Preferences for Colours on Buildings

The Swedish psychologist, Lars Sivik, was probably the first to carry out a scientific study of the perception of building exteriors in different colours. He applied more than 60 colours to two types of buildings - ‘high-rise house’ and ‘low-rise house’ - by means of a photographic simulation technique. Science is much better equipped to tackle the complicated questions of colour preference in the real world. In addition to the general biological and specific cultural factors, preference for a certain colour may be uniquely individual. Childhood experiences are especially important in establishing such a preference, for instance, the colour of a favourite toy. The relationship between the colour of the building itself and its surroundings seems highly relevant. The colour of the building should, within certain limits, meet the expectations of the beholder.