An investigation into the impact of daylight on perceived color of façade: Understanding the role of chromaticness

Abstract Color selection has always been a classic problem in exterior color design for the simple reason that façade color is commonly chosen at the architect's office, regardless of different external conditions affecting color perception. This issue often leads to an apparent discrepancy between the selected color and the perceived color of façade. So far, extensive research has been carried out to identify, classify, and study the influence of these conditions on perceived color. However, little attention has been paid to the importance of color attributes. Hence, this article attempts to grasp better the significance of chromaticness, as briefly discussed in earlier studies, in the variation pattern of perceived color while daylight condition differs. In order to determine perceived color, each test subject was asked to compare the color seen on the façade to the standard color samples of natural color system index and choose the matching one, using a designed color‐measuring device. The results obtained from 93 participants demonstrate 3 things: First, they further support the belief that perceived color is influenced in both hue and nuance under varied daylight circumstances. Second, they confirm previous findings that indicated chromaticness would affect the extent of color shifts. And above all, a comparison of the results reveals that façade colors of higher chromaticness values have had less shifts in hue, yet greater shifts in whiteness. Finally, the findings suggest that chromaticness together with the external conditions, under which the color is to be seen, should be carefully considered when selecting the façade color.