Can a hybrid methodology facilitate a collaborative
approach in the assistance of establishing how colour
can support a healthy interior space for the ageing
population including people with dementia?
Professor Karen FLEMING, Pamela TOPPING
University of Ulster, Belfast. Northern Ireland
ABSTRACT
Colour produces powerful sensory responses, yet its role in Interior Design for the
ageing population is poorly researched. This paper interprets the phenomena of
colour in interiors for older people through review of metadata and visual analysis of
case studies in Northern Ireland and Amsterdam. Innovative investigations will seek
to explore how a hybrid methodology facilitates a collaborative approach in the
assistance of establishing how colour can support a healthy interior space for the
ageing population. Colour is not passive; it is a functional component of the
environment that can induce powerful sensory responses. The ageing population is a
global research priority and there is demand for active and fluid functionality from all
elements of the designed environment. Therefore by necessity, the complexity of
interior design and colour research for the ageing population has had to bridge
disciplines and in doing so not only opens up possibilities for interior designers, but
begins a relationship with a process of enquiry that is intensely human, capturing how
colour can shape space connecting one environment to another.
1. INTRODUCTION
As the title implies this paper is concerned with the intimate and personal use of
colour in Interior Design for older people. Colour has been described as the
wavelength medicine of the future, yet constantly questions about colour and its
application to interior space are frequently raised. How can designers apply colour
research to mirror the emotional needs that remain integral to ourselves, very often in
long-term health care this is over looked and what is often forgotten is colour
becomes essentially a lost fundamental element in the human experience. The
majority of current recommendations work from a scientifically based premise and
psychosocial validation, DSDC1. Josef Albers states that his book ‘Interaction of
colour,’ offers a new way to study colour – ‘there is no new theory of colour, but
there is a way in which to learn to see2. Exploration of how we see colour is
observed through the use of the Natural Colour System3 demonstrated in this project.
1
Dementia Services Dementia Centre, (DSDC). University of Stirling. UK.
Albers, J. Interaction of Colour, 1963.
3
Natural Colour System, (NCS). Stockholm, Sweden.
2
In the 1950’s the NCS evolved into a system using a universal language based on the
requirements of the colour user (the person) and human perception. The way the
ageing eye sees and perceives information depends on the light source, whilst natural
light is of prime importance the LRV and perceived colour will change depending on
the position of the sun (Brawley 2001). As depth and colour perception become
diminished with age, reflective surfaces and busy patterns in materials, floors and
walls may cause confusion for older people such as flower and leaf patterns that
represent real life.
This research seeks to articulate the theoretical argument for colour in Interior
design as a priority in care homes and supported housing, highlighting the urgent need
for professionally colour designed supportive environments. Recent findings suggest
that the environment needs to be a place where residents can personally identify, a
place that will evolve to become home, (Calkins, 2001).
2. METHODOLOGY
The methodology of this research adopts a different approach, as a decision has been
made not to include the service user due to changes in health-care statistics4 and an
emphasis on ageing in place. The approximate life expectancy of a person entering
long-term healthcare is 2.3 years. Two of the most common philosophical approaches
that have influenced this design research are Post-Positivism and Constructivism.
For this research project to think holistically and synthetically an approach in
contextual understanding is required, this will be achieved using mixed methods. The
way research informing colour design decisions has been conducted in the past raises
ethical concerns (poor methodologies), however this current research by contrast
takes a different approach.
The results will seek to reverse these methodologies by incubating a new way of
thinking - a reliable forecast (consensus) given the variableness of human opinion.
Therefore the ethical implications are for safer participants and a more valid
conclusion.
2.1 Methods
The research is based on a mixed method approach using a qualitative/quantitative
study on the use of colour in interior design. A preference for in depth semistructured interviews, open-ended questions, the use of field notes and case studies
including small-scale studies within the qualitative paradigm will be studied.
Eligibility for inclusion in the study has been decided by geographical location, years
experience and qualifications.
2.2 Online Survey and Interviews
4
Oxford Journals. A census based longitudinal study of variations in survival
amongst residents of nursing and residential homes in Northern Ireland, 2009.
However a more formal on-line survey approach (The Delphi Technique) will
facilitate the framework in establishing a panel of experts in the field of colour. An
on-line questionnaire will seek consensual values that will be used in the application
of multi-criteria analysis. Vignettes may also be used to permit Professionals (those
deemed experts in their field of study) to define colour perceptions, beliefs, opinions
and attitudes in their own terms.
2.3 Case Studies
Theoretical sampling sites will be chosen for comparison and contrast to test out
emerging concepts and verify developing colour theory as research progresses. The
case studies chosen from different locations in Northern Ireland represent a cross
section of colour-designed interiors. There are five locations that represent 1 rural, 1
coastal, 1 city and 2 town sites. The sixth study is in Amsterdam.
The colour samples will be in the form of readings taken with a NCS hand-held
colour scanner from areas of the walls and floors of bedrooms, corridors and day
rooms. Photographs may also be taken for identification of the area from which the
colour samples are gathered. Meta-data from the case studies will be identified and
matched using the NCS Navigator Premium, qualitative and quantitative data will be
coded, transcribed, analysed and used to distinguish emerging patterns using the
software analysis programme NVivo9.
3. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
When we consider the language of colours in interiors, colour theory has become
rooted with colour standards, classification and harmonious palettes stretching across
the globe. Although the understanding and perception of colour is scientific, taste is
subjective. However, part of the problem is evaluation of colour in space according to
the American architect Louis Kahn. Colour is to develop an understanding of the
space this involves an intense empathy with those that are going to use the building
and an accepting that leads to tranquillity in the human soul.
This research project is not yet conclusive, however from samples and
observations gathered what this research seeks to find is not an answer that is
definitive or to establish prescriptive guidelines, but to find out what exists in relation
to colour in Interior Design for the ageing population and why it exists. The research
will look at the influence of colour trends - slapdash or objectivity (professional),
examining who makes decisions in combating rules and how difficult translation into
practice is to achieve. The standardised language of colour in today’s market of
Interior design tends to be a one size fits all. Establishing the relationship of colour
design for older people in their interior environment is essential yet it is still largely
untested from the perspective of design. Is it the weakness of design methods, a
mistrust of qualitative approaches to decision-making and evaluation that lacks clarity
and makes it impossible for certainty? In seeking recommendations for colour in
Interior Design, a design framework of hybrid interdisciplinary melding, shared
values and beliefs may bridge the gap in design thinking between academic cultures,
namely the sciences, humanities, and design.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge support from the University of Ulster’s Research Institute and offer
thanks to the Care Homes and Supported Housing for their involvement in the
research project.
REFERENCES
Albers, J. 1963. The Interaction of Colour. New Haven, USA: Yale University
Press.
Brawley, E. C. 2001. Environmental design for Alzheimer's disease: a quality of life
issue. Aging &Mental Health (5) 79 - 83.
Calkins, M. P. 2001. Creating Successful Dementia Care Settings, Baltimore: Health
Professions Press.
DSDC. 2013. “Dementia Audit Tool.” Accessed January 5th.
http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/
NCS. 2013. Natural Colour System, Navigator Premium. Accessed April 10th.
http://www.ncscolour.com/
McCann, M. and ]D. O’Reilly. and C. Cardwell 2009. A census based longitudinal
study of variations in survival amongst residents of nursing and residential homes in
Northern Ireland. Age and Ageing 38 (6) 711-717
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Professor Karen Fleming, Director of the Art and Design Research Institute.
Belfast School of Art, University of Ulster, Belfast Campus, York Street. BT151ED.
Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Emails: [email protected], [email protected]