The RAL color system was introduced in Germany in 1927 by the Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen (RAL) and today comprises over 2,500 colors. Originally developed to simplify color communication between different branches of industry, RAL is now also widely used in architecture - worldwide. The RAL system was the first standardized, binding colour coding system that makes it possible to define colors precisely without having to rely on physical samples.
RAL colors also offer a high degree of reliability, as they are optimized for industrial production processes and use on a wide variety of materials. The RAL system comprises three series: RAL-Classic with 216 standardized colors, RAL-Effect with 420 solid and 70 metallic shades and RAL-Design with 1,825 shades, which was specially developed for decorative colour design and therefore for architects and designers. Since the 1960s, each color tone has been assigned a binding color name in addition to the respective color number, which further simplifies color communication.
The “Polychromie Architecturale” by the architect Le Corbusier consists of a total of 63 colors that were developed between 1931 and 1959. Le Corbusier designed these colors specifically for architecture with the aim of creating harmonious and emotionally expressive spaces. The 43 colors of the first series from 1931 are predominantly puristic, subtle tones that support a natural room effect and are divided into 14 series.
In the second series from 1959, he added 20 bright, more intense colors that focus more on contrast and expressiveness. Each color is designed to create a balanced harmony in combination with other tones in the palette, giving architects great creative freedom. In addition, Le Corbusier created color keyboards that classify the 63 architectural colors into 13 different color moods.
“In architecture, color is just as powerful a means as the floor plan and the section. Or rather: polychromy, a component of the ground plan and the section itself.” (Le Corbusier)
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is known worldwide and offers a comprehensive selection of over 2,000 colors. It was originally developed in 1963 by Pantone LL - an American company based in New Jersey - for the graphics and printing industry. Today, Pantone has expanded its application to numerous areas of design - including fashion, product design and architecture. What makes Pantone particularly interesting for architects is the exact reproducibility of the colors on different materials.
In addition to the renowned Pantone Matching System, Pantone also offers the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) system, which was specially developed for the requirements of the design and textile industry. Since 2020, the Pantone Color Institute has also selected the “Pantone Color of the Year”, which has a significant influence on numerous industries such as fashion, interior and graphic design. This year's trend color is “Peach Fuzz” - a soft peach tone that radiates warmth, harmony and optimism.
Das HSL-Farbsystem (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) ist ein benutzerfreundliches Farbmodell, das häufig im digitalen Bereich verwendet wird. Es beschreibt Farben anhand von drei wesentlichen Dimensionen: „Hue“ steht für den Farbton, wie Rot oder Blau; „Saturation“ beschreibt die Intensität der Farbe, wobei ein hoher Wert für lebendige und gesättigte Farben steht, während ein niedriger Wert auf gedämpfte Nuancen hinweist. „Lightness“ hingegen definiert, wie hell oder dunkel eine Farbe ist, mit einem Wertebereich von 0 (schwarz) bis 100 (weiß). Dieses System ermöglicht eine einfache Anpassung von Farbpaletten und fördert die visuelle Konsistenz in digitalen Projekten.
The HSL color system (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is a user-friendly color model that is often used in the digital sector. It describes colors using three essential dimensions: “Hue” stands for the hue, such as red or blue; “Saturation” describes the intensity of the color, with a high value representing vivid and saturated colors, while a low value indicates muted shades. “Lightness”, on the other hand, defines how light or dark a color is, with a value range from 0 (black) to 100 (white). This system allows for easy adjustment of color palettes and promotes visual consistency in digital projects.