AkzoNobel funds OMA research as part of Human Cities initiative

AkzoNobel and leading architecture firm OMA have announced a partnership to conduct global research into the link between colour and economic development.
The study will focus on the extent to which making an area more visually attractive can influence economic growth. The results of OMA’s research will help shape AkzoNobel’s newly launched approach to urban transformation.

The announcement was made at the 14th International Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia, which is being curated this year by leading architect Rem Koolhaas, a co-founder of OMA and runs until November 23.

Commenting on the launch of the study and AkzoNobel’s new Human Cities initiative, CEO Ton Büchner said: "By the 2050s, more than 75% of the world’s population will live in cities. Given that 60% of our products are in the Buildings and Infrastructure and Transportation end-user segments, AkzoNobel has an important influence on the process of urban transformation that’s currently taking place.