I've been to Honolulu once, when I was 22 years old. It was college spring break and I was certainly focusing on just about anything but the architecture. That said, I will never forget the stunning natural beauty and the way that the outdoor spaces at restaurants and nightclubs were able to integrate the natural beauty in to the common spaces. Palm trees, umbrellas, sand, water and bamboo all come quick to mind. It's such a beautiful place that my guess is that architecture has taken a back seat to geography and terroir. sounds_sound, do you know if the beige phenomenon is common to areas with great natural beauty? Have you witnessed other places where people are afraid the buildings will detract from the natural surrounding so much so that they dull the buildings down?But do the neutral tones add to the character of the city or detract from it? In the words of comedian Jon Stewart, beige "goes with everything — in an equally unsatisfying manner."
This is the "better safe than sorry" approach to design. We won't excite anyone, but we won't offend anyone either.
I know of another... Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautiful photo, did you take it? From this vantage Vancouver doesn't appear "beige" to me in the way Honolulu does, it seems to have a lot of mirrored glass, is that right? I've never been to Vancouver. Do you think a place like Vancouver would benefit from more color or so you think it works as is?
I think most cities could benefit from a dash of color.