The use of creative colour schemes is proving an increasingly valuable tool for schools in the drive to provide inspired learning environments for students. Practical help to build colour confidence can be obtained from the Colour Advisory Team at Johnstone’s and here, Tony Walker, Johnstone’s Technical Manager – Specification, looks at solutions designed to help specifiers when selecting colour schemes for schools and colleges.
Historically, design schemes in the education sector have lacked strikingly creative colours and imaginative combinations. There has always been a tendency to keep colour choices limited and schemes neutral, but a series of Government initiatives introduced in recent years has dramatically reshaped the approach of designers and specifiers.
The Building Schools for the Future and Primary Capital programmes seek to develop schools and enhance learning environments for students across the country and nowhere is this more evident than in the increasing determination to provide innovative colour combinations to aid with learning and creative thinking.
While designers could be forgiven for approaching colour schemes from an aesthetic standpoint, it is important to remember that it is the functionality of these schemes that will have the biggest impact on the way students learn. Of course, being able to combine the two should be the driving force behind the specification of colour schemes in new schools and during redecoration of existing schools.
Colours can evoke certain moods and feelings, so by careful selection, designers can use colour to subtly influence moods. The warm side of the spectrum provides happy lively colours – reds, oranges and yellows – while the cool side gives us calming, sombre colours – greens, blues and purples. The effective use of colour in different learning environments can result in the required mood, for example, lively discussion in a classroom, quiet concentration in a library or a high-energy atmosphere in a sports facility.
It is important for any educational establishment to create the all-important first impression so colours that can help create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere should be considered to help students, staff and visitors feel comfortable and at ease as soon as they enter the building. Blue, for example, would represent a sensible choice for this area as it is calm and conservative.
Classrooms are without question the most important area of any educational facility so it is vital to choose colours that inspire and stimulate. Colours in their own right are able to spark discussion and debate and with this should come an atmosphere that fosters an enthusiasm to learn.
More information and suggested colour combinations can be found in the Johnstone’s information pack “Paint Solutions for Education”. To request a copy, call 0800 023 2170 or e-mail specifiers.acuk@ppg.com.
For more help and advice on colour, the Johnstone’s team of Colour Consultants is on hand to recommend colours and propose tailored or bespoke colour schemes to meet any project requirements. To speak to one of Johnstone’s Colour Consultants please call 01924 354103.