Mellow Yellow

Some of the most experimental architecture comes when an architect gets to design their very own space. This is a great example by spanish architects Selgascano of an architecture practice designing their own studio, it is located in a wood outside Madrid, Spain.

I love that it is not super slick, with the texture of the timber formwork in the concrete wall and the wide timber boards, giving it a earthy feel and locating it in the wood. The super glossy paint finish and bright yellow is a great contrast to bring it into the modern. Painting a strip of boards in the yellow is a great way to delineate space.

There website is a bit of a tricky one to navigate, shame as I would love to see some more of their work... Here's the link if you would like a go. http://www.selgascano.com/

Sitting here and I realise I have the poor mans version of the studio (above) in my Marimekko wall hanging (below) hangs to the right of my desk in my studio, the same yellow, and a wood scene, not quite as spectacular but makes me feel great.

If you are interest in a little colour psychology, I found this site http://www.colour-affects.co.uk/psychological-properties-of-colours, they describe yellow as;

"The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our "yellow streak" can surface.

I think Selgascano have got the balance of yellow just right.

Another great building with lashings of yellow and one of my favourite houses of all time, is the Dr Rogers House, designed by Richard Rogers for his parents in 1968, it still looks fantastic and is now home to his grandson and family. Check out the Roger Stirk Harbour and Partners website for lots of photos and information http://www.richardrogers.co.uk/Dr%20Rogers%20House

[Image Credit for Dr Rogers House: Telegraph UK, Images and info on office in the woods via Dezeen, Dr Rogers information via Richard Rogers Website.] The dezeen post has lots more images to drool over http://www.dezeen.com/2009/06/11/office-in-the-woods-by-selgascano/