ACT Architectural Colour Tools.
Based on a deep understanding of colours, pigments, and spatial design, and grounded in a research-based understanding of how colours affect our mental and physical health, ACT Architectural Colour Tools has developed tools and colours tailored to architects and interior designers and their work with spatial arrangements and moods.
In addition to consultancy and workshops, ACT Architectural Colour Tools has developed paints in a durable and timeless colour palette created from natural pigments and traditional techniques. With sustainability in mind, we have revived paints based on century-old techniques and chemical-free bases.
All of this is based on the need to think and work sustainably and environmentally consciously with colour schemes.
Natural colours
ACT Architectural Colour Tools is founded on Goethe's and Josef Albers' profound colour theories. It's a collection where colours emerge as a dynamic connection between light and dark - and where the interaction of colours creates optical illusions.
Our colours aim to create spaces that are stimulating on a health, environmental, and sensory level. They are based on natural minerals and inorganic pigments that have been part of the Earth's history for millions of years.
ACT Architectural Colour Tools' beautiful, timeless shades are designed to withstand trends and can be combined in endless variations. A bright collection as a tribute to aesthetics, longevity, and sustainability. Colours that breathe with daylight. The weather, time of day and season affect the experience of each colour. Our colours have no synthetic binders but genuine surfaces that make the colours appear vibrant, bright, and playful.
This carefully curated first collection consists of 33 shades, developed by renowned Danish designers from the Royal Academy.
ACT Colour Setting Tools
In collaboration with the Innovation Fund, ACT Architectural Colour Tools has created a colour-scheme tool.
The tool features a range of 33 colours, carefully hand-mixed from natural minerals and high-quality pigments. Utilized in the three interconnected formats, Sticks, Cubes, and Papers, these tools offer possibilities for the 33 colours to interact with each other in the pursuit of the perfect colour combinations.
ACT Architectural Colour Tools hosts workshops, where we explore combinations in hands-on creative process. Participants will be introduced to a series of ACT exercises, where colours are both seen, thought, and sensed. Likewise, we provide insight into how to transfer colour choices into a given context.
ACT Architectural Colour Tools has utilized these tools, among others, in the colour schemes for Velux's sustainable project "Living Places" in Copenhagen. The project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve 3 times lower CO2 emissions and 3 times better indoor air quality, than in an average Danish single-family home, at an achievable and scalable level.
ACT natural paint
ACT Architectural Colour Tools is a part of the sustainable Velux project "Living Places", where we have been responsible for colour schemes and interior design. In this context, we became aware that conventional paint contains acrylic/plastic and chemicals that are harmful to both our health and the climate. The off-gassing of these chemicals is measured in VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) values. A low VOC value contributes to an overall lower CO2 footprint as the amounts of off-gassing from chemicals and pollutants from objects and building materials in indoor environments are reduced. The limit for VOC values in wall paint is set by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency at a maximum of 30g VOC/liter.
In collaboration with the Innovation Fund and Architect MAA Søren Vadstrup, ACT Architectural Colour Tools has developed two types of paint in 33 curated colours all with a VOC value of under 1g VOC/liter. These are based on plants, pigments, and minerals. And unlike digitally developed colours they are not only sustainable but also timeless and sensually stimulating colours designed to withstand trends and remain aesthetically current.
The paint is produced in Denmark and is completely free of acrylic/plastic, hence the very low missions (VOC). It is, therefore, paint that is better for you and for the climate.
Plant glue paint including cellulose glue, chalk, pigment, preservative, and water – simple, matte, diffusion-open, and durable glue paint that reflects colour & light on the surface.
Lime soap paint including water, soap flakes, hydrated lime, cellulose glue, and pigment – capillary open and repels water, the binder does not rot or mold, so the paint can be stored indefinitely.
We are happy to provide safety data sheets upon request.
These paints will soon be available.
The Power of Pigments
The psychology of colour is crucial for the sensory spatiality and atmosphere of an area. It is a science that forms the cornerstone of our development of colour palettes.
“The psychological and physiological well-being is heavily influenced by two manmade factors: colour and light. It is no longer valid to assume that the only role of light and colour is to provide tolerable illumination and a pleasant environment.”
“Colour has a strong influence on psychological well-being. A colour can communicate feelings of excitement, passion, serenity, or mystery. Colour externalizes human-being’s tastes and styles. Colour is the fundamental quality
of our visual perception.”
“Colour holds strong power which affects human emotions. A person is likely to feel cheer-full on a sunny day and gloomy on a rainy one.”
“Space Psychology deals with the interaction between people and the space they live in. It has a direct impact on human’s subconscious, that part of the brain which reacts to different spaces and colours, contributing to your emotions and perceptions”
- Jain, S., & Nayak, A. (February 2023). Impact of Color on Human Behavior: Case Study of Interior Space. International Journal of Emerging Research in Engineering Science and Management.
“Colour is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Certain colours have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, enhanced metabolism, and eyestrain.”
“It’s amazing how colours can truly impact our mood and in-fluence our behavior,” says Rachel Goldman PhD.
Goethe challenged Newton’s views on colour, arguing that colour was not simply a scientific measurement, but a subjective experience perceived differently by each viewer. His contribution was the first systematic study on the physiological effects of colour. Goethe’s views were widely adopted by artists.
Although Goethe is best known for his poetry and prose, he considered Theory of Colours his most important work.
“Research shows that people make a subconscious judgment about an environment within 90 seconds of initial viewing and that between 62% and 90% of that assessment is based on colour alone”.
CCICOLOR - Institute for Color Research, USA
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