Colors of the World

Jean-Phillipe and Dominique Lenclos

Praise for Colors of the World:

“[A] gorgeous design reference for any artist, with stunning photography and clear color analysis based on the writers' travels. With palettes influenced by varied climatic and geographic features, sociological traditions, and local systems of organizing space, the Lencloses take us on an armchair travel adventure through some of the world's most beautifully (and unexpectedly) colored environments.”
—Fiberarts Magazine

“The issues raised by this outstanding book are many, particularly for those interested in how architecture and landscape have come to terms with each other after many decades of brute opposition.”
—Green Places

“Over 600 color photographs reveal striking colour patterns from Yemen to Guatemala.”
—Tyrone Times & Duncannon Gazette

“Ambitious. . . In the face of globalization's growing threat to our cultural heterogeneity, this investigation into a poorly documented aspect of human behaviour is timely. . . . Colors of the World elaborates on a fascinating idea and the Lenclos's devotion to their chosen topic has to be admired.”
—Geographical Magazine

“From a stunning emerald-green cottage in Ireland to mosaicked walls of thatched-roof huts in South Africa, this book is a serious source of color inspiration, no matter where on this planet you call home.”
—Oregon Home

“Glossy paperback with dynamic photographs displaying the brilliant diversity of...colors.” —Lovin’ Life After 50

Overview

Colors of the World presents a chromatic journey through the colors of vernacular architecture from the United States to the far corners of the globe. Based on the “geography of color” analysis method, which Jean-Philippe and Dominique Lenclos have elaborated through years of travel and research, this book examine the palettes of diverse habitats to reveal how geology, climate, light, sociocultural behavior, and the traditions of local residents and construction techniques uniquely shape a landscape’s architectural personality and chromatic character.

Through the visual evidence of over six hundred radiant color photographs, supplemented by watercolor sketches and chromatic synthesis charts, the Lencloses explain their system and provide a pertinent and objective comparison of assorted chromatic microcosms worldwide, as well as a fascinating look at the infinite diversity with which color expresses itself. From the chromatic delicacy of bamboo roofs in Japan to the tangy-hued house facades created from mineral pigments in African soils, Colors of the World offers a visually alluring survey of the significant chromatic personalities within local geographies, histories, and traditions in countries around the world.

An accurate reflection of the colors of the world, this panorama will help designers to decide the colors of tomorrow.

Contents include:

The Geography of Color: A Chromatic Itinerary
• Colors and Symbols
• Construction Materials
• Décors and Surfaces
• Analysis of a Site: Viviers, France
• Maps of the World
• United States
• Guatemala
• Brazil
• Russia
• South Africa
• Algeria
• Morocco
• Iran
• Yemen
• India
• Japan

About the Author

Jean-Philippe Lenclos is a designer-colorist and founder of Atelier 3D Couleur, a studio based in Paris that specializes in the conception and application of color in the environment, architecture, and industrial products. He has exhibited his work in Tokyo, London, Paris, and Lisbon, and he teaches color theory at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. Dominique Lenclos, a professor of classics, assists her husband in his research and site analyses. Their book Color of France received numerous awards, including the 1983-84 International Color Design award. They are also the authors of Colors of Europe.

“The Geography of Color” is a registered trademark.

ISBN: 0-393-73147-2
Fall 2003
288 pages, cloth, 500 color photographs