Effects of Selected Colours in a Built Environment: A Study of Federal Polytechnic Idah Premises

Abstract

This study examines the principles of colour harmony in an architectural environment for aesthetics and utilitarian purposes. Looking at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah community for a focus, the paper adopts the functional and sociological approach to establish the relevance of colourimetry in a built up environment. Colours have always had great influence on people, and since ancient times have been used symbolically. In decoration it is so important that the chosen colours should be in harmony with both the aesthetics and the utility of the building. A well chosen colour scheme can inspire, induce cheerfulness, encourages cleanliness and well being. In factories and industrial premises, it can be used to make seeing easier, promote mental alertness and so increase efficiency and production. By careful selection, colour can be used to make small rooms appear larger and larger rooms more cosy: to brighten rooms or make them restful. The specific objectives of this exposition is to explore the basic requirement that inspires colour choice; to unravel the principles of colour harmony that is suitable for any climatic condition of the locality; to proffer the chromatic colour circle as a professional mechanism for harmonious colour distribution in an architectural environment; to unveil the adverse effects of colour rioting to human health; and to ascertain the correctness of the chosen colours on building of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, through the study of previous literary contributions and direct observations. While the approach is primarily functional thus, the greater importance of iconography and symbolism, the formalistic aspects cannot, however, be totally ignored. While we uphold the role of the environment and man’s awareness of his existence, some challenges emerged: how far does the chosen colours of finishes on the building relate to the socio-cultural needs of the community where the structures are located? How does the adopted colour schemes on buildings of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah answer to the domestic and industrial requirements according to professional ethics? What is the functional or the scientific bases for the colour coding on the institutions buildings? Are the colours selected for roofs and walls of the polytechnic community environmentally friendly as it concerns the present geographic trend of global warming? These and other probes are the questions which this study sets out to answer as technological advancement is becoming more relevant to Nigeria as economic empowerment.