ROYGBIV Exhibit, Art Gallery of Alberta September 2021 - January 2022

The ROYGBIV exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta (“AGA”) ended at the beginning of 2022. If you managed to attend the AGA during its’ run from September 2021 to January 2022, you know that projects in the exhibit helped to “reveal a relationship between colour, architectural form, the inner and outer spaces they can create and the resulting effects on the human body.”

ROYGBIV featured artists who like to work with colour and through their installations, explore how mood, behaviour and even physical space is affected by it. Artists like Kapwani Kiwanga and Witthöft & Latourelle celebrate colour while causing us to reflect on the way we change when confronted by it. The tactile exhibit by Shoplifter allowed interaction and exploration through texture, various colour combinations and physical space.

But the one part of the whole show that really stood out was the short film entitled “Dammi i colori” by Anri Sala, a contemporary Albanian artist whose main medium is video. His installation reflects on the transformation of Tirana in 2003 through the use of colour on building facades. The film includes footage with Tirana's mayor at the time, Edi Rama, a close friend of Sala’s and the main force behind the city’s transformation.

Hyperlings by Shoplifter
ROYGBIV Exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta September 2021 - January 2022

The film is full of contrasts: the brightly painted buildings against the background of a war torn city; the daylight leading into the darkness; dispair vs. optimism, silence vs. conversation - all inviting the viewer to reflect on the success of the project and to draw attention to that idea of hope in a place where there seemingly isn’t any; all through the application of colour to architecture.

It also forces the viewer to reflect on their own surroundings and how colour impacts the way one not only interacts (inside and out) with buildings and public spaces but with each other. It begins to form the question of how collectively, colour contributes to the overall ‘feel’ of a city. And maybe the role of colour in architecture overall.

That has been a controversial subject in the architectural world. Some think it’s not an important part of the design strategy, others think it’s vital. Based on basic colour theory, the “right” colours can summon emotional responses that create a positive connection between the space and the human.

Photo by Hergi Lici on Unsplash

“Colour has a tremendous influence on our moods and cannot be too carefully considered.”

— Frank Lloyd Wright

This exhibit proved just that. By integrating colour into building design, it can aesthetically enhance while accurately conveying purpose and function. It just has to be cleverly applied.

What are your thoughts on the application of colour in architecture?

Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash

December is usually regarded as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ mostly because of the holiday season. But in the design worlds it’s because Pantone - the world’s leading expert in colour - announces their Color of the Year. This has been a tradition for over 20 years and influences design decisions in colour conscious industries such as textiles, apparel, as well as interior, architectural and industrial design.

Last year’s Color of the Year was a combination: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. This year for the first time in their history, Pantone has introduced a completely new colour: PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri.

“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

— Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

According to Eiseman, the creation of Very Peri is a reflection of the “global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet infused blue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us”.

With a “carefree confidence” and a “daring curiosity” that invigorates the creative spirit, Very Peri helps us to “embrace the altered landscape of possibilities”, giving us a hopeful look of the future. Very Peri keeps us intrigued and works well on its own but also works harmoniously amongst Color Palettes that embrace warm and cool tones, are nature-inspired, combine classics and neutrals or display a whimsical story of fun and spontaneity.

This could mean incorporating more playfulness in our homes: unusual colour combinations, a bold accent wall, brilliant colours in textures and finishes. The blue tone of Very Peri reminds us of the sincere qualities of blue while the violet red undertone shows us the charismatic quality of red. The Color of the Year 2022, Very Peri adds a pop where needed and will help brighten a space in whatever function, with its dynamic and joyous attitude.

Photo by Alin Meceanu on Unsplash

Roof of custom built home framed by Archive Contracting & Design

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful…

Winter brings a sense of wonder, coziness and comfort. Even though, we’ve been spending a lot of time within the same space for almost two years now, the home becomes more of a refuge in the throws of winter. But it can also introduce some weather related issues in and around the home. Through routine maintenance checks and preventative maintenance, you can avoid winter-related disasters, keep your home functioning at an optimal level and enjoy your holidays.

Now that Winter is officially here, it’s time to start checking things off the Winter Home Maintenance list.

1. Inspect doors and windows
   Feel a draft somewhere? If you didn’t catch this during your Fall maintenance check, take action now! Seal any gaps and cracks to prevent heat from escaping the house. Repair caulking around doors, windows and anywhere there are wall penetrations (vents, faucets, outlets etc.). Inspect the weather stripping on doors and windows as well and replace, if necessary. Each draft eliminated will increase your home’s efficiency and lower your home energy costs.

2. Clean The Fireplace
   If sitting by the fire on a cold winter’s night is your idea of the perfect night, give a certified chimney sweep a call to clean it out before using it regularly. This is a necessary safety measure for any wood burning fireplace since the build up of creosote and soot inside the chimney could potentially start an even bigger fire.
   
   On that note, make sure any fire extinguishers in the house are in good working order and easily accessible. Double check your emergency exits are left unobstructed.

3. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   This becomes increasingly important in the colder months when windows are closed and wood burning stoves and fireplaces are being used. Test, test, test!

4. Maintain The Furnace
   Change the air filters regularly. Clogged filters can cause the furnace to use more energy and be less efficient. To ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently, have it serviced by a qualified professional on an annual basis.

5. The Roof! The Roof!
   As mentioned in our ‘Prepare Your Home for Fall’ blog post, inspecting your roof can help prepare you for any necessary repairs. It is the first line of defence against the weather so it’s put through a lot. Not only check for missing, loose or buckled shingles but look out for cracked or worn boots around vent pipes as well as masses of moss or lichen where possible decay would lay underneath.
   
   Remove large amounts of snow from the roof as soon as possible and regularly clean the gutters. Keeping both of these things clean clear of snow and debris could prevent ice dams, leaking and any further damage.

Whether you love the Winter Wonderland that the colder season brings or you love to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa by a roaring fire engulfed in fluffy pillows and comfy blankets, the importance of maintaining your house is paramount. Although these tasks take time and effort, the warmth your home brings to you and to others, will be worth it….guaranteed.