, and makes specific recommendations for the use of color in environments ranging from school gymnasiums to hospital EKG rooms to industrial foundries.

The first part of this practical and useful guide discusses the psychological and physiological effects of color, light, and environmental conditions on the human organism. This information is based on the most up–to–date international man/environment research available. Drawing from studies in fields that seem unrelated to architecture fields such as natural science, color theory, technology, biology, medicine, and psychology Mr. Mahnke combines hard scientific evidence with empirical studies and his own professional experience as a color consultant to create a fascinating guide to the purposeful use of color. Here he examines:

The psychological effects of color Color fundamentals Biological effects of light Analysis of design goals

In the second part of Color, Environment, and Human Response, Mr. Mahnke gives practical advice on the use of color and light for specific purposes in a broad scope of environments. From hospitals to industrial workplaces, each environment is thoroughly covered function–by–function. The chapter on healthcare facilities, for example, includes advice for every area from the entrance lobby, to laboratories, to staff lounges, to intensive care. Just a few of the many built environments covered in illuminating detail include:

Offices and computer workstations Schools Healthcare facilities Restaurants and food display Industrial work environments Color for exteriors

Whether you′re an architect, designer, city planner, lighting engineer, or color consultant, you′ll learn how to create healthy and productive environments with Color, Environment, and Human Response.

What Is Color?: An Introduction from the Psychological Viewpoint.

Psychophysiological Effects.

Psychosomatrics, Emotions, and Design.

Characteristics and Effects of Major Hues.

Those Achromatic Environments.

Color Fundamentals.

Vision and Light.

Biological Effects of Light.

Analysis and Establishment of Design Goals.

Offices and VDT Computer Workstations.

Health Care Facilities.

Mental Health Centers and Psychiatric Hospitals.

Industrial Work Environments.

Schools.

Food and Foodservice.

Color for Exteriors.

A New Role and Challenge.

Appendix.

Bibliography.

Frank H. Mahnke is President of the International Association of Color Consultants/Designers for which he conducts seminars on the psychological and physiological effects of color, light, and human reaction to the built environment. He is also the founder and director of the American Information Center for Color and Environment in San Diego, California. Mr. Mahnke is an environmental designer and consultant for architectural projects in the private sector as well as for local, state, and federal government.