Factory Decoration to Promote Production
Page 37
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INDUSTRIAL psychologists have for I. some years emphasized the importance of improving the Lesthetic quality of factory interiors to afford better visibility and more congenial conditions. Their object has been to increase production of first-class work. Most efforts in this direction have been confined to colour treatment of walls or machinery, but they have neglected to embrace the workshop as a whole.
It is, therefore, interesting to observe the immediate effects of a planned colour scheme now proceeding at the main works of David Brown and Sons (Huddersfield), Ltd. All that group's seven works—tool and machine shops, foundries, forges, drawing offices, administration blocks and printing plant be decorated in a carefully considered plan, which has been worked out in a three-cornered consultation of engineers, psychologists and paint specialists. Work now in hand at the extensive Park Works (which will have
taken a full 12 months to complete) will provide a guide for the schemes for the other factories.
Park Works is a modern factory covering 11 acres, and the degree of improvement likely to be effected would seemingly not have been commensurate with the heavy cost involved. In fact, when the painting contractors first went into the shops, the operatives almost resented their presence; but the men who were loudest in their condemnation of the plan are now some of the most vehement in praise.
The scheme aimed, among other objects, at eliminating drab appearance by enamelling machines in light hues; preventing eye strain by using lightreflective colours on walls, ceilings and fixtures; and establishing a more cheerful atmosphere by blending these colours.
Walls, ceilings, stanchions and overhead cranes are painted " semi-alert " cream, with, on occasion, a dado of reseda green to reduce distance. Machines are enamelled cream and green, with " alert" orange on operational points, and service boxes and casings for power, water and compressed air are picked out in orange. In the forges and foundries the predominant hues will be yellow, green and aluminium.
The effect on " seeing " conditions, as distinct from the actual intensity of illumination, is marked, and the appearance of the shops is far brighter. White lines on the shop floors to indicate gangways assume a new importance and are somewhat broader for added decorative interest.
The environment makes for alertness, helps to combat boredom and reduces spoilt work, besides inducing orderliness, tidiness and cleanliness. Plant maintenance gangs have already benefited by the decorator's art, for the operator takes a renewed pride in his machines.