Workshop
Workshop on colors
Workshop on colors
Get the in-depth insight i color theory, light perception and techniques for practical application of color tools
NEW DATES ON THE WAY
Colors in architecture - a workshop for professional intuition
Colors shape more than surfaces. They guide behavior, create belonging, and hit our senses with far greater precision than we often realize. This workshop takes color seriously - both as a physical phenomenon and as a cultural construct - and equips architects to work more consciously, systematically and strategically with color in the built environment.
We dive into how the eye and brain perceive colors, how color systems like NCS and Pantone try to tame the chaotic, and how we formulate and argue for our color choices to both colleagues and clients. At the same time, participants gain access to a new, knowledge-based color selection tool that can be used directly in practice.
The format is tailored for professionals: We work in four focused sections - with an interplay of knowledge, discussion and concrete tasks - that together form a robust foundation for using color with confidence and impact.
By the end of the workshop you will have
- Gained knowledge of basic color theory and color systems, their historical development and application in design.
- Learn how to use the Pantone system and color tools to create harmonious and balanced color combinations in both fashion and product design.
- Gained insight into how neuro-aesthetic principles can guide color choices to create emotional and sensory impact in design.
- Understand how colors interact with different materials and lighting conditions to achieve desired moods and functions.
- Gained the ability to argue color choices with scientific evidence, strengthening communication to customers and partners.
Program for the day
1. colour and physiology
We start with the sensory and the scientific. How does the eye see? How does the brain interpret color input? And why is this relevant to us as architects? We look at cones, rods and trichromatic vision - linking today's knowledge with historical insights from Newton and Goethe's experiments, Helmholtz's theories and George Wald's groundbreaking discoveries. Along the way, we explore how light affects our experience of color in practice.
2. Color systems and their origins
We look at the systems we use today to classify and navigate colors: NCS, RAL, Pantone and others. We'll go back to Aristotle's observations at sunrise, Newton's spectral circle and Itten's Bauhaus models, but also Ewald Herring's and Ogden Rood's attempts to organize colors according to human experience. Participants work practically with color sorting and gain a concrete understanding of how tone, saturation and blackness work in practice.
3. Experienced colour - between sense and culture
Colors are not only measurable - they are also charged with mood, meaning and history. In this section, we work with the language of color: How do we describe them? What does it mean when something feels "dusty", "sharp" or "cool"? We explore the difference between objective and sensory descriptions and discuss how to create a useful and credible argument when talking about colors in a professional context.
4. Tools and practices
The final section puts it all into play. We test and combine colors, assess harmony and contrast, and train ourselves to navigate between intuition and systematics. We look at how artists and designers work with color - from Sanzo Wada and Margrethe Odgaard to KOI Studio and Julie Boserup - and discuss how we can work methodically with color selection in architectural spaces. The program alternates between plenary and group work, allowing for both individual reflections and group discussions.
Rounding off
The day ends with a joint wrap-up where we distill the strongest arguments and points that participants can take into their practice - especially with a view to communicating and anchoring color choices in collaboration with colleagues and decision-makers.
Morning
A solid color foundation
Participants share their own experiences with color in design, setting the stage for a shared understanding of how color affects experience and function in different types of design projects.
Presentation on how the brain perceives color, supported by scientific and historical insights. It explores how color can create emotional responses and be used to create unity and contrast in design projects.
10.15: Break
10.30: Evolutionary neuro-aesthetics and colors (continued)
Review the NCS system, its conversion to the Pantone system and their use with colour. Participants will learn how to decode and combine colors to create harmonious designs to suit different products and applications.
11.10: colour
Understand how light quality affects color perception in design and how different lighting conditions can change the expression of colors. Inspiration is drawn from Tor Nørretranders and Olafur Eliasson's work on light quality.
Afternoon
Practical work with colors
12.00: Lunch break
Participants will be introduced to the newly developed colour, which serves as a practical tool for creating harmonious color compositions. The tool helps participants navigate color choices, contrasts and balances in both small and large design projects.
The 60/30/10 rule: Students will learn how to use colour to create balanced color schemes where 60% of the design is dominated by one colour, 30% is supported by another, and 10% is used as an accent.
13.25: Break
Warm and cold colors: Sorting swatches and using colour to understand temperature in hues and their effect on design expression.
Colored spaces and afterimage effects: Inspired by Goethe's experiments, participants explore how afterimages affect the perception of complementary colors and create visual contrasts in design.
Materials and color combinations: Using the color tool and Pantone system, participants experiment with colors and textures to create harmonious designs.
The effect of light on hue: Participants test different lighting setups to see how colors change under varying lighting, using colour to help them find optimal hues.
Put color learning into practice: Participants apply color theory to their own project or design assignment where they apply today's learning.
Summary of the day's key points and open Q&A with discussion on applying color principles to design projects of all types.
About Anders Barslund
Anders Barslund is an experienced architect specializing in evolutionary neuro-aesthetics and colour theory, combining research-based insights with practical aesthetic solutions. With a 20-year background in the design and renovation of exclusive homes in North Zealand and a deep interest in how colour affects spatial experiences, Anders has developed methods that are equally applicable in large construction projects and private homes. His approach is relevant for architects who work with large-scale buildings and want to integrate colour as a strategic element in architecture.
Your eyes see in RGB.
Red, green and blue.
Your brain loves contrast, light and dark. Together, your eyes and brain enable you to perceive space. So how do you engage your human senses when painting your home? That's what Anders Barslund has been practicing for the past 25+ years. Here's a small taste of his work with color
Date and time
Aarhus, New dates coming soon
Aarhus Academy of Business (The Gold Building)
Ringvej Syd 104
8260 Viby J, Denmark
Room: 2.37/2.38
9.00-15.30
Herning, New dates coming soon
Strategihuset v. pej gruppen
Bitsovvej 2
7400 Herning, Denmark
9.00-15.30
Copenhagen, New dates coming soon
Dinesen showroom Copenhagen
Søtorvet 5
1371 Copenhagen, Denmark
9.00-15.30
Price
DKK 3.000,-
per participant for one registrant.
DKK 2.500,-
per participant with a minimum of 2 registrants from the same company
Prices shown in Danish kroner are excluding VAT. Offers and discounts cannot be combined
What past participants say
"It was a very exciting colour workshop where you can really feel that Anders is passionate about the subject. We started all the way back to how people started studying colours in the past, and from there up to the present. This was followed by some interesting practical assignments where you had the opportunity to do more investigative work. It's a workshop that should be included in all creative education programs!"
"Perfect balance between theory and practice. I gained a solid understanding of the NCS system, but also insight into how light and material choices interact with color perception. This workshop is a must for any architect who wants to immerse themselves in color."
"Engaging and transformative. Anders' approach to color makes complex concepts accessible, and the workshop gave me concrete tools I can use in large construction projects."
