The physiological and psychological role of colour in health care facilities

Abstract

This report explores the developments in the study of physiological and psychological colour induced responses. It begins with the roots of symbolic colour associations and progresses to the latest experimental colour reactive drugs. The application of the findings from this exploration is then examined in the context of the therapeutic environment. Examples of health care facilities both in New Zealand and abroad are reviewed. It is concluded that colour in some circumstances induces sufficient physiological and psychological response to warrant greater consideration as an important environmental design element. A series of recommendations are then made for the use of colour in me future design of care facilities.