By the year 2050, 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities. In anticipation of this, Amsterdam-based AkzoNobel, a chemical company that specializes in decorative paint and coatings, recently announced its Human Cities initiative as a way to highlight their commitment in “improving, energizing and regenerating urban communities across the world.”
One project part of the initiative is a partnership with leading architecture firm OMA, founded by Rem Koolhaas, to research the link between color and economic development of a city. The announcement was made at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
“We believe that our new research partnership with OMA will make a significant contribution to creating more ‘human’ urban environments for the world’s citizens,” says AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Rem Koolhaas and OMA on this study.”
Archdaily reports that this is not the first time research has been done on the effects of color in economics. Back in 2001, research done in Brazilian favelas by Brazilian firm Jorge Mario Jáuregui Architects and published by Harvard University Press found that “Colors had been absent due to poverty, people work on the inside, but cannot afford to work on the outside. And when a new, planned building rises in the slum – be it a public toilet or a sewing co-operative – it immediately becomes a monument. It was conceived by an architect, it indicates things are changing: People understand they now have the right to what was only available in the so-called ‘formal city.’”
Related Stories
Sponsored | HVAC | Feb 3, 2020
Reliable Building Systems Increase Net Operating Income by Retaining Tenants
Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.
Architects | Jan 29, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture school is closing
The school was established in 1932.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Green | Jan 10, 2020
How the new EC3 tool raises the bar on collective action
Nearly 50 AEC industry organizations partnered to develop the groundbreaking Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.
Architects | Jan 9, 2020
AIA selects recipients for the 2020 Regional & Urban Design Awards
The 2020 Regional & Urban Design program recognizes the best in urban design, regional and city planning and community development.
Building Technology | Jan 7, 2020
Tariff whiplash for bifacial solar modules
Bifacial solar systems offer many advantages over traditional systems.
Sponsored | HVAC | Jan 6, 2020
Maximize Energy Efficiency in Class A Office Buildings With Modern Building Systems
Energy-efficient building design starts with the building envelope, but the building systems have a tremendous impact on energy use as well.
Life of an Architect Podcast | Jan 6, 2020
5 most popular Life of an Architect podcast episodes of 2019
Architects Bob Borson, FAIA, and Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, produced 25 episodes of the Life of an Architect podcast in 2019. Here are the five most popular episodes of Life of an Architect based on the number of downloads.
Architects | Jan 6, 2020
Merger expands HED’s presence in SoCal
Puchlik Design Associates, its new addition, specializes in healthcare design.
Steel Buildings | Jan 3, 2020
5 reasons to enter the $20,000 Forge Prize
Calling all emerging architects. Don’t miss out on your chance to enter the $20,000 Forge Prize. Submissions for Stage 1 judging are due January 15.