How Colorful Buildings Contribute to Happiness [Portugal]

When we moved to San Francisco, my initial project was located in downtown Oakland. The first time I rode a bike through downtown and experienced the various neighborhoods, I was drawn to the authenticity and grit of the city. It is remarkably different from San Francisco, and yet the cities are geographically very close. What stood out the most were these colorful tiled buildings sprinkled throughout downtown. These buildings were built between the 1920's - 1940's during the Art Deco movement. I have observed Art Deco buildings in other cities, however I had never seen any so colorful.

If you recall, in prior posts I discuss kind, beautiful buildings that utilize natural, load bearing materials. Such materials consist of warm tones which create an environment of stimulation within public spaces. I dug a little deeper into the design of shopfronts, enabling the use of a broader range of colors to evoke positive mental effects from cool colors. And further, street trees, planter boxes, and building landscaping contribute the color green into public space conjuring the joyful feeling of renewal. These blossoming components, such as leaves and flowers, suggest growth and potential. What intrigues me about the tiled buildings in Oakland and Portugal is the use of color within the building itself. While shopfronts are accents on buildings, the psychological effects of color becomes even more important when the entire, vibrant facade is interfacing with public spaces.

Paramount Theater, Oakland CA

I. Magnin Building, Oakland CA

Oakland Floral Depot Building, Oakland CA

Oakland, CA

When you see pictures of Portugal, immediately an abundance of multi-color buildings created by colorful, glazed ceramic tiles come to the mind. These tiles are deeply embedded in Portugal's history, culture and religion, and proudly celebrate Portugal's story back to the public in joyful artistic representation. Initially, the tiles were used to cover large areas of blank walls that were common inside buildings during the Gothic period. Antique azulejos were decorated in a simple color palette, typically dominated by blue and white. The other colors that appeared were green and yellow. Blues and greens are typically considered peaceful, calming and restful. Blue has the ability to lower blood pressure and decrease respiration. Research shows that our eyes focus the color green directly on the retina, it is said to be less strenuous on our eye muscles. White is cheerful and can be associated with sunlight when combined with yellow. Azulejos began as harmonious geometric shapes and over time were replaced by more ornate decoration. Today, azulejos are a dominant building material in Portuguese cities and can be seen in landmark buildings, in background buildings, as street signs, to decorate public benches, and along beach walls.

Cloisters of the Porto Cathedral, Source: Stuart Freedman

Marta Ferreira, Source: Culture Trip

Igreja do Carmo, Source: GoOporto

Marta Ferreira, Source: Culture Trip

Capela das Almas, Source: Lyall Bouchard

There is a particular tiled building in Oakland that I have always been drawn to, the Howden & Son's building. When I come across this building, I notice three things: the beautiful tile colors of indigo and sunset orange, Spice Money and it's outdoor seating and parklet, and the mural on the west facing side of the building. Just like the story telling beauty within the tiles in Portugal, Oakland's murals tell stories of the people, their culture and history. The building wall along the street is made essentially of glass, and when the door is open it is possible to see, hear and feel what is going on inside. Even more intriguing is the resulting atmosphere when some part of the building's activity crosses the sidewalk. The introduction of a parklet outside of the restaurant enables people who walk down the sidewalk to find themselves walking through the restaurant's activity. This new addition invites people who are passing to take it in and have more relationship to the building and restaurant. To me, this is how a building can give the public a hug. You can smell the delicious treats, hear joyful laughter and see people playing. It is vibrancy at its peak and adds a happy glow deep in your soul. It makes you smile and join in their infectious laughter.