Issue and Categories 2017

Colours and patterns in architecture

Patterns in architecture look back upon an eventful history. In Germany, they were long regarded as superfluous decoration and dismissed as a passing fad to justify the aesthetic of absolute reduction, whereas, for example, Islamic architecture is characterised by a rich design vocabulary of abstract geometric patterns. Indisputable is, however, the special effect of colours and patterns on human beings: they generate different moods, create special atmospheres and can also evoke emotions and bring back memories. In architecture, these means can be used to pecifically arouse associations by adding targeted highlights, emphasising single areas with colour and patterns or powerfully design complete rooms.

Category MOBIL/TRANSIT
    • Railway stations
    • Airports
    • Motorway services

At the present time, mobility has become a matter of fact. As much as we appreciate mobility, it often involves stress and rush. If used skilfully here, colours and patterns can have a calming or decelerating effect.

Category HELP/CARE
    • Kindergartens
    • Medical surgeries
    • Hospitals
    • Nursing facilities
    • Retirement homes

Colours and patterns are able to positively influence people’s health. The conscious integration of these means of design in buildings belonging to the Help/Care category is therefore all the more important.

Category SHOP/SHOW
    • Stores
    • Showrooms
    • Trade fair stands
    • Theatres
    • Museums

To arouse people’s attention the design of stores, showrooms or trade fair stands tends to be rather expressive. Here, the integration of colours and patterns plays a decisive role, can be courageously and freely interpreted and can break with existing expectations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
  • Idea
  • Concept
  • Innovation
  • Design quality
  • Composition
  • Feasibility