DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORK SPACE EFFICIENCY: THE EFFECTS OF COLOUR

I.  I. Ella, O. Onazi, E. O. Ola-Adisa and T. B. Anthony

Department of Architecture

University of Jos, Jos

Email: olaefeadisa@gmail.com

Abstract:

In order to achieve optimum level of physical and mental comfort, which is the primary aim of Architecture, there is need to harmonise all the interior elements of work spaces which consist of different colours. Colour have been used carelessly in most work spaces, many designers tend to concentrate on other design considerations for workspaces and little or no attention is given to colour as an element of design. Other designers only care about the aesthetic aspect of colour without given attention to the aspect in which the space is designed for as colour affect the mood of people using workspaces. The use of colours in architectural design is very fundamental as lack of colour is impossible because it is like a preponderance of white and grey wall, which is emotionally sterile and usually dangerous. A systematic study of colour, their effects and characteristics in work spaces would be investigated but equal to this, the basic consideration in the application and choice of colours gives clear combination of the use of certain colours in interior design of work space. The proper use of colours in Interior work spaces no doubt has not achieve its proper context. Human comfort has not been really and totally achieved. Various studies have shown that the use of colours in interior work spaces can also be achieved when the basic combination of colours is developed in relation to the character and emotion. Therefore, it has become necessary to study the effects of colours on our emotion in order to make colour choices that best suit people for better productivity, since every colour, image and symbols are best influenced by culture, history and circumstances. This research presents colour as a universal language which is understood and appreciated by everybody, it enlightens on how colour is used to create spaces that fulfill the fantasies as well as the practical needs of workspaces, colour creates atmosphere that also create focal points, change the mood of workspaces, increases and decreases the feeling of spaciousness and also turn dull spaces to dramatic spaces. This research examines the studio and office workspaces of the department of architecture, university of Jos. Both quantitative and qualitative research design is drawn using questionares and field survey, it is aimed at providing theories and findings from studies on colour for  providing a good, sterile, and warmth workspace which can help improve performance of workers on workspaces for better productivity. It is known that colour has a psychological effect on peoples’ mood and behaviour, the choice of colour in a work space goes a long way in determining the productivity or performance of workers, the use of monochrome colours has been adopted by different designers without investigating on the implications of colours on human psychology, monochrome colours gives employees the same kind of mood even if their duties are different, thereby favouring only a particular group of workers. Warm colours keep employee motivated and excited while cool colours keep them relaxed and to be creative. The use of colour should be broadened enough to affect every person as regards to one’s discipline.

Keywords: colour psychology, productivity, worker efficiency, workspace planning