Chromatic interventions in urban space paving: what are the possibilities?

Abstract

Colours impact urban aesthetics, play a fundamental role in visual identity, influence individuals' relationships with spaces, and transform the way environments are used. Well-designed colourful spaces contribute to the positive user experience, visually attracting and facilitating the interpretation and appropriation of the city by its inhabitants. Thus, colour interventions can be understood as an urban design tool that supports orientation and wayfinding strategies, while conserving, revitalising, beautifying, and activating urban areas, contributing to the local identity. Although, in general, the colour image of the city is often associated with buildings, urban chromatics also involves other elements such as furniture, vegetation, and paving. The latter has currently become one of the urban components that stand out in this context. It is well known that the use of colour in paving is very diversified, but, despite the existence of many chromatic projects, the lack of systematic studies does not allow a deeper understanding of this urban renewal strategy. This research analysed 115 urban projects to categorise the different ways in which colour is used. The interventions were classified by the function of colour, such as aesthetic or utilitarian, and by the infrastructure involved, such as areas for vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The performed analysis revealed that colours can be used expressively and strategically to transform urban spaces, prioritising pedestrians and creating spaces for social interaction of the community.