Joyful design: playful colours and metallics in architecture and furniture

This month ColourDesign is taking a look at the joy – or ‘delight’ – that design can bring. From playful and colourful environments to the gentle glow of light-reflecting metallics, we explore projects in architecture and furniture design.

Playful architecture

We discuss the true meaning of playful architecture with UK-based Office S&M Architects co-founder Hugh McEwen – an advocate of a ‘seriously playful’ design process that embeds narrative, colour and texture for the benefit of users and passers-by. 

Metallic allure

A soft lustre, a hint of pearlescence or the subtle glow of bronze can bring an intonation of joy – even Vitruvian ‘delight’ – to a facade or finish. Extending the allure of metallics to 22 shades and a range of substrates, we find out about the environmental, dependability and design expression benefits of the SuprAnodic collection. We also explore the pros and cons of anodic-effect powder coatings vs real anodisation. 

Furniture that bring joy Heading over to Sweden, we talk to Johan Lindau of furniture brand Blå Station AB ation about the joyful design origins of the universally sociable Jackson easy chair.