Il libro:
Autore: Frank H. Mahnke
Titolo: Color, Environment, and Human Response: An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use As a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment.
Casa Editrice: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Anno: 1996

From the Inside Flap:

An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use as a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment Written primarily for professionals involved in the planning and design of public facilities, Color, Environment, and Human Response examines the properties and effects of color, and makes specific recommendations for the use of color in environments ranging from school gymnasiums to hospital EKG rooms to industrial foundries. The first part of this practical and useful guide discusses the psychological and physiological effects of color, light, and environmental conditions on the human organism. This information is based on the most up-to-date international man/environment research available. Drawing from studies in fields that seem unrelated to architecture—fields such as natural science, color theory, technology, biology, medicine, and psychology—Mr. Mahnke combines hard scientific evidence with empirical studies and his own professional experience as a color consultant to create a fascinating guide to the purposeful use of color. Here he examines:

  • The psychological effects of color
  • Color fundamentals
  • Biological effects of light
  • Analysis of design goals

In the second part of Color, Environment, and Human Response, Mr. Mahnke gives practical advice on the use of color and light for specific purposes in a broad scope of environments. From hospitals to industrial workplaces, each environment is thoroughly covered function-by-function. The chapter on healthcare facilities, for example, includes advice for every area from the entrance lobby, to laboratories, to staff lounges, to intensive care. Just a few of the many built environments covered in illuminating detail include:

  • Offices and computer workstations
  • Schools
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Restaurants and food display
  • Industrial work environments
  • Color for exteriors

Whether you're an architect, designer, city planner, lighting engineer, or color consultant, you'll learn how to create healthy and productive environments with Color, Environment, and Human Response.

From the back cover and other reviews:

"There are no other books quite like Mr. Mahnke’s. He has assumed a leadership role in perceptual analysis of environmental situations, and is doing a remarkable job of studying and writing on the subject."
Harold Linton
Assistant Dean
Collage of Architecture and Design
Lawrence technological University

"Frank H. Mahnke is considered to be a top authority in the field of color, and is a pioneer providing us with good, reliable, researched information that can be used in all of our environments."
Sherrill D. Mead
Professor of Design
Brigham Young University

"Written for architects, interior designers, and color consultants, this ambitious study explores the psychological and physiological effects of color in the man-made environment. Scientific findings and industry-by-industry examples are furnished to help professionals specify colors that will create healthful environments in hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other public facilities."