Abstract
The colors of the facades of the historic urban interiors of the small cities in Subcarpathia play a crucial role in shaping the local spatial and cultural identity. Their significance goes beyond the aesthetic dimension and becomes an important tool for interpreting heritage and symbolic communication between the past and present. Contemporary design practices are increasingly diverging from historical patterns, leading to the erosion of authenticity and landscape uniformity in historic spaces. There is a lack of coherent legal and conservation regulations that consider regional color specificities and support design processes based on historical and cultural knowledge. The case study of Nowy Żmigród demonstrates that it is possible to develop contemporary color solutions that harmoniously combine respect for tradition with the current aesthetic and functional needs of the local community. The proposed concept of a color palette inspired by historical conditions exemplifies an approach that can be applied to other cities with similar urban characteristics. Interdisciplinary research on the colors of buildings in small cities in Subcarpathia using archaeological and conservation methods is recommended. Comparative studies with other regions of Poland and Europe would allow for the identification of local peculiarities and universal color trends. The influence of climate change on the durability and perception of colors in urban spaces should also be considered when developing sustainable design solutions. The colors of architecture should be treated as one of the fundamental components of urban composition and the cultural narrative of a place, allowing the creation of urban spaces that remain authentic, functional, and responsive to the needs of local communities while preserving their distinctiveness in an increasingly uniform and aesthetic landscape.