As mentioned below, Vancouver is way behind in the use of colour in its architecture, both in our public and private development. Australia has been comfortable using a stronger palate, in part because their subtropical light is stronger as well.
But as these examples from Brisbane show, taken earlier this month, there are some applications that would work here.
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Those last two shots are from the new Children’s Hospital. A hospital!
What with the strong light (especially in winter), here’s a Calgary example: http://www.instantstreetview.com/2nykc4z18wsrsz47mzudz2u
New office building in Surrey, BC:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/14393602186/
In Vancouver, the social housing complexes have colour – because the builder isn’t
t trying to mass market the project the way condo developers do. (i.e. condo developers can’t be too extreme – they have to be middle of the road)