Living Room
Interior finishes and their contrast
21 Mar 2019
Speaking about contrast is speaking of difference. In contemporary architecture the idea of differentiation is used in diverse forms and levels. On one side, we can bring balance or definition of forms in a room by means of difference, whether through their geometry or location in the room. Following this idea in a continuous horizontal surface, we can say that placing a vertical element can delimit a room. Our brain identifies a presence or disruption in the horizontality of the surface and creates a pause or discontinuity in our viewing of the space. Contrast becomes relevant in the understanding of this phenomenon; in how we read, understand, perceive and experiment rooms.
Speaking about contrast is also speaking of identity. The greater the contrast, the clearer and more specific the definition of things becomes and a distinction in space is, therefore, created in differentiation. Such sense of opposition happens because of contrast. Now, if we apply this in the field of architecture, and more specifically in the field of finishes, contrast becomes fundamental and transcendental for the user’s experience.
What is nowadays known as contemporary architecture refers, in general terms, to a pronounced composition of volumes or orthogonal planes arranged in opposite directions or ways, thus, an emphasis on the line marking this distinction, i.e. the vertex. Think of a horizontal plane that is interrupted by a vertical plane, in other words, a floor plane cut by a wall. As mentioned earlier, this distinction is clear because of the vertex, as it is the point at which the surfaces changes direction from horizontal to vertical. This visual effect can be emphasized by a contrast among surfaces, like it does when one surface is white and the other is black.
This spatial strategy or technique is certainly not new. However, we can state that contrasting linings are becoming more broadly used among contemporary trends, whether its contrast of color, tone or texture. Such contrast is used to define a higher definition between planes, like floor and wall or wall and ceiling. Once again, this secret has been out of the bag for a while, but it is where current trends are focusing: differentiation of planes.
Selecting finishes that heighten contrast between themselves is an act of distinction and renown. It allows for surfaces to become mutually aware of each other and to differentiate from one another, thus acting as a protagonist to accentuate and strengthen the user’s spatial experience.
The first and last impression of a space lies in two inherent aspects: The planes of the room, which define volume and space, and the selection of finishes, which cover and envelop the aforementioned volume and space. Just like the world, which is filled with contrast, so is space defined in differentiation, bringing distinction and memory.
By: Arch. Marcelo A. Espinosa Martínez
Arch. Marcelo A. Espinosa Martínez
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture by ITESM Campus Monterrey, Mexico. Master’s Degree in Architectural and Urban Design by the Architectural Assosiation of London (DRL 99’) and Master in Architecture and Urban Culture by the Techincal University of Catalunya (UPC). PhD in Architectural Theory by the Architectural Association of London, England. His work has been published in several newspapers and specialized architecture magazine in Mexico and Argentina. Chief editor of architecture magazine Arquitectura y Seres Urbanos by Colegio de Arquitectos de Nuevo Leon.
Founding member of architecture firm MEspinosa Estudio de Arquitectura in Monterrey Mexico.
