With the advent of classical modernism, a design culture emerged that viewed color primarily as a formal means of expression. The Bauhaus, De Stijl, and the color theories of Kandinsky and Albers shaped generations of architects. However, the scientific foundations upon which these concepts were built have changed fundamentally.
In a recent interview with *Bauwelt*, Prof. Dr. Axel Buether explains why color design today must undergo a shift in perspective: away from a predominantly formal-aesthetic approach and toward evidence-based design that focuses on people and their biological needs.
From Form to Effect
Traditional design theory is primarily concerned with how colors, shapes, and compositions relate to one another. Evidence-based color psychology asks a different question:
How do colors affect people?
Neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and perceptual psychology show that colors are far more than just visual properties of surfaces. They influence orientation, attention, emotions, stress regulation, motivation, and social interaction. As a result, design becomes not only an aesthetic task but also a biological and psychological one.
Architecture Needs a Scientific Shift in Perspective
While medicine, psychology, and ergonomics have consistently been guided by empirical research in recent decades, the field of color design is still largely based on historical design theories whose scientific foundations are now outdated.
Evidence-based color psychology views this shift not as a rejection of design tradition, but as its further development. Design thus gains a new scientific foundation that aligns with current findings on perception, behavior, and health.
Design begins with people’s needs
Therefore, the starting point for a design is not the question of an attractive color scheme, but rather the people who will use the space.
What activities take place here? What kind of atmosphere supports them? Should a space be calming, energizing, provide orientation, or encourage communication?
Only once these questions have been answered can color concepts be developed that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have an impact in everyday life.
Atmospheres Can Be Planned
Colors never have an effect on their own. It is only through their interaction with light, materials, surfaces, and usage that atmospheres are created that convey a sense of security, promote concentration, or support relaxation.
The goal of evidence-based color psychology is to scientifically understand these effects and apply them to architecture, healthcare facilities, educational spaces, work environments, products, and brands.
The future of design is people-centered
The interview ends with a thought that sums up this shift in perspective:
“Clothing is the first space we design. Next come our home, our workplace, and the city.”
Anyone who wants to understand color should therefore look not only at facades and floor plans, but also at the people for whom design is created in the first place.
Link to the full interview in BAUWELT
