Monochromatic in the architectural compostition: with special reference to the application of white colour

Abstract

The application of colour in the architectural composition represents an effective instrument that can achieve a number of effects. Knowledge of its impact is a powerful tool in the hands of every architect. Warm and cool tones, by their nature, can cause various effects of depth, emphasis and suppression of certain elements to some extent. Colours can create the illusion of area increase and decrease and cause a number of other effects. The aim of this paper is focused on solid colour (monochromatic) architecture, with special reference to the usage of white colour. The colour is the most effective tool of distinguishing and perception. All of the visual appearance owes its existence to light and colour. The world of colour is not one source of countless tones, but is clearly designed on the basis of three primary colours and their combinations. Special mental attitude is required for a person to organize his world of colour in accordance with perceptual characteristics. Colour names are to some extent vague, because the very notion of colour is questionable and problematic. The most interesting difference in conceptualization of colours refers to the cultural development. The basic colour names are common in all the languages and cultures, but they also include various extents of tones. Not all the languages contain all of these names as well. Architectural works using one colour on its envelope, besides the value achieved by the composition itself, carries certain associative meanings related to the colour that it exhibits in a particular environment. However, most of the colours have identical or approximate meanings in most mental representations through all regions.