PaintSquare Daly News on Tablet
PaintSquare Daily News is available in three editions:
Industrial Only
Commercial Only
Combined Industrial & Commercial

Your free subscription also includes:
Special topical editions and Weekend Brief—a recap of the week’s top news and some great in-depth reads.

Subscribe now: paintsquare.com/psdn
 
 

PAINTSQUARE BLOG

Comment |

School Colors That Make a Difference

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

By Jill Pilaroscia


Most people agree that color can trigger a response – you love it or hate it. Color response is based on both positive and negative stored memories each of us have had during our lives. Those color preferences are useful for designing our personal environments.

But what approach to color selection is best for public spaces, such as schools?

Photos: Tim Maloney

 

Research studies have shown a direct relationship between the physical environment and educational outcomes, with color recommendations broken down by age groups.

Young, pre-K age children, many of whom are away from home for the first time, need supportive and nurturing classroom environments. Active warm and bright colors like reds and yellows pair well with their energetic natures.

By the time elementary school starts, students benefit from environments that boost their ability to focus and concentrate. Placing an accent color on the front wall where white boards and chalk boards are typically positioned helps keep attention on the teacher and the lesson. Pairing these accent colors with neutral perimeter walls in soft tones help reduce eye strain.

High school students are gearing up to enter the adult world, and are expected to focus on their lessons and conduct themselves with kindness, reverence, and respect. Colors promoting calmness and maturity, like blues and greens, are recommended for high-school classrooms and pair successfully with neutrals like beige, sand, and taupe. The palette for this age group is broader and more diverse as students typically move from one classroom to another for their studies and activities.

Here are some specific examples of how this research and science informed our color strategy for a high school environment.

Corridors are action areas that benefit from bright colors which promote communication amongst students, teachers, and peers.

 

Spatial geometry and soft wall tones allow for the use of the dynamic school colors and emblem to create a sense of place.

 

The vibrant gymnasium color contrasts support physical activities and reinforce school identity.

 

A balance of warm and cool colors enhance the auditorium as a space supporting both live performance and passive viewing.

 

Classrooms benefit from cooler colors, especially in science labs, while yellows in libraries can stimulate mental clarity.

 

In closing, there is not one single color prescription for all schools as geographic location and cultural influences will play a role in how successful the school environment is perceived. It is well worth the effort to review the research that is available on the benefits of color for each academic project. Education plays an important role in shaping our communities. Any tools we can utilize to enhance the learning environment will be of benefit to all.

Note: This article was orginally published in Colour Studio's blog on Jan. 11, 2022.

 
ABOUT THE THE BLOGGER

Jill Pilaroscia

“Life in Color” is co-authored by architectural color consultant Jill Pilaroscia (pictured), BFA, and creative writer Allison Serrell. Pilaroscia’s firm, Colour Studio Inc., is based in San Francisco. A fully accredited member of the International Association of Color Consultants, Pilaroscia writes and lectures widely on the art and science of color.

SEE ALL CONTENT FROM THIS CONTRIBUTOR

   

Tagged categories: Color; Color + Design; Colour Studio Inc.; Consultants; Designers; Aesthetics; Architectural coatings; Architecture; Asia Pacific; Building design; Color + Design; Color guides; Color selection; Color trends; Commercial / Architectural; Design; EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa); Latin America; North America; Supportive color design; Z-Continents

Comment Join the Conversation:

Sign in to our community to add your comments.

Advertisements
 
Quikspray, Inc.

 
Paint BidTracker

 
base painters

 
Modern Safety Techniques

 
NLB Corporation

 
PreTox Products - NexTec, Inc.

 
 
 

Technology Publishing Co., 1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 2008, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

TEL 1-412-431-8300  • FAX  1-412-431-5428  •  EMAIL webmaster@paintsquare.com


The Technology Publishing Network

PaintSquare the Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings Paint BidTracker

 
EXPLORE:      JPCL   |   PaintSquare News   |   Interact   |   Buying Guides   |   Webinars   |   Resources   |   Classifieds
REGISTER AND SUBSCRIBE:      Free PaintSquare Registration   |   Subscribe to JPCL   |   Subscribe to PaintSquare News
MORE:      About PaintSquare.com   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms & Conditions   |   Support   |   Site Map   |   Search   |   Contact Us