RECORRIDO CROMATICO

Architect: Enrique Browne Collaborators: Davor Pavlovic Plot Area: 130 m2. Constructed area : 115 m2. Dates : 1996 a 2004

Many versions of this ‘architectural-luminous’ works were carried out between 1996 and 2004, varying the sequence according to the available space. However, all the versions respond to the same purpose, which is to investigate how different light colors sharpen o alter the spatial perception of people. In 1931, the International Commission of Lighting ( I.C.L. ) defined three primary colors related to the theory of the ‘ three stimuli perception of color’ of the human eye. This stipulates three types of cones in the retina that have maximum sensitivity, corresponding to 580 nm ( red = R ), 545 nm ( green = G ) and 440 nm ( blue = B ). These are the primary colors. The complementary colors of these, secondary colors are magenta ( M ), cyan ( C ) and yellow ( Y ). At the center, as a mixture of all the colors, is white ( W ). The combination of all these colors makes up the Spectrum of Visible Chromaticity. A graph was compiled based on the longitude of the wavelength measured in nanometers ( nm ). To simplify it, it was summarized in a RGB triangle with white at the center ( this triangle is used to this day in TV, computers, etc. ). Our installation consists in an extensive and varied sequence that moreover has the chromatic factor added on. Indeed, the spatial stimuli and chromatic multiply themselves. The colors are distributed according to the RGB triangle ( if by empirical observation one wished to increase the chromatic impact, the colors may be distributed staring with the primary colors followed by the secondary colors = R,B,G,Y,M and C ). Oneself should walk alone through the installation, so that individual perceptions of each observer are not altered. Every 30 minutes the journey will be lit only with white light, thus each spectator can experience the journey ‘with’ color and another ‘without’ color and thus confirm the differences in the sensations. In its last version ( 2004 ) the room is almost square. Its center is at 6.30 m from the access. From this point one sees all the space. Our intention was to achieve a much more varied and longer journey ( 10 times longer = 63 m ). Subsequently it is lit according to the chromatic graduation. In order to give form to the sequence, three geometric figures were used; a) the square of the room, b) the chromatic triangle, c) a circle, located according to a regulating plan. The walls are determined by eliminating parts of the three initial figures. These walls are built with overlapping panels to thus hide the fluorescent tubes that are in the corresponding color to that point in the sequence. The height of the installation is of 2.44 m, measurement directly an outcome of the panels. The ceiling of the room ( with its utilities etc ) is covered with a black mesh. The walls are also painted black to eliminate any foreign visual disturbances .