The Role of Colour in Urban Place-Making: A Study of Public Art in Lisbon

Abstract

In the urban environment, public art stands out as a defining attribute that contributes to the cultural and social fabric. This encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including sculptures, paintings, murals, installations, performances, light and sound projections, and graffiti. These artistic elements not only shape the identity of a place but also serve as a means of representing the community's voice and honouring significant local figures. The presence of public art fosters interactions among individuals and instils a sense of belonging, ultimately enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the urban landscape and creating a more welcoming atmosphere.Amid a globalized context characterized by the repeated replication of building shapes, materials, textures, and colours with little regard for cultural and social context or sustainable principles, the establishment of a distinct cultural and social identity within the built environment becomes crucial. A deliberate focus on urban environment and community identity serves to nurture a sense of belonging and plays a pivotal role in the concept of place-making. This underscores the importance of human-centred design and the incorporation of diversity in shaping public spaces. Solutions must involve public participation and contribute to fostering meaningful interactions between individuals and their urban surroundings, ultimately enhancing the user experience.Thematic paintings and sculptures adorning building facades not only enhance visual interest but also serve to promote local and international artists, amplify community voices, and celebrate significant social and cultural figures. In this communicative process, colour emerges as a powerful tool for drawing attention, forging symbolic associations, enhancing aesthetic value, and eliciting human emotions and behaviours. Whether through vibrant, colourful compositions or subdued, monochromatic ones, the use of colour reinforces the intended message and enriches the communication process. This is evident not only in physically and socially challenged areas but also in traditional neighbourhoods, where the impact on the lived experience of residents and visitors is unmistakable. The presence of public art contributes to the vibrancy of communities, augmenting the local economy and fostering community well-being. Consequently, urban planners, architects, designers, and artists are called to collaborate in sculpting humanized public environments.This article seeks to achieve the following objectives: a) Foster a discourse on the impact of public art in shaping the concept of place-making. b) Examine how colour contributes to this process. To achieve these goals, the article proposes: c) A comprehensive review of literature related to public art, place-making, and colour. d) Analysis of select case studies located in Lisbon city. The intended outcome is to elucidate the interconnectedness of these key subjects, drawing insights from the analysed case studies to understand how the chromatic compositions contribute to conveying messages and how the presence of public art influences the identity of urban areas and communities.

Keywords: Public art, colour, place making, human centred design, human interactions, Lisbon

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005534