Traditional colour theory in design context: A focus on value

Abstract

Traditional colour theory, a branch of colour theory that is relevant for architects and design professionals, is characterised by conceptual colour models and constructs which occur in the literature on colour, design education, and professional practice. While the origins of traditional colour theory date back centuries, it is a branch of colour theory that has attracted criticism, which tends to focus on hue-based colour models and constructs, and a lack of correspondence with colour science. Despite this, many constructs that abound in traditional colour theory have come to represent colour strategies commonly used across applied design and design of the built environment. While hue-based constructs and colour strategies are common in traditional colour theory, design education, and design practice, this paper focuses on value-based constructs and related colour strategies for two key reasons. Firstly, to corral information about value-based constructs and colour strategies. Secondly, to highlight the important role that value-based contrasts and colour strategies play in achieving specific aims relating to legibility, differentiation, perceptions about ambience and atmosphere, and environmental visual literacy. Value-based constructs are explored via a survey of traditional colour theories using archival and desk research. Outcomes summarise and discuss the role of value in design praxis.