The Mysterious Power of Colours - Colour Psychology Between Science, Well-being and Design

Colour is not a decorative accessory - it is an elementary environmental factor that constantly influences our thoughts, feelings and actions. As the strongest human sensory medium, colour has a direct effect on the autonomic nervous system, regulates emotional states and is therefore a central key to shaping atmosphere, quality of life and health.

In my lecture, I will explain the scientific foundations of colour psychology and show how its findings can be applied to key areas of life - from architecture and product design to medicine. Building on evidence-based research into the effect of colour on people's well-being, regeneration and performance, it becomes clear that colour is far more than just taste: it can be planned, measured - and is effective.

In the second part, I apply this approach to the design of outdoor spaces - in the context of the trade fair theme ‘Design Gardens’. The focus is on current colour trends, their psychological significance and concrete examples of their application: How does the colour design of gardens, terraces and BBQ zones influence their use, mood and quality of stay? Which colours promote retreat and relaxation, which social interaction and activation? And how can these effects be specifically translated into product and room concepts?

Whether furniture, planters, surfaces or guidance systems - colour is a decisive factor in successful design. It combines function with emotion, sensuality with science - and opens up new perspectives for health-promoting design in open spaces.