The impact of colour on behaviour

Colour not only humanizes the built environment but it can also be used to achieve key aims beyond aesthetics. Specifically, colour can influence mood and behaviour, encourage engagement, differentiate and activate interior and exterior spaces, enhance support orientation and wayfinding strategies and assist with the safe operation of daily activities.

Enticing colours

Research indicates that warm colours tend to attract attention and draw people further into an environment. This “hearth effect” can be used to advantage in hospitality, healthcare and aged-care design to entice people further into an interior space, especially spaces that are large and cavernous and need activation.

Welcoming colours

Empirical as well as anecdotal evidence suggests that colour has the capacity to impact our