2010

Mixed Used Building (University, Art Gallery, Café), Winnipeg, Canada

Commissioned by: DPA + PSA + DIN Collective

The colour strategy for Buhler Centre articulates the three upper floors with idiosyncratic shades of classic colours: red, blue, and turquoise green. While the levels of the building are clearly expressed by a colour, the circular corridor of each level is actually painted according to a strict gradiant. The doors that divide the corridor walls demarcate divisions between colour percentages from 100% hue to 10% hue, or from strong colour to very pale. Furthermore, the gradiant sequence on the inner circle of walls runs opposite to the outer circle creating a productive tension of shades on each floor, thereby unexpectedly expanding a colour that from afar seems easily apprehended. Each floor becomes a dynamic play of light in relation to a specific tone: providing a striking depth of colour and colour juxtaposition for a predominantly white building.