The Effect of Color Palettes in Urban Spaces with Emphasis on Enhancing Sense of Place (Case Study: Falak-ol-Aflak Street in Khorramabad)

Abstract

In today’s world, a portion of knowledge and environmental perception is mediated through the elements of color and form. Diverse colors evoke various emotional responses in humans. By utilizing the element of color, dynamic and diverse spaces can be created at different times of the day and night. The proper and appropriate application of colors in urban spaces enables the definition of a systematic and identity-rich pattern for the entire city. Colors can serve as definers of urban spaces and help distinguish between them. For people, colors act as visual cues, enhancing clarity and legibility within urban environments. Accordingly, the unintentional or uninformed use of color meanings and content may result in instability and ambiguity in the quality of urban spaces—a challenge currently faced by modern cities. The primary objective of this research is to examine the psychological and aesthetic impacts of the color element in improving the sense of place. Through the accurate and purposeful use of color, it is possible to preserve the historical character of a city while also responding to citizens’ needs. This study employed a "descriptive–analytical" research methodology and a "literature and archival review" strategy, alongside case study methods, field observation, and data collection through on-site studies. Specialized color software programs including Color Impact, Color Picker, and BacslCColor Catch were utilized to extract the color spectrum in order to develop a color palette aligned with the city's identity and historical monuments. This study aims to clarify the role of color in urban spaces and the factors that shape color within these environments, ultimately formulating a suitable color palette for the city. The findings of this research indicate that within each urban space, appropriate examples related to existing color qualities can serve as models for future urban design. Developing a color palette represents an effort to apply the color element purposefully and rationally across various urban spaces.