SENSORY DESIGN: SIGHT AND COLOR THEORY

New research suggests that our senses and sensory awareness may be vital to healing and that sensory information can evoke physiological or emotional responses that can range from serenity to anxiety. Researchers are also learning that emotional responses triggered by both the use of color and natural materials can affect physiological responses in patients. A recent study at the University of British Columbia demonstrated that using wood, a natural material, in the design of a room lowered sympathetic nervous system activation and patient stress.⁵

Using color in healthcare settings is not a new concept, and the years of hygienic white walls that symbolized cleanliness in the 20th century were only a trend that has become a stereotype for hospital decor. Using color to heal may date back to ancient Egypt and Greece, when rooms in temples were embellished with the color spectrum. The Greeks color-diagnosed a patient and placed them in a temple that radiated the color prescribed. In ancient Egypt and Greece, colors were used to evoke healing based on their understanding of the power of sunlight and the incorporation of colored crystals and gems.

The study of color is also the study of light and emotional reactions to stimulus. In 1810, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German scientist, playwright, poet, novelist and essayist, elaborated on Newton's theories of color and light when he published the Theory of Color. Goethe stated that how we experience an object depends on a combination of the object itself, its lighting and our perceptions of these interconnected phenomena. Major color theorists include Josef Albers, Faber Birren, Frank Mahnke, Leatrice Eiseman, Antonio E. Torrice and Max Lüscher. The latter wrote about human connections to nature and how nature communicates through color. These studies form the basis for many theories about color and patient care.

LÜSCHER COLOR THEORY

Prof. Dr. Max Lüscher was the head of the Institute of Psycho-medical Diagnostics in Lucern (Switzerland) and studied clinical psychiatry, philosophy and psychology in Basel, Switzerland. He has held numerous professorships in Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, in South America, Australia and at Yale University. He theorized that human feelings regarding specific colors is based on human experiences with that color. For example, the common association of tranquility with the color green may be the result of early humans use of lush green forests or jungles as an escape from the open fields of sunlight where he would be visible. The forest was considered a place of rest and recovery. “Our survival has meant understanding what nature is telling us and communicating to us through color.”⁶ This quote by Dr. Max Lüscher reflected his belief that the life of early man was dictated by environmental factors. Many EBD practitioners use his color studies as a guide for their design selections.

Design professionals like Sara Marberry write about the healing use of color in healthcare settings. She writes, “Color is literally the 'wavelength' medicine of the future. It calls to us and asks us to recognize its value as an alternative medicine that the environment can provide.”⁷ In the 20th century, primarily white or neutral colored walls were normal for all healthcare settings. Today, white and neutral walls can be appealing and appropriate choices for some healthcare surfaces. However, many people have emotional associations of white and neutral walls as antiseptic, sterile and unfriendly places. Using color speaks to a variety of human emotions and can create healing environments that are approachable.

In an article written about healing environments in the ICU, the authors discuss the psychological and physiological response to color in our bodies derived from light.⁸ They believe that healthcare designers can create visual serenity for those that are very ill and alternately, visual stimulation for those who are recuperating. Designers should consider using a balanced palette, with a color variety that encourages health and well-being. Among their principles are the following:

Based on current studies, design professionals are encouraged to limit the use of monochromatic color schemes as they may appear institutional. Conversely, strong primary colors may cause visual fatigue and should be used minimally or as small accents.