Half-painted Hallways:Why?
Jason Roberts
factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
Perhaps it once made sense, but it's done now precisely because it
connotes institutionality.
Possible theories:
1. The paint scheme provides a "horizon line" which psychologically guides
people through the hallway. There's a sense that it's a transitional space
to be passed through, not an area in which to linger.
2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
3. Institutions try to save money by hiring very short painters.
Come on, you can tell me the truth. I can handle it, honest!
Jason "Maybe paint seeks its level?" Roberts
Alan Hamilton
>1. The paint scheme provides a "horizon line" which psychologically guides
>people through the hallway. There's a sense that it's a transitional space
>to be passed through, not an area in which to linger.
>2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
>other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
>3. Institutions try to save money by hiring very short painters.
I wonder if it's a combination between 2 and 3? (Not the short painter part,
but the money saving part.) After the walls have been dinged up by carts,
dirty hands, etc., they just have to repaint the lower half. If it was all
one color, the lower half wouldn't match. Since they're using a two-tone
scheme anyway, it doesn't matter.
/
/ * / Alan Hamilton
* * al...@primenet.com
Harry M. F. Teasley
:>2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
:>other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
This is what I would bet my paycheck on. Notice many hospital doors have
big stainless steel panels covering the lower half, not because they look
good, but rather that they don't get destroyed by people bumping gurneys
into them all day long. Dark paint hides the damage, and is easier to
repaint quickly (one may have to do more than one coat of white paint when
painting over a black smear, whereas one coat of dark paint would more
than likely suffice).
Harry "Applying Common Sense(tm), remaining ready for contradiction" Teasley
--
Harry MF Teasley, The Solomon of the Net.
"If you both own the disk, why not partition it?"
-transcribed by faithful acolyte Clay Shirky
j...@werple.mira.net.au
>In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
>factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
>scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
>to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
>
>Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
>Perhaps it once made sense, but it's done now precisely because it
>connotes institutionality.
Studies have shown that it provides a psychological feeling of being
outside; the lighter part of the walls gives the impression of being an
overcast sky. This makes inmates more tractable.
Ow! Ow! I'll be good!
It's because the bottom part of the wall gets scuffed and dirty, so is
painted dark, but you maximise light reflection by painting the
(relatively untouched) upper part of the walls white. That way the hall
looks less gloomy.
jds
john & Frances Dowd
> factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
> scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
> to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
>
> Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
> Perhaps it once made sense, but it's done now precisely because it
> connotes institutionality.
I have seen many institutional paint schemes that use a similar colour on
both lower and upper parts of the wall but have the lower in gloss and the
upper in matt emulsion paint.
I was told once that this was because the gloss paint was more durable,
easier to clean but more expensive. The emulsion is cheaper and being higher
up is less likely to be dirtied.
--
John Dowd
"beware of those that use statistics as drunken men use lamposts
for support rather than illumination"
Andy Walton
segregated. The "White" and "Colored" wings were painted different colors,
to avoid any accidental affronts to Jim Crow notions of propriety.
Unfortunately, the painting contractor ran out of one color, and the
connecting hallway was still unfinished. The two-color paint scheme was a
makeshift solution, but the hospital administrators found it useful, as it
marked the "no man's land" between the wings.
Quite by accident, the hospital administrators discovered that a clear,
horizontal line has a stabilizing effect on people who, for physiological,
mental, or chemical reasons, aren't very sure of foot. A study was
launched, the results of which appeared in NEJM or the AMA journal (I
forget which) in the fall of 1938. The practice became standard in
hospitals, and thence spread to schools, where small, clumsy children
congragate and any reduction in the risk of tripping is welcome; police
stations, where people under various influences are brought in tow; and
factories, where hours of repetitive work can result in a certain loss of
muscular dexterity.
Andy "1/2hp Evinrude" Walton
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|Andy Walton |Shocking fact: Almost half the people in the|
|att...@mindspring.com| world are below average. --seen on a.f.u|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
Patrick Moss
>
>In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
>factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
>scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
>to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
>
>Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
>Perhaps it once made sense, but it's done now precisely because it
>connotes institutionality.
>
>Possible theories:
>
>1. The paint scheme provides a "horizon line" which psychologically guides
>people through the hallway. There's a sense that it's a transitional space
>to be passed through, not an area in which to linger.
>
>2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
>other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
>
>3. Institutions try to save money by hiring very short painters.
>
>
>Come on, you can tell me the truth. I can handle it, honest!
>
>
>Jason "Maybe paint seeks its level?" Roberts
>
>
>
The real cause is that maintenance men can only paint up to
five feet high. Painters are allowed to paint above
five feet. Union rules.
Patrick Moss
Bo Bradham
> I (and about 10 other people) once painted the inside of a printed circuit
> factory in that manner. I asked the boss why and he gave me #2 for
> the answer.
That's no big news. Most people who ask questions on this
newsfroup get #2 for an answer. Over and Over.
ObFunnyThingIHeard: On the TeeVee news the other night, as we
were facing ar(c)tic temperatures nearly down to 0F, the
anchor solemnly advised that a good way to avoid freezing
to death is to "dress in layers and stay indoors."
Bo "felt silly watching the late movie in my parka" Bradham
Michele Tepper
Harry M. F. Teasley <he...@crash.cts.com> wrote:
>Failing to not be successful in not being unclear, Jason Roberts said:
>
>:>2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
>:>other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
>
>This is what I would bet my paycheck on.
I'm with Harry on this one.
However, (obdigression) the hallways here in (ahem) lovely Angell Hall on
the U of Michigan campus have white paint on top, institutional bluegrey
tile on the lower half, and repaired bits in darker tile. A medieval
lit. scholar who has, alas, since left used to insist that those were the
places where they'd walled up the nuns.
Michele "and since we had no evidence to the contrary..." Tepper
--
Michele Tepper "That was needlessly cruel. And, I liked it."
mi...@umich.edu --Lee Behlman
Chris Schoonover
wrote:
>
>> In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
>> factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual
paint
>> scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green)
up
>> to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
architectural feature used to imitate the look of real wooden wainscoating.
Wainscoating is wood panelling that extends from the floor to waist level
on a plaster wall. In addition to adding resilience to this area of high
wear, the top rail of wainscoating was often used for coathooks.
--
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
|"Ye f+++ing gods! Election night. It is the final, | schoon68 |
|hideous orgasm for any political campaign.... | @pipeline.com|
|Nobody knows why except me - " | PSU AE '94 |
| - Hunter S. Thompson | HVAC |
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Helge Moulding
: In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
: factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
: scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
: to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
: Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
Another great kidder! There has been so much trolling on AFU in
recent weeks, that I suspect everyone! Yes, even you, Jason!
(Anyone named Jason is suspect.)
The painting scheme is a low-cost version of wainscoting. Without
using wood panelling.
Read up on wainscoting, and report back on the following theories:
1) Cheaper than complete panelling.
2) Keeps out floor level drafts.
3) Looks great, less filling.
4) Leaves room for paintings above.
5) Something else...
Remember that your report has to provide names and dates, and
sources. Be sure that you know who first used it, where, and
why, and be prepared to back up your claim. For bonus points,
find out where it got that improbable name.
--
Helge "Next, he'll ask if the patterns in hospital
linoleum floors have some institutional significance!" Moulding
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I wonder if _that's_ going to turn up in someone's .sig file."
- Cynthia Kandolf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douglas Lynch
>In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
>factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
>scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
>to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
>
Most likely it because the walls are painted with oil based paints. Many
institutions out-source painting jobs to contractors, who used cheap oil
based paints. Like glass in windows, oil based paint continues to flow
even after it is "dry". So after a few years the paint settles to the lower
half of the wall. (If you measure the thickness of the paint a the bottom
of the wall verses the paint at waist level, you'll find it is _much_
thicker at the bottom.)
Hope this clears things up.
Doug "how about a nice off-white?" Lynch
Mike J. M.
>In <3hjc59$h...@panix.com> panm...@panix.com (Jason Roberts) writes:
>>In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
>>factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
>>scheme: the walls are painted one color (usually a dark blue or green) up
>>to about waist level--then the rest is painted white or off-white.
>>
>>Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
>>Perhaps it once made sense, but it's done now precisely because it
>>connotes institutionality.
>>2. The dark paint hides wear and tear on the walls caused by carts and
>>other moving objects in high-traffic areas.
There's a story in one of the Feynman books where he's talking to a painter
in a diner. The main theme is about color mixing, but there's an aside that
relates to this question.
The painter asks Feynman how he would paint the inside walls of the diner.
He guesses he would paint it white, or whatever.
The painter says no. Up to a certain point, you have to use a dark color.
People are rubbing their elbows against the walls, waitresses are bumping
carts into the walls, etc. This would show up too quickly with white paint.
Then, above that, you can use a lighter color like white to brighten up the room.
(Or something like that. I'm paraphrasing from memory; give me a break.)
Makes sense to me.
- Mike J. M. <*>
- "Any suggestion that there is any equipment in our cars
- designed to spy on a driver is pure hogwash." - GM spokesman
Lee Rudolph
> linoleum floors have some institutional significance!" Moulding
As I mentioned, oh, maybe 2 years ago, I was informed by the otherwise
unreliable then-wife of an Eminent Architect that, when large sites
are being adorned with bricks (in pavements, walls, you name it),
architects have to exercise extreme vigilence to keep the masons
from exploiting the natural variation in the bricks to form
"pretty" patterns and designs.
Lee "follow the yellow brick road to the Emergency Ward" Rudolph
Jason Roberts
: Jason Roberts wrote,
: : In the corridors of many institutional-type buildings (hospitals,
: : factories, police stations, etc.), you'll often encounter an unusual paint
: : Is there a reason for this? And if so, does that reason still apply?
: Another great kidder! There has been so much trolling on AFU in
: recent weeks, that I suspect everyone! Yes, even you, Jason!
: (Anyone named Jason is suspect.)
I resemble that remark. And anyone named "Helge" has no business
indulging in name-discrimination. Much less "Moulding."
I don't indulge in trolls...and if I did, I think I'd come up with
something more trollistic than the asking of a straightforward question
("Yeah! That'll really reel 'em in!")
: The painting scheme is a low-cost version of wainscoting. Without
: using wood panelling.
I find it hard to believe that hospitals and suchlike are attempting a
fake wood panelling effect.
: Read up on wainscoting, and report back on the
following theories:
Who, me? I asked the question. Besides, my subscription of "Wainscoting
World" expired months ago.
: Remember that your report has to provide names and dates, and
: sources. Be sure that you know who first used it, where, and
: why, and be prepared to back up your claim. For bonus points,
: find out where it got that improbable name.
Are there points for neatness?
Jason "Doesn't Helge sound suspiciously like Heimbach?" Roberts
Paul Tomblin
>
>Anyway, while discussing appropriate clothing for skiing, said friend
>expressed the opinion that three layers was optimum. The innermost
>layer, he said, should be something to protect the skin and also carry
>perspiration away so that the skin stays dry. The SERIOUS skier,
>apparently, is expected to invest in high-tech synthetic undies for
>this purpose. The second layer should be wool (itch, itch), which
>provides good warmth for weight and also continues to insulate even if
>it gets wet. The outermost layer, finally, should be windproof and
>relatively waterproof. Anything over this, he claims, is useless and
>just extra weight. Three layers will insulate as well as four, five,
>etc., but be easier to move around in.
>
>Sounds like skiers' folklore to me, but does anyone actually KNOW?
Well, it's all a matter for the individual and their skiing style. I have
raced in -15C weather in nothing but Lifa underwear (the aformentioned
high-tech synthetics) and a Odlo one-peice spandex racing suit (that showed
FAR more of the underlying anatomy than is probably good for me or innocent
bystanders these days), plus unlined gloves and a Swix toque. In severe
conditions, I would sometimes put a turtleneck on underneath the suit, and/or
windpants over top. Once, when it was -45C, I raced in all of the above plus
a sweat top.
Nowadays, I wear all of the above even when it's -5C. Something about not
going 15km/hr anymore, and those continual stops to catch my breath...
--
Paul "but yesterday I went for a mountain bike ride." Tomblin
This is my computer, and I speak for me.
<a url=http://watt.oedison.com/~tomblinp/>My home page</a>
Andy Walton
Kandolf) wrote:
> Anyway, while discussing appropriate clothing for skiing, said friend
> expressed the opinion that three layers was optimum. The innermost
> layer, he said, should be something to protect the skin and also carry
> perspiration away so that the skin stays dry. The SERIOUS skier,
> apparently, is expected to invest in high-tech synthetic undies for
> this purpose. The second layer should be wool (itch, itch), which
> provides good warmth for weight and also continues to insulate even if
> it gets wet. The outermost layer, finally, should be windproof and
> relatively waterproof. Anything over this, he claims, is useless and
> just extra weight. Three layers will insulate as well as four, five,
> etc., but be easier to move around in.
>
> Sounds like skiers' folklore to me, but does anyone actually KNOW?
>
You can get away with fewer layers of you're working. The main insulating
agent in cold-weather clothing is air--wool, down, and Thinsulate(TM) work
so well because they trap air well. The outer layer keeps that air in
place. The inner layer wicks sweat--there is a company that makes silk
long johns for that purpose. The high-tech synthetics aren't real
expensive, and actually are quite comfortable.
> -Cindy Kandolf, certified language mechanic, mamma flodnak
> ci...@nvg.unit.no
> Trondheim, Norway
> Hurricanes and Cadillacs - they run you down and don't look back.
Ex-wives and Tornadoes - Sooner or later, one of 'em will get your trailer.
(apologies to any readers in Alabama)
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|Andy Walton |"This Machine Kills Fascists" |
|att...@mindspring.com | -inscription on Woody Guthrie's Guitar|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
Helge Moulding
: As I mentioned ... architects have to exercise extreme vigilence to
: to form "pretty" patterns and designs.
I guess, I better go out and check the sides of my house for
secret messages to other masons...
--
Helge "I bet it sez, 'Sucker!'" Moulding
(Just another shameless bozo)
Steven Cherry
>Anyway, while discussing appropriate clothing for skiing, said friend
>expressed the opinion that three layers was optimum. The innermost
>layer, he said, should be something to protect the skin and also carry
>perspiration away so that the skin stays dry. The SERIOUS skier,
>apparently, is expected to invest in high-tech synthetic undies for
>this purpose.
This part is true. Note that there are three levels of warmth available
for most thermal underwear product lines, light, medium, and heavy. The
last is sometimes called "expedition weight."
Not such a big investment. The most expensive (heaviest) will cost
$20-35 (each for top and bottom), even for name brands. For skiing,
especially xcountry skiing, the lightest layer is probably enough
($8-25 for name brands). Source: REI and Campmor catalogs.
The second layer should be wool (itch, itch), which
>provides good warmth for weight and also continues to insulate even if
>it gets wet.
Not true. I can't speak for skiers, but for winter camping, ice climbing,
and general cold-conditions mountaineering, wool is no longer usually
worn. It's much heavier in weight than synthetics, not as warm, and takes
too long to dry. (It's true it retains some thermal properties when wet,
unlike cotton, but not as well as synthetics.)
The typical middle layer is synthetic fleece, usually a blend of
polyester and a little spandex. The latest in marketing is for these
to be made of at least 50% recycled fabrics, which, studies have shown,
are no less thermal than non-recycled fabric. Source: REI and Patagonia
catalogs; Dec. 1994 issue of "Rock and Ice".
The outermost layer, finally, should be windproof and
>relatively waterproof. Anything over this, he claims, is useless and
>just extra weight. Three layers will insulate as well as four, five,
>etc., but be easier to move around in.
For the activities I've mentioned, especially ice climbing, "relatively
waterproof" isn't enough. For skiing where you're not falling and not
getting snowed or rained on, this probably doesn't apply. Moving around
is important for warmth as well being able to ski, climb, etc.
Note that many parkas and ski jackets are themselves two or three layers,
so your nominal three layers may well end up being five.
>Sounds like skiers' folklore to me, but does anyone actually KNOW?
If anyone's awake enough to express an interest, we could discuss
glove and mitten systems next.
steven "going first-time ice climbing early March in the Adirondacks,
chose midweight underwear but heavy gloves, will report back next month"
cherry
--
<s...@panix.com> <s...@acm.org>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
If I had to speculate on the origins of the practice,
I would guess vodka was involved. -- Cindy Kandolf
Helge Moulding
: [...] anyone named "Helge" has no business
: name-discrimination. Much less "Moulding."
At least I *never* troll. That makes my name a lot more sacrosanct than
a much used moniker such as "Jason."
: I find it hard to believe that hospitals and suchlike are attempting a
: fake wood panelling effect.
Well, wood panelling is probably not the specific effect, but the idea
is the same, I think.
: Jason "Doesn't Helge sound suspiciously like Heimbach?" Roberts
I have a hard enough time dealing with JRH, without having to defend
myself against Look-and-Feel Copyright infringement suits. So deep-
six that notion, eh?
--
Helge "Sticks and stones, folks, sticks and stones..." Moulding
(Just another guy with a weird name)
Joachim Lous
: And if a fish were a bicycle, it could win the Tour De France.
Oh, yeah? Have you got any citations of bicycles winning the Tour De France?
-Joachim.
Paul Tomblin
Just look at the posters in bike shops. They would have you beleive that
certain bikes, bike computers, shoes, gears and sports drinks are single
handedly responsible for winning the Tour.
--
Paul "of course, being in close proximity to Indurain probably helped" Tomblin
This is my computer, and I speak for me.
<a href=http://watt.oedison.com/~tomblinp/>My home page</a>
Ray Depew
: I have a hard enough time dealing with JRH, without having to defend
: myself against Look-and-Feel Copyright infringement suits. So deep-
: six that notion, eh?
Are you trying to tell us that you got into Look-and-Feel trouble with
AFU's own Janielle R-H? Hmm...
R
R
Jason R. Heimbaugh
I previously warned AFU about the dangers faced when making fun of Janelle's
name, miplselngi it is even worse.
Jason "she told me Rae was a real cutie" Heimbaugh
--
Jason R. Heimbaugh - j...@uiuc.edu
http://cathouse.org/CathousePeople/JasonHeimbaugh/
"If you're not playing pool, get the fuck out of the way." --Joanie Ellison
Ray Depew
: >Are you trying to tell us that you got into Look-and-Feel trouble with
: >AFU's own Janielle R-H? Hmm...
: I previously warned AFU about the dangers faced when making fun of Janelle's
: name, miplselngi it is even worse.
Yikes! Forgive me: I always spelled it "Janelle," until I saw "Janielle"
some time ago. Being somewhat sensitive to weird spellings of proper nouns,
my brain said "Oh! I've been misspelling it," and made the appropriate
(in)correction.
I hate it when it does that.
Regards
Ray Depue^H^Hugh^H^H^H^Pree^H^H^H^HPauw^WPeppy
YuNoHoo
: Oh, man. Remind me to issue a proclamation forbidding the discussion
: of skiing clothes at AFU Way North. On second thought, maybe not.
: While YuNoHoo and whoever else is interested are arguing about
: synthetic versus wool undies, the rest of us can go out into the
: kitchen and eat all the cookies.
Let's see if you can taste the difference between the cotton ball
variety and the pure wool ones. (Wow, I've found something more
disgisting than the Deep Shit Cookies...)
: But now at least i know not to invite Sophus and Yu on the same cabin
: trip.
We don't smell _that_ bad, not if there's liquid water around.
You may not like to be downwind when either of us return from
a long and rough trip.
: Hey, by the way, Haakon, are you going to watch us on "Rondo" on
: Friday night? I'll probably be the one crawling under my chair in
: embarrassment.
Oh boy, I'll be a tough job to do the mpeg for that one. Anyway,
I guess we can tell AFU that the program does have a URL and
email-address. Do you think we should suggest topics and some
cute questions? Have you suggested the AFU FAQ as URL of the
week yet? Are we going to see Stein as well as Steinar? Will
the young flodnak make his first post to AFU live on TV?
Attention folks, the Rondo URL is...
http://www.oslonett.no/rondo.html
(www.oslonett.no just moved to 194.143.8.27)
Have fun...
---
YuNoHoo "tapes may be ordered at... ooops, guess not."
YuNoHoo
:
: Hey, by the way, Haakon, are you going to watch us on "Rondo" on
: Friday night? I'll probably be the one crawling under my chair in
: embarrassment.
FRIDAY NIGHT, MARCH 3, 1995 -- OSLO, NORWAY
A guest at the Peppe's Pizza Pub restaurant suddenly goes pale. Not
because he remembers stories 'bout what unusual ingredients they
may have used in the food, but because he remembers being told these
stories by a former cow-orker of himself and -- Cindy's husband.
While trying to tip most tables and a few waiters carrying food and
drinks on his way to the payphone he mutters "Huffda, I forgot to
program the VCR."
Fortunately the situation calms down when the pale male manages to
reach his sister who's home and owns a VCR, 'though not after some
strange ritual is performed with a COCOT that doesn't take phone
cards. No damage was reported and the waiters are all able to handle
any guests from Minnesota that wants to tell the worls that the too
use the phrase "Huffda."
----------
Epilogue: Cindy have nothing to be ashamed of wrt appearing on TV.
She managed to stay on top of her chair for the entire
interview. I am, however, very surprised that she managed
to leave out any reference to AFU and chose to tell about
other groups. Honest, Cindy, you didn't have to discuss
needlework groups (and I don't mean alt.tasteless) with
the host.
Guess I should have mailed the host a list of good questions
and interesting topics after all. Well, I blew that chance.
ObUL: On the TV show "Rondo" Cindy Kandolf was asked "where's the
strangest place you posted to the net?" Cindy's answer was
NO CARRIER