Effective Colours
The visitors to the International Design Exhibition 2002 in Tel Aviv were in
for a big surprise when they entered into the large “Springs of Colour”
pavilion.
Firstly because it was so dark, and secondly because there were no regular
design features to see there at all. There were more than 12,000 visitors to
the pavilion, who learned very quickly that this was going to be an experience
they had never had before.
Through the large dark space at first one could only see seven tents of light
standing next to each other in a row, each with one of the seven colours of
the rainbow. Before they were over their first amazement a steward would approach
them and offer them an explanation and give them a gen-sheet – should
they choose to take part in an interesting experiment. The experiment was so
simple and appealing that most people immediately agreed.
People were asked to go into each of the 15 foot high colour tents and sit
there for a little while, on a colour light chair and ‘feel’ the
effect of the colour on them. In the gen-sheet there were 9 words under each
of the seven colours. They were asked to chose 3 from the 9 words, which they
instinctively felt, being under that light, were most fitting.
Then they were able to go to one of 10 booths nearby, where a specialist in
colour diagnosis offered each person an analysis of their individual sensitivity
to colours. This was done using both gen sheets that were especially designed
for it and an advanced kinesiology test that could tell which of the rainbow
colours they were most ‘allergic’ to.
Dr. Cornel Lostig, the exhibition scientist says: “In all my years as
a neurobiologist and brain researcher, I have never seen such a happening. The
subject of colour and the effect of colours is really becoming one of the most
popular subjects over the past few years.Scientists are now trying to prove
scientifically what most people already know, that different colours have different
effects upon them. But just how effective, what is the particular effect and
how can it be used; this is a hot subject now, which draws much debate amongst
scientists these days.”
Dr. Lostig is one of the members of an inter-disciplinary think tank that formed
in Israel - called The Plasma Group. Comprised of 12 members, the Plasma Group
has been involved in numerous innovative projects. Around the world, some of
which have been using a new awareness to colour and design and the multiple
human intelligence generation.
Professor Ezri Terazi, the head of the Industrial Design Faculty in the Betzalel
Art and Design Academy in Jerusalem, had been invited by the Plasma Group to
design their pavilion in the exhibition. I have known the Plasma Group for four
years now, as they have been helping me form the Masters Degree course in Betzalel’s
Industrial Design Faculty. They have been an inspiring group to work with and
I have used their services both in planning and in teaching at the Academy.
Their approach is a very futuristic one, using advanced models of the Pentagramic
Intelligences Framework that is enhancing creativity amongst our students. I
was delighted to help them in creating the special effects for this exhibition.
We used colour technology and water fountains as well as fitting music and video
screening; all to enhance the atmospheres that the visitors would meet."
Indeed the interest was so great that some people returned to experience the
Colour Tents more than once, despite having to stand in a queue sometimes for
over an hour. The Plasma group have offered to come to special colour workshops
for those interested in finding out more about why they are sensitive to a particular
colour, what does it mean and how they can balance this effect.
The plasma group now conduct lectures, workshops and seminars in the USA and
Europe.
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