The stunning island with colour-coded buildings and the meaning behind them

Greenland’s Colorful Buildings: More Than Just a Pretty Arctic Landscape

Renowned for its stunning arctic landscapes, Greenland, the world’s largest island, has recently captured global attention following US Vice President JD Vance’s visit. Beyond the political headlines, observers also noted the vibrant colorful buildings that define Greenland’s towns and villages. These brightly painted structures, far from being merely aesthetic, serve a practical and historical purpose rooted in visual communication.

Historical Significance of Color-Coded Architecture

This distinctive color-coding system dates back to the 18th century, a time when street names and house numbers were absent in Greenlandic settlements.

To address this navigational challenge, residents adopted a system of painting their buildings in specific hues to indicate their function or the profession of the occupant.

Deciphering the Color Palette

Ujammiugaq Engell, a historian at the Greenland National Museum, elucidated the meanings behind these traditional colors in a discussion.

Red: Church and Trade

According to Engell, “Red was by far the most dominant color, symbolizing both the church and trade activities. Consequently, all buildings associated with these functions, whether the church itself, a shop, or the residence of a priest, shop owner, or clerk, were painted red. Subsequently, trade developed its own color, transitioning to black.”

Yellow: Health Institutions

She further explained, “Yellow originally represented all health-related facilities. Hospitals were painted yellow, as were the homes of doctors and nurses.”

Green and Blue: Communication and Industry

Green was designated for communication and telecommunication infrastructure, while blue was reserved for factories and buildings affiliated with the Greenlandic Technical Organisation (GTO).

Present-Day Colors: Tradition and Choice

Currently, building owners in Greenland are free to choose any color for their properties. However, many structures retain their historical colors, serving as a visual reminder of their past functions.

The cathedral, for instance, remains red, and hospitals are still painted yellow, preserving this unique aspect of Greenland’s architectural heritage.