*YaoDong Ma (Study of Postgraduate, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia)
Alamah Misni (Study of Landscape , Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia)
Urban colour is a comprehensive and profound concept that plays a central role in the urban environment. It is not only a constituent element of urban visual impressions but also a reflection of urban cultural characteristics and societal changes. This article addresses three research questions and conducts a systematic analysis of urban colour literature published between 2008 and 2025, selecting 50 relevant articles from numerous electronic databases. It delves into various aspects of urban colour in multifaceted perspective of urban development. Firstly, the article conducts an in-depth analysis of the composition of urban colour, distinguishing between natural environmental and artificial environmental colours, with a strong emphasis on the interaction between them and their significant impacts on the overall ambiance of urban colour. Additionally, the study highlights the crucial role of cultural factors in urban colour, exploring the substantial influence of different cultural backgrounds on colour preferences and choices. Historical, religious, and traditional cultural elements in cities play pivotal roles in colour selection, reflecting the values and identity of local communities. Finally, the research explores strategies for promoting public participation in urban colour planning, particularly emphasizing the indispensable role of public consultation, education, digital tools, and other means in ensuring that urban colour planning reflects community desires and values. These strategies contribute to ensuring that the urban colour environment better meets the needs of communities, enhancing residents' acceptance and involvement in urban colour. In summary, this study conducts a profound exploration of various aspects of urban colour and its key influencing factors on urban planning and design through a systematic bibliomentric literature review. Urban colour is not merely a visual phenomenon but also a manifestation of urban culture, social cohesion, and resident well-being. Comprehensive consideration of the interactions between natural elements, artificial elements, and cultural elements will contribute to creating a more attractive and vibrant urban environment, ultimately improving residents' quality of life and well-being. Future research should delve deeper into the interactions between these factors to drive innovation and development in urban planning.
Key words: Urban colour, Planning, Design, Natural elements, Artificial elements, Cultural elements