Color DNA. Caparol and the palette of Germany

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Specialists of the division FarbDesignStudio of the German concern DAW, which includes the multi-functional covered brand for the facade and interior Caparol, have been studying regional shades of European countries for several decades. 

The project "Issledovanie tsvetov" or "Color DNA" leads a route through Germany to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Experts in the field of urban planning and protection of architectural monuments take part in the study. Colleagues study the facades of buildings, combinations of colors in the interior, familiarize themselves with the natural range of the area, taking into account the peculiarities of the climate and landscape. Scouts pay attention not only to one color of an object or space, but also to a combination of colors, shade intensity, and the nature of surface treatment. These studies are not aimed at the formation of statistics, but only have the goal of conveying the atmosphere of one or another region, give designers the opportunity to better penetrate the visual picture of the country, and be inspired to work with color.

What colors are characteristic of Germany?

The empirically formed color range of Germany can be conditionally divided into 3 groups: northern, central and southern.North — this is the Baltic Sea, wind, water, white sand. These are pastel shades of the yellow-orange gamut of brick facades in combination with the rich color of lacquered surfaces, characteristic of shipbuilding.

Center — this is the imperial city of Speyer with a beautiful cathedral and architecture of different eras. These are earthy shades and a huge number of combinations of red and yellow. The color spectrum here begins with golden ocher and goes to greenish-brown. Local yellow sandstone, traditionally used for facades, is supplemented with blue or red elements - window frames are often painted in these colors.

South is a warm range. Everything seems to be blooming here: from soft pink to bright apricot, rich green and red. In such cities as Kempten and Landsberg, you can see many buildings with decorative paintings on the facades. Various plastering techniques, frescoes and graffiti are characteristic of this region.

Thanks to the project "Color DNA", Caparol specialists investigate how color changes not only within the borders of one state, but also how the color impulse spreads beyond its territory, influencing the culture, design and aesthetics of neighboring cities and countries.

See more about the "Flower Research" or "Colour DNA" project here.

 

Text and photo: Maria Golubka