Color and light in Man-Made Environments Frank H. Mahnke Rudolf H. Mahnke Color and light play key--though generally unrecognized--roles in our lives. Despite the decades of research on the subject, we are often unaware that anxiety, stress, visual disorders, and a host of other problems may actually be caused by a poorly designed environment. The gap between color research and design application has been so wide that the use, for example, of white in interiors reached epidemic proportions from the 1950s to the 1970s--though research has shown white walls to be an optic strain and a psychological hazard. Color is now experiencing a renaissance in design. To guide architects, designers, and others using color, Frank and Rudolf Mahnke--two internationally recognized color consultants--have written a concise reference guide to understanding the importance of this phenomenon in our lives and applying environmental color effectively. The text synthesizes the essential principles of color and light, including their psychophysiological effects, the characteristics of the major hues, vision and light, bioenergetics, and more. The authors also provide much useful and practical advice on using color and light in a variety of hospitals*offices*industry*restaurants*medical centersSpecial attention is given to desktop computer workstations and the needs of VDT operators. In addition, detailed color specification tables are provided, in both Glidden and Munsell notation, as well as color charts showing successful color combinations. Used correctly, color and light can improve productivity at the workplace; increase the safety of industrial facilities; foster greaterattention spans in students; create more appetizing food-service establishments; and bolster the spirits of hospital patients. Architects, designers, administrators, planners--anyone interested in creating beneficial, glare-free surroundings--will find all the information they need to promote physical, visual, and psychological well-being with color and light.
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.
