The growing prevalence of unified and globalized aesthetics forces creative individuals to confront a critical problem: design trends easily cross geographical boundaries, while local identity is under threat.
The growing prevalence of unified and globalized aesthetics forces creative individuals to confront a critical problem: design trends easily cross geographical boundaries, while local identity is under threat.
In the fifth episode of the Room For Dreams podcast, the question is explored of whether the boundless market erases design diversity. The recording took place at Milan Design Week 2026 in partnership with INDX|GLOBAL. Host Claire Broadka from designboom speaks with Sachi Gupta, Shilpi Sonar, Krithika Subrahmanian, and Sumit Dhawan to examine the reality of professionals working without borders.
To survive in this situation, a fundamental change in approach is required, leading the panel to discuss the vital necessity of creative 'de-learning'. True adaptation to different global regions implies abandoning regional prejudices, especially when working with cosmopolitan clients who expect a seamless signature style across projects in London, Delhi, and Los Angeles.
Architects deeply analyze the conflicts arising from this dynamic, showing how the pursuit of Western-style visual trends aimed at a young audience inevitably fails when confronted with the harsh realities of local contexts. This dialogue serves as a confrontation with reality regarding the ethical obligations of international practice, ranging from staunchly defending local craftsmanship against modern mental colonialism to refusing projects that threaten endangered local fauna.