It’s hard to imagine a world without it, and if color is an extraordinary means of expressing ideas and emotions, it is also an effective ally in architecture. Through color, the Mengeot & Associés agency makes the link between architectural design and users. For each project, its role is to materialize the projections and needs of its customers with the objectives of increasing well-being and enhancing the space. A reinforced approach for the sensitive places that it carries out, like Retirement homes, Medical Home,… where the color becomes, if necessary, a response to sensory deficiencies or even a help in the face of certain pathologies. The agency is thus guiding us today for a better understanding of color and its influence.
What is colorimetry?
In architecture, colorimetry is a constitutive element which finalizes the reading and the spatial quality. It is therefore an essential player in the general atmosphere. You should know that, instinctively, people immediately analyze all situations and therefore the space around. Color is perceived long before form. Any tangible space therefore has a direct impact on the unconscious and influences our reactions as much as our feelings.
How does colorimetry characterize your approach to arranging spaces?
The subtleties of colors energize, reassure or soothe depending on the pigments. They therefore have and depending on their uses, a beneficial effect on the psyche and health. Color is therefore a real asset for setting up an environment and specific solutions for certain deficiencies or pathologies. In a constant quest for optimal comfort for both residents and management teams, for each project and new issue, the agency is carrying out a chroma study. This is done in close consultation with the client. This study allows a global conception of the atmosphere of the site and the use of color as a support.
When can color help?
Since accommodation places are firstly the places to live, we use color in response to sensory impairments. Its role: to be able to empower as many people as possible. For EHPADs for example, beyond the effects produced in terms of slowing down dependency, it is firstly the daily comfort of people that we take into account. It is also their ability to control their environment, to move around without hesitation or danger and to feel at home, which is essential.
Do you have any examples of specific use of color?
There are many examples, like the contrasts on the ground by opposing bold colors. A solution that helps prevent the fall of visually impaired people. A solution that helps prevent the fall of visually impaired people. It also makes it possible to limit their movements by creating discomfort aimed at moving them away from a space that is not intended for them. The Santeny EHPAD realized by the agency is the best illustration of this.
Another example?
Color is also used for greater visibility of equipment: switches, door handles, etc. and signage. This goes to the dining room table where we will have to distinguish the different elements (cutlery, plates …).
It is also used to help with locating in premises, for example with floors of different colors in hospital departments. Color can also allow a better understanding of the organization of buildings: cladding or facade coverings of various tones. They can be associated with one function per space …
You were also talking about color as a response to certain pathologies, what are they?
In particular, we use color in response to epilepsy by painting a section of wall with a vivid and uniform palette. The medical care home which was created by the agency in Fontenay-lès-Briis is a good example. For the Medical educational institute in Carrières-sur-Seine, it is to help young people, affected by autism, that color has imposed itself through the use of muted tones. Pigments which indeed make it possible to better channel emotions.
