ABB235 Colour and Light
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABB235 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 84 credit point of completed Architecture study (ABB% or D% units) |
| Equivalent(s): | DTB210 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB235 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 84 credit points of completed Architecture study (ABB% or D% units) |
| Equivalent: | DTB210 |
| Coordinator: | Carmel Purcell | c2.purcell@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit develops a broad and coherent understanding of colour - its psychology and complexity, and interdependence with light, in the context of design theory and application in practice. As such, it introduces you to the attributes, influences and principles of implications of colour and light within the built environment. It develops broad knowledge and the skills to apply theoretical concepts relative to colour and light in the creation of interior spatial projects. It focuses on the human response to colour and light through an understanding of the histories, theories, and methods of application relevant to two and three-dimensional environments.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Understand and apply theoretical knowledge of colour, including essential principles, terminology, psychology, symbolism, colour systems and interrelationships of colour and light.
- Critically and creatively analyse and evaluate aspects of colour design in diverse contexts.
- Apply theoretical knowledge and skills to create a colour design proposal for a commercial three dimensional interior environment.
- Effectively communicate your acquired knowledge and its critical application in written and visual forms.
Content
Content covered in this unit includes:
- Essential principles and relevant terminology in the use of colour and light in spatial environments.
- Colour relationships and colour matching systems in three-dimensional colour design.
- The physical and psychological properties of colour and light.
- The historical, symbolic and cultural dimensions of colour within contemporary contexts.
- Methods of analysis and application in relation to materials, colour and light in spatial design.
Learning Approaches
The unit will involve a blended learning approach with both face-to-face and online learning activities, self-directed site visits (where applicable), studio exercises and assessment. Learning approaches include self-directed learning, collaborative learning, problem-solving, reflective practice with a particular focus on experimental and experiential learning in real-world contexts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative and summative feedback will be provided including ongoing oral and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment will be based on theory delivered via lectures, activities and readings. There will be two assignments undertaken throughout the semester. Project 1 is a folio of activities demonstrating your understand and application of theoretical knowledge of colour, including essential principles, terminology, psychology, symbolism, colour systems and interrelationships of colour and light. In Project 2, you will develop and present a conceptual Design Proposal in relation to Colour and Light for a commercial interior environment.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Colour and Light Folio
You will undertake a series of activities exploring, analysing and applying essential colour theories and principles. Each iterative process results in two- and three-dimensional visual applications, supported by written justifications.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Design Proposal
You will develop and present a conceptual Design Proposal in relation to Colour and Light for a commercial interior environment, applying selected theories, and in response to a considered user group, brief and framework.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the General Safety Induction (completed online): For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the FoE General Health and Safety Induction site.
Costs
There are some costs associated with required materials, listed in the Resources below.
Resources
This unit has no prescribed textbooks. A reference list and readings will be provided. As part of your exploration, you will be required to generate coloured drawings, both manual and digital.
Resource Materials
Other
There are opportunities for you to select appropriate materials and techniques which may vary - pens, markers, pencil, paint and digital means.
You will need Gouache paints (one tube each of Red, Blue, Yellow, Black and White) plus cartridge paper, paintbrush.
You will find various software packages to be helpful (Adobe Creative Cloud). These are available on computers on campus.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
There are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with this unit, however you may be required to conduct a self-directed site visit to a publicly accessible commercial space.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Colour and Light Folio, Design Proposal - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Colour and Light Folio, Design Proposal - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Colour and Light Folio, Design Proposal - Plan, develop and complete research and other projects.
Relates to: Design Proposal