Lighten up, my dear; Finding a facade colour scheme adjusted to the Gothenburg light, climate and local culture

Abstract

Every place in the world has its own unique light and weather conditions, and so does Gothenburg. In this place there are long days of sun and clear skies in the summer. It is also a long period of short days and heavy overcast weather in the winter. The closeness to the sea makes the air humidity high, and curtains of fog rolling over the city, dressing it in a mild grey blur. This creates the sensation that the sky is trickling down over the houses, and hangs close above the head of the people living there. These seasonal specific climates, weather, sun and light conditions have an impact on us humans. Seasonal depression and dysregulation of the circadian system due to lack of sun and daylight is more common in northern countries. When the weather is one impressive grey scale with poor light, the perception of depth and contrast and space becomes limited. Architecture has an important role in creating environments where the physical space is creating wellbeing for humans. In relation to light and colour and the outside environment, this thesis is looking into the role that facades play in Gothenburg. How is the colour scheme on the facades in a urban space in Gothenburg relating to the specific light and weather conditions, and how can colours be used to increase the wellbeing in a specific site? The methods used are a site study of a welcoming space such as Stilla Gatan, Kungsladugård. There intuitive research is applied by aquarelle painting, photography and written observations on site. Further research of literature and case studies in art and architecture is done. It leads to the creation of a toolbox that is applied to and tested at Landalagången, Landala. The toolbox covers aspects of colour, light and climate such as; sun angle, shadows, contrasts, reflections, nuances, blackness and colour intensity, geometry and scale, culture history and the surrounding environment. The outcome of the toolbox analysis leads to a design change proposal of Landalagången’s facades. It adds to the topic of colours and wellbeing to enhance the wellbeing of people spending their time and living their lives within these coloured facades.