As part of 2012 Modernism Week Palm Springs, I sat in on a “Color + Modernism” lecture by the designers of the brand-spankin-new-brighter-than-a-Lite-Brite hotel across town, The Saguaro.

The architects, Stamberg & Aferiat, imparted an important little nugget of advice which is a huge part of their design philosophy: Do not fear color. Many people associate modernism with pure white– the minimalist’s dream. This is partially due to the fact that, as modernism emerged in the mid-century, black & white photography couldn’t convey color that was used in architecture. Everything appeared to be monochromatic, when in reality bright bursts of color were often essential to the building’s design.

Color with intention, that is. The hues for the Saguaro reflect colors found in indigenous wildflowers of the Southwest. So somehow, despite being the visually loudest building for  miles, it makes sense in its surroundings.

Some of Stamberg & Aferiat’s other buildings are fascinating case studies of color in architecture, such as the Shelter Island Pavilions in New York.

I am inspired to not wear black and grey every day this week. Getting crazy up in here.