color and light

what is llight?
-light is a form of radiant energy
-visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum
-come in different wave lengths; each one is percieved as a different color
Sir Isaac Newton

7 different hues; in a specific order; ROYGBIV
-without light there is no color

WHITE
-contains every color of light
ex: Sunlight

light sources
-do not contain equal amounts of color
-dramatic or subtle: depends on spectral distribution

Electric light sources
-uneven spectral distribution
-incandescent light sources have warmer temperatures; more red, oranges; less blues

light sources and color in interiors
-both daylight and artificial light sources have an impact on color interiors
ex:
incandescents: warmer
sunlight:
florescent: colder

Daylight: true white light; what we compare all artificial sources to
-as dayligt changes throughout the day so the surfaces changes; however, the color is still recognizable
balanced light: warmer in late afternoon, bluer during midday

orientation: north daylight: less red, orange and yellows; cold-looking- reliable for color matching
afternoon sun: gives glow (shade and shadows) of interiors

 Light Color Measurement:
describe or measure the color of light sources:
1. Color temperature
-describes the apparent color of a white light source
-visual temperature, not a physical temperature

2. CRI-color rendering index
-higher CRI; more natural colors will appear
-electric is rated 1-100

3. SPD- spectral Power Distribution
-plots the amount of natural daylight

light color in interiors:
-use warm light sources in interiors with predominantly warm colors
-areas with natural light: best with warm light sources
- dont mix warm and cool sources

Blue:
calming, restful, serene
-reduce heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure

blue, green:
both warm and cool
-retiring, tranquil, neutral, quiet

yellow:
expansive, vibrant, sun and light
-cheerful, high spiritited
-flood into space in outdoor spaces