In a world that prides itself on modernization, people often wonder why we hardly ever see beautiful buildings nowadays. How did the stunning, intricately adorned structures of the past give way to cold, monotonous, eyesore-inducing concrete boxes stacked high on each other? Was it the increasing cost of ornamentation, shifting tastes, or the sheer necessity of practicality over aesthetics that drove this change? Theories abound on how minimalism took hold, leaving the grandeur of handcrafted embellishments as little more than a rare exception.

A common but simplistic explanation is that the rising cost of labor made decorating buildings with intricate carvings more expensive over time. However, the real shift occurred with industrialization, which allowed mass production of ornamental elements, making them cheaper and contributing to their decline. As factories began churning out decorative features that closely resembled the handcrafted works of skilled artisans, people lost interest in them. Instead, they gravitated toward designs that emphasized complexity in engineering and form. The mass-produced "wall jewellery," easily replicated by stone-carving machines, lost its appeal. Glass and steel boxes became more refined, unique, and aesthetically striking. As architecture wheeled into modern times, the focus shifted to individuality, often abandoning all ideals of beauty and practicality, with architects designing weird structures meant to shock rather than comfort or please.

After World War II, the Soviets, aiming to address the housing shortage, constructed the apartment buildings that have become so familiar today. These buildings prioritized functionality over aesthetics, taking up less space and serving their primary purpose of providing shelter. The focus was not on impressing but on solving a practical problem. Why invest excessive resources in decoration when we could build more structures, even if simple, with the same resources? This utilitarian design has since spread across nearly every continent as the population kept rising.

With the rise of neoliberal capitalism in major countries, homes increasingly became speculative commodities rather than places to live. This shift further encouraged developers to prioritize functionality over aesthetics, opting for structures made from cheap, standardized, mass-produced materials that could be quickly assembled and sold at high prices. It makes little sense for developers to invest in ornamentation when the fast-paced nature of today’s world leaves little time for people to appreciate beauty. In real estate, what truly matters is a solid, strategic location.

This begs the question if people have stopped valuing beauty, or has minimalism become the new aesthetic? It turns out that the "less is more" philosophy resonates with many. The simplicity of minimalistic design, with its lack of ornate detailing and reduced complexity, not only keeps costs down but also offers greater flexibility. Open spaces allow for future modifications, while the low maintenance costs add practical value. Moreover, minimalism is environmentally sustainable, as it minimizes waste and promotes efficient resource use. The sense of precision and simplicity calms people and improves mental health. Minimalism is timeless and a way of life for many who are tired of stuck-up and kitsch maximalist designs.

Does this mean ornate buildings are a thing of the past? Actually, ornate architecture is making a comeback, and with today's technology, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to create detailed, decorative designs. Tools like 3D printing, CNC machines, and laser cutting allow architects to add beautiful, intricate features to buildings without the high costs and long timelines of the past. These technologies help bring back classic styles like Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance, while still meeting modern needs like energy efficiency.

Materials today, such as eco-friendly composites, lightweight metals, and sculptable concrete, also make it possible to add more decoration. What used to require a lot of skilled labor can now be done quickly and affordably. This revival isn’t just about looks; it’s also a response to the simple, minimalist designs of the 20th century. People want buildings that feel personal, unique, and full of character. Thanks to modern tools, creating these ornate structures is now both possible and practical. What we need is for people to move away from dull, boxy buildings and demand living spaces that make them feel truly human, rather than like soulless, mindless machines.

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