Interview with Peter Zoernack
Question: On your website, you write that “color isn’t in fact a matter of taste”. Why not?
Answer: This question is a constant matter of debate. I used to think that it was a matter of taste, but as a result of doing some
intensive research on the philosophy of color, I learned that the basis for any good chromaticity can always be substantiated.
In dealing with nature and in observing how nature deals with color, there are observable laws. If you manage to pin these
down and understand them, and then apply them, this is when you realize that color isn’t actually a simple matter of taste.
Question: As someone with a degree in color design, you’ve created both color systems for buildings as well as building supplies and
materials. What are the differences between the two, and what do they have in common? And which do you enjoy more?
Answer: Actually, for me there’s no difference there. The materials for which I have designed colors or complete color systems are
also the ones I use in architectural projects. In the latter case, for instance, I might realize that a certain color is missing,
at which point I automatically contact the manufacturers.
Question: In 2008, you collaborated with designers at Armstrong to develop a color system for the new DLW Linoleum collection. What
was your approach?
Answer: I knew the collection and was already in contact with Armstrong when they asked me whether I’d be interested in participating
in designing a new color system. There were then basic colors that I was to integrate into the collection. Around these colors,
I developed a coherent system. The color tones can be arranged in a circle, and for each of them there are three levels of
brightness. Just as in nature, there are always several shades working together harmoniously. The result is a consistent collection
that can be used to design spaces just as you wish.
Question: What was the biggest challenge in developing the collection?
Answer: The biggest challenge was managing to integrate the ten predefined colors, the second big hurdle was the manufacturing phase,
where we needed to ensure that the colors in production could be matched as precisely as I had imagined. The specialists at
Armstrong did a great job in this area.
Question: What role did nature play in developing the color system?
Answer: Nature is anything but monotone. Indeed, it always tightly mingles together the widest variety of shades. And the changing
quality of daylight in the course of a day makes these colors constantly appear to change. Color is movement. In designing
this collection, I also employed nature as my paradigm, and created harmonious but slightly subdued natural colors.
Question: Have you been able to try out the color system yet yourself, using linoleum from the collection?
Answer: By using the DLW Linoleum color system, I’ve managed to get much closer to fulfilling one of my own dreams. Yes, naturally I’ve also applied the materials
myself. I always develop architectural color concepts from the outside inward, and this where floors along with walls and
doors play a central role. So, it’s always nice to find an excellent color palette for that.
Question: What is your favorite color and why?
Answer: The favorite color of Europeans is blue. It was once mine, as well, but after 30 years of experience with color, I don’t
have a favorite color anymore. They’ve all become my friends. I’m thrilled by their interaction, just as a musical composer
is thrilled by his notes – not by each one individually, but by their harmony in composition.
Thanks for the interesting conversation!
Box: Peter Zoernack studied and earned his diploma in color design at the Hildesheim/Holzminden University of Applied Sciences
and Arts. He then worked in the studios of Garnier in Hof Iben, Germany for 13 years. In 1999, he opened his own studio and
began developing color concepts for a wide variety of construction materials, for industrial architecture, residential buildings,
public buildings and transportation facilities. Among these endeavors was his participation in developing the color system
for the DLW Linoleum collection.
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