Colour Theory Workshop

Of all the architectural communications courses I took, Atlas of Colour was easily the most demanding. From week one, we were consistently pushed to create interesting and personal artworks or exercises that demonstrated the colour theory we were learning in class. I believe it was this constant push to try new things, experimenting with different mediums, colour combinations and techniques, which resulted in an ultimately satisfying ‘Atlas of Colour’. Each week we were taught theory on colour (how different colours work together, how to create active and passive colour schemes). This was all completely new to me, and I found it fascinating. At the same time, we were taught new techniques to apply this knowledge (use of watercolours, inks, collage). I had never used watercolour paints before, but I found it to be a captivating medium to work with. For this reason, I chose to branch out and experiment as much as possible with watercolour, using it for a number of different exercises. Even in the short span of a few weeks, I think you can see an improvement in my paintings. This is a new skill I feel will be extremely useful over my architectural career, as I have already started to do watercolour paintings regularly in my own time, both as concept sketches in design studio, and for personal interest.




I found the practice of constructing a physical book to be fun, challenging and rewarding. I was very happy with my final Atlas, and the way it was navigated. I chose to split the book into two halves along either side of the accordion fold. One half housed the colour theory notes we learnt, whilst the other displayed the exercises we had done in class and at home. Because I felt there was such a strong link between the theory and the exercises, I decided to physically link the two sides. I cut circles in the pages, which allows the reader to glimpse the colour exercises through these holes, whilst reading the colour theory notes. In this way, both sides can be read simultaneously, and in comparison with one another, rather than the more boring approach of reading one side, then reading the other, without understanding a link between the two. Within the actual book construction, I kept to a simple colour scheme, using only a light cream paper with deep red lining, and a red ‘thread’ that starts on the title page and continues throughout the book, leaping through the holes, and leading the reader on a ‘journey’ through the colour atlas.





We were asked to make a ‘tunnel book’ on the end of our Atlas. I felt this was a way to demonstrate an understanding of what we had learnt in the preceding weeks (colour schemes, composition, physical construction). Again, I kept the colour scheme simple, using only different shades of red. As inspiration for the tunnel, we looked at an art installation that featured veils of glass stained with colour. Rather than literally trying to recreate the boxes of colour from this installation, I took the idea of layered colours, and developed it in my own way, to create a swirling tunnel of shaded reds.






Colour 'mountain' (colour wheel according to intensity of hue)

Photoshopped window inspired by 49 veils (the one in my book looks really different to this, but every time I upload it, it seems to reverse the colours. I actually don't mind the look of it like this though)

Watercolour Rendering of CCTV Tower - Rem Koolhaas

Watercolour map of Rem Koolhaas's face

Collaged plan of Seattle Public Library - Rem Koolhaas

Collaged Elevation of Seattle Public Library - Rem Koolhaas


watercolour rendering of 49 veils (personal interpretation)

quick sketch I did whilst at the 49 veils (I didn't have colour pens, or even a lead pencil, so I had to make do with black ink)

Study of Precedent Book - S,M,L,XL by Rem Koolhaas