Comments on: Material Color: Using Color Successfully in the Built Environment

By: Professor Sharon Anderson

Professor Sharon Anderson — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:14:20 +0000

I teach my students to use color wisely. An example of color making a design statement is the wonderful Pacific Design Center in Southern California. Where would we be without the “Blue Whale”? The architecture is glorious. Check it out at http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com

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By: Amy Kim

Amy Kim — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:32:59 +0000

Hi Paula,
Thanks for your comments! I’ve also read that crimson was initially proposed by Wright who described the color as a “color of creation”, but was nixed by then curator, Hilla Rebay, and Solomon Guggenheim. I think the red is still being used in the museum’s identity. And during the last major renovation, the restorers found that the building was initially painted tan and eventually a light gray. They decided to maintain the light gray.

The museum’s design was controversial from the get-go. Stats indicate that more people visit the museum for the building than the art itself…no surprise there.

By: Paula Pavlik-Douglas

Paula Pavlik-Douglas — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:55:42 +0000

When the renovation of the Guggenheim was nearing completion there was an article in the NYT that said FLW had intended the building to be a color. Peach, Blue and even Red were in his sketches. i had always heard that he didn’t care much for artists and intended the building to overshadow and art that was displayed…The offwhite that was on the building for years was not even the final choice – which, if I recall, was yellow.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:20:14 +0000

I would love to do a story on color and the modernist movement! Though it would be a very very short synopsis.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:21:02 +0000

Great article, Amy!
now i am intrigued to learn more as you alluded to: “However, because many of the photos from that time are black and white, the effect goes wholly unappreciated.” Can we put in requests for your next topic?

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 16 May 2010 07:03:59 +0000

Hi Brian from Bmore! Color seemed to have been used in a more purposeful manner in architecture.

Interestingly…Johannes Itten, an instructor at The Bauhaus, developed theories to help develop the color wheel, a tool that is still relevant and used today. His book, “The Art of Color”, documents his approach to color which were based on the intuition and emotion of the artist or designer.

By: STIR Team

STIR Team — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:03:46 +0000

Thank you for bringing this mistake to our attention. You are correct — it should have said “built” not “build.” It has been fixed.

By: Brian Kuebler

Brian Kuebler — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:01:10 +0000

Hello Amy-
Great article! It’s amazing how many people greatly overlooked the subtleties of the modern movement. Poor Gerrit Rietveld… Thanks for reminding others of the power in thoughtful use of color.
Cheers from Bmore!

By: hifidiva

hifidiva — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:37:00 +0000

To Kim-
“disappointing”….D-I-S-A-P-P-O-I-N-T-I-N-G