SPACES feb issue 2017

Interior
Turquoise aids in calming the nerves
of public speakers thus building
confidence. Moreover, teaching in
a room with turquoise walls gives
a clarity of thought and a control
over our talk. A splash of yellow on
a wall of the lecture room preferably
in close proximity to the teaching
material helps the students retain the
knowledge for a long time.
LIBRARY AND STUDY AREAS
A library in a school is an extended
form of a learning environment that
functions as a multipurpose space.
Different areas within a library are
allocated for different activities such as
reading and lounge areas. Colors can
be used to clearly define the purpose
of these spaces and align the emotions
and behaviors in the same direction as
well. Calming hues such as green and
blue in the reading area generates a
serene and tranquil atmosphere for the
learners to reflect. Conversely, vibrant
hues such as red, orange and yellow
on the lounge areas spawn excitement
for a productive tête-à-tête, also a part
of the learning process. However, a
wide array of bright hues may come
across as garish in a library. To
minimize the effect, neutral pastel wall
colors can be accompanied by vibrant
accents on the lounging chairs, tables
and shelves.
As green is believed to be the most
favorable color for learning, it has
frequently been used in institutions,
libraries and research rooms to
maintain the overall scholastic setting.
Especially in libraries, pale and light
green calms the mind, enhances
quietness and helps a student study.
The most restful color to the eye,
green promptly improves efficiency
by stimulating mental focus thereby
increasing alertness. The hue also
boosts our mental performance and
improves our memory that allows us
to learn new information swiftly and
retain it over time.
COMMON AREAS
Colors reinvigorate the mind of
students in the common areas that
act as the transitional spaces between
various areas of learning. The purpose
of various communal spaces within a
school can be defined evidently with
suitable hues. The front entry hall
reflects the overall atmosphere of the
school, where the theme colors of the
school can be showcased naturally.
Besides, warm and comfort hues such
as soft orange and peach tones in the
waiting area can make the students,
staff and even parents feel welcome.
Soft tones of vibrant hues such as
red, yellow and orange in the hallways
may uplift the spirit of the students as
they move from one class to another.
Similarly, bold and energetic colors
work best in informal gathering spaces
such as cafeterias and seating areas.
These set of hues are welcoming and
induce enthusiasm for the students
to gather and have meaningful
conversations in their free time. •
February 2017 SPACES / 71