Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.

Non-UMass Amherst users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.

Dissertations that have an embargo placed on them will not be available to anyone until the embargo expires.

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7010-031X

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Architecture

Degree Type

Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Month Degree Awarded

May

Abstract

Color is an essential part of everyday life, but it is often not given the consideration it deserves. Simply, waking up in the morning and pulling on a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt is an example of a decision made about color. What behooves a person to dress in a certain color? Is it related to their mood? Is it related to the kind of work they do? Similar questions can be asked about the exterior color of a person’s home. Why did they choose that color? How do they feel about their house’s color? Did they choose its color? Did they choose the color because it looked harmonious with their neighbor’s house? Is it fair to wonder whether there is a discernible reason behind every color decision that is made?

The prevalence of the unassuming color beige on residences throughout Western Massachusetts and the curiosity to know why it is so common, was the specific impetus for this project. Why has beige, in particular, been selected as an acceptable house color? Moreover, why aren’t other colors like pink or orange, often seen on houses? There are regional, historical, and larger cultural investigations that can shed light on why some colors are favored over others.

It must be acknowledged that to dwell in the realm of color, is inevitably to dwell in the realm of opinion. This project seeks to explore color in a conciliatory, strategic manner, that does not polarize those who prefer one color against those who do not. Rather, a case is made for how color’s treasure trove of untapped potential can be given a greater purpose amongst the built environment.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/22721012.0

First Advisor

Timothy Rohan

Included in

Architecture Commons

Share

COinS