Jongerius' colour concept for Vitra organises all colours in four contrasting colour worlds. The greens, the reds, the lights and the darks suit both home and office. The system encompasses the entire spectrum of colours, while the different colour worlds classify their specific purpose. The Vitra Colour and Material Library is no advice kit. It is to be used as a tool, both within the design and production process as well as outside of the company grounds.
Greens
After living in a green environment for thousands of years, distinguishing prey or edible plants, our eyes’ colour receptors have become most sensitive to the greens. A biological evolutionary process now enables us to differentiate many shades.
Reds
Red hues appear vibrant, dynamic and more immediate than other colours. Along with oranges and yellows, they need light to unfold their true beauty. Red is the first colour that babies acknowledge.
After living in a green environment for thousands of years, distinguishing prey or edible plants, our eyes’ colour receptors have become most sensitive to the greens. A biological evolutionary process now enables us to differentiate many shades.
Reds
Red hues appear vibrant, dynamic and more immediate than other colours. Along with oranges and yellows, they need light to unfold their true beauty. Red is the first colour that babies acknowledge.
Darks
Retreating and absorbing, the darks are more distant and calm. They take in light and hold warmth. They are shadow colours – the darker a colour, the further it seems to be away from its observer.
Lights
The light colours, which we call ‘lights’, accentuate, reflect and project other colours. They remind us of an empty sheet of paper, untouched snow and are a Western symbol of purity.
Retreating and absorbing, the darks are more distant and calm. They take in light and hold warmth. They are shadow colours – the darker a colour, the further it seems to be away from its observer.
Lights
The light colours, which we call ‘lights’, accentuate, reflect and project other colours. They remind us of an empty sheet of paper, untouched snow and are a Western symbol of purity.
