Houtens School

Colour schemes can even be used to indicate the purpose and usage of a space. They can be used to create boundaries and transition.

Designers think about how the visual stimulation in a space will be perceived by the brain to evoke a desired cultural response. This is of utmost importance in environments where varied spaces have different tasks and functions, to avoid any confusion that can cause stress to the occupants.

"The choice of materials and colours was very important in the overall design concept."

A very good example of this multi-purpose space is education. In Houtens, The Netherlands, the firm BBHD Architecten used colour throughout their design of the city’s secondary Houtens School. According to Architect Ronald van Hek, “the colours used – including on the ceiling – made the different school functions visible. The choice of materials and colours was very important in the overall design concept.” Van Hek and his team selected bright white Rockfon Tropic ceilings for the classrooms and administration spaces with varying tones of Rockfon Color-all for ceilings in areas dedicated to other activities.