The Role of Colour in Environmental Beautification and Urban Aesthetics: The Nigerian Example

Abstract

Outdoor beautification and varied spatial positions and sensations of colours in the built environment create visual contrasts which contribute to urban aesthetic development. The perception of the dynamics of colours and their “chroma value” can have a considerable effect on the character of an environment. Colour in an urban environment is a function of the paint and other coverings used, and it is the effect of the surface colour that results, which is explored in this paper. To understand urban aesthetics the interaction and interdependence of the complex environment need to be considered separately. The physical environment, the biological environment and the socio-cultural environment each make their contribution to the whole. Trying to beautify an environment is a complex problem which can be helped by legislation but this must be underpinned by education which can aid compliance. Nigeria is a multi-cultural society the various elements of which see and use colour differently from each other. It is the role of designers to lead builders, and help in the education of the disparate city dwellers, with the aim of producing an environment aesthetically pleasing to all. Nothing should be excluded from consideration whether sculptural decoration or the humble streetlight.