Color Analysis of New-tro Style in Complex Cultural Spaces Repurposed from Idle Industrial Facilities

Abstract

Amidst global trends in urban regeneration and growing environmental awareness, the adaptive reuse of idle industrial facilities into New-tro style complex cultural spaces has emerged as a key strategy for balancing historical preservation, sustainable development, and the reconstruction of cultural identity. This study systematically investigates the color characteristics of such spaces, which merge retro cultural elements with contemporary design approaches. Employing a mixed-methods research design, we first conducted a systematic literature review to clarify the conceptual frameworks of “New-tro style” and “complex cultural spaces.” Next, five representative cases were selected for empirical analysis—three from South Korea (Cheonggun Complex Cultural Space, Art Bunker B39, Palbok Art Factory) and two from China (Idea Pod, Xianfeng Bookstore). Color data were extracted and quantified using the Korean Standard Color Analysis Program (KSCA), followed by thematic analysis of the derived color palettes, supplemented by assessments with the I.R.I. (Institute of Color Research) image scales. Results indicate that dominant color families across all cases include brown (notably cloudy yellowish brown, grayish brown, and dark brown), grayish brown, and gray, collectively evoking feelings of warmth, belonging, and trust. Secondary colors, mainly from the orange, green, and yellow families, are strategically applied to introduce vibrancy without disrupting overall harmony. On the I.R.I. scales, monochromatic palettes exhibit “hard” and “static” qualities, while complementary combinations convey elegance, dignity, and subtlety. These findings highlight how the deliberate application of color in New-tro style cultural spaces strengthens their distinct aesthetic identity and enhances user experience, offering actionable insights for the sustainable design and regeneration of similar spaces.