Colours of Architectural Metal Surfaces

Abstract

Contemporary buildings interact with human beings mainly through their surface. Among all the types of existing surfaces, metallic materials seem to play a very important role. A study recently conducted by the “Colour and Light in Architecture” Research Unit of Iuav University of Venice, after classifying these materials and their color, has tried to frame the types of the stage effects that metal surfaces are capable of producing. We have identified three different effects: 1) the metallic color can be used to impress and stun the observer; 2) the metallic color can be used to dematerialize the mass of the building, to reduce its presence in the context; 3) the metallic color can be used to create harmonious relationships with the surrounding environment through the use of color contrasts or color agreements. The paper aims to describe the methodology we have used and the results we have obtained, with particular attention to the cultural references taken into consideration for the identification of the research parameters. The ultimate goal of the paper is to describe the three different color effects produced by the metal surfaces by drawing on a sample of metal-buildings constructed in the last years.