But this homogenization is not caused solely by the buildings themselves. It also extends to the individual objects that define a city: benches, streetlamps, planters, shop windows, fountains, bridges, gardens, and stations. It even affects the objects and elements that make up our domestic spaces - porcelain, bookcases, staircases, doors, floors, and ceilings. Even the humble mailbox has become minimalist to an extreme degree.

In the past, designing across the entire spectrum, “from the spoon to the city”, encouraged creatives to experiment and devise new solutions. It was about creating something that told a story, something with character and a distinct identity.

Perhaps we designed with greater imagination precisely because we did not have such an overwhelming array of products and solutions at our disposal.

Design also involves engaging with a vast range of possibilities: colors, materials, ornamentation, shapes, proportions, and craftsmanship.

Today, we are spoiled for choice.

Yet, it seems we have shifted from an abundance of choice to a forced choice - a choice where simplicity appears to be the only requirement.

We have unlimited possibilities, yet we all end up choosing the same thing.

And therein lies the great paradox: having infinite possibilities, yet designing the same things.