4 – 2022

Colourful

In recent times we encounter them increasingly often: freshly painted building components accentuated by the use of a striking colour, which often add a certain nobility to economic conversion work — much like the circle, which has again become ubiquitous in the production of architecture. In temporary buildings the palette of colours used is even wilder, as our report from London shows. Perhaps that is because people there are more used to punk1 than in this country and know how to celebrate the surface?

Whether and to what extent the current delight in colour might have something to do with Belgian architecture models or with the LGBTQIA+, with rose-tinted glasses or with a revival of 1980s aesthetics, is explained by experts in these matters. They also make us aware that the trends of today soon belong to yesterday. And this guiding principle is not compatible with the idea of firmitas or a timeless architecture that outlives trends. Is this perhaps a reason why architects prefer to avoid bright colours? Or might it be that colourful spaces as an emotionally connotated counterpart do not suit rational architectural design by the universal figure of “the architect” who controls everything? Here we can offer reassurance: while colour is not only surface, it is that, too. Colour is association, but not solely. Colour has an effect, which, however, is individual. You have to stand by your choice of colour, it stands out.

Skilful design with colour is essentially about the will to multi-disciplinarity. About light and shade. And about uninhibited intuition. And therefore, as our author emphasises, Barragán, too, should not be regarded just as “the one with the beautiful colours”. All the same, he is part of this colourful round that aims to fill our grey everyday life with cheerfulness and that may inspire more (colourful) joy.