BY DESIGN
Why architects love white!
W Richard Dalman Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz
White has long carried symbolic meaning, hy do so many architects dress in often associated with purity, truth, and black yet design in white? simplicity. These qualities align with the early I’m unsure of the rationale behind twentieth century Modernist movement that the dress code but there are many reasons rejected ornate decoration in favour of clean white has remained one of architecture’s most enduring “colours”. Far from being plain, geometric forms. White became the perfect canvas, allowing the architecture itself – not white is constantly changing, responding to applied ornament – to become the focus. light, landscape, and seasons, revealing a The new Christchurch Stadium demonstrates building’s true character. the power of white, as this – combined with its Unlike darker finishes, white showcases bulk – sees it stand out from its surroundings, form. As light moves across a white surface, and its exposed steel structure is clearly defined. it highlights subtle curves, crisp edges, and The late architect Zaha Hadid (who often considered proportions. Many of history’s dressed in black), designed numerous white greatest sculptures, such as Michelangelo’s architectural marvels, including a floor of pure David, were carved from white marble, white guest rooms in a Madrid hotel. A unique allowing light to dance across every contour, concept, the white accentuates the fluidity bringing shape and detail to life. Architecture of the moulded acrylic forms as the various benefits in much the same way. room elements morph from one into another. In Christchurch, white buildings take on Our own work also illustrates how white a unique personality throughout the day. can elevate architectural expression. The new On “nor-west” afternoons as the sun slips river-facing facade on the Sheraton Christchurch, between the clouds and mountains, white curves along its length where light and shadow facades glow with warm golden tones. On interplay, emphasising the purity of the building’s the coast, they reflect the changing blues geometry, whilst the Riccarton Road hospitality of the sea, while rippling water casts everbuilding’s pattern cast into its white walls, form changing patterns of light. strong shadows creating depth and interest. Indoors, white responds just as beautifully, If you have a building you’d prefer to picking up the warmth of timber floors or the “disappear”, paint it black. But if it is beautiful richness of surrounding materials to create and you want it to stand out, go with white! interiors that feel inviting rather than stark.
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