COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Coloring in the Guidelines: Development of an Exterior Paint Color Palette for Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District
Creator:
Stephens, Kathryn A.
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Historic Preservation
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Historic Preservation
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
Historic color palettes preserve not just the aesthetic qualities of a place, but also the continuous traditions of decoration and, by extension,
the personalities of the individuals who occupied that place. In Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, exterior paint colors are regulated
through the district’s ordinance because of their ability to shape and characterize the area. However, no color palette or guidelines exist to aid
residents in color selection or provide justification for the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s acceptance or rejection of decorative choices. This
thesis demonstrates how documentary evidence in the form of scientific investigations, case studies from prominent paint analysts, historic
accounts, stylistic trends, trade manuals, and other period publications can provide a range of hues appropriate for 19th-century Savannah.
Through the synthesis of trends and traditions found on both the national and regional scales, an exterior paint color palette for the Landmark
District is defined. By exhibiting authenticity to evolutions in the house painting trade and Savannah’s multiple periods of development, the palette
allows the city to preserve the historic variety of its built environment and the ability of residents to make personal choices. Methodologies for
performing architectural paint research lack standardization, but this project provides a process for performing architectural paint research where
funding and access to physical evidence is limited. The end result recognizes the importance of color in historic Savannah and meets the needs of
both the planning commission and residents by providing choices that are authentic and appropriate.
the personalities of the individuals who occupied that place. In Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, exterior paint colors are regulated
through the district’s ordinance because of their ability to shape and characterize the area. However, no color palette or guidelines exist to aid
residents in color selection or provide justification for the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s acceptance or rejection of decorative choices. This
thesis demonstrates how documentary evidence in the form of scientific investigations, case studies from prominent paint analysts, historic
accounts, stylistic trends, trade manuals, and other period publications can provide a range of hues appropriate for 19th-century Savannah.
Through the synthesis of trends and traditions found on both the national and regional scales, an exterior paint color palette for the Landmark
District is defined. By exhibiting authenticity to evolutions in the house painting trade and Savannah’s multiple periods of development, the palette
allows the city to preserve the historic variety of its built environment and the ability of residents to make personal choices. Methodologies for
performing architectural paint research lack standardization, but this project provides a process for performing architectural paint research where
funding and access to physical evidence is limited. The end result recognizes the importance of color in historic Savannah and meets the needs of
both the planning commission and residents by providing choices that are authentic and appropriate.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2013-05
Format:
PDF : 123 p. : ill
Coloring in the Guidelines: Development of an Exterior Paint Color Palette for Savannah’s ...
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