Uniformity Kills Creativity: How to Build Spaces That Encourage Original Thought

The first coffee shop was established in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1554, known as "kaveh kanes." These establishments quickly became bustling hubs for socializing, conducting business, and engaging in lively discussions about news and politics. Coffee shops, back then, were not just places to grab a quick cup of joe, but crucibles of new ideas. People gathered there to share and debate leading-edge thoughts, from philosophy to science to art. These unique locales nurtured originality and innovation, shaping the progress of the day.

However, today’s reality looks quite different. With the rise of chain coffee shops, uniformity has seeped into every corner of our lives. You can find nearly identical spaces on every street corner, in every city, where the ambiance, menu, and even the music are standardized. This leads us to a deeper question: can people who share the same experiences, read the same books, and listen to the same podcasts truly have unique thoughts? When environments and stimuli become homogeneous, the diversity of ideas begins to suffer.

The Early Coffeehouse as a Model for Creativity?

If you think about it, those early coffeehouses were more than just places to hang out. They were a reflection of something far more important: a need for spaces that encourage conversation, diversity of thought, and—most importantly—originality. The coffeehouse provided a melting pot where people from different walks of life came together, exchanged viewpoints, and collaborated. They weren’t necessarily seeking agreement, but rather fostering new ideas through the clash of differing opinions.

It’s no surprise that these early spaces became associated with innovation. For centuries, some of the most influential ideas emerged from environments that allowed the unexpected to happen. By gathering individuals who approached the world from different angles, these spaces became the perfect breeding ground for creativity.

Why Originality Needs the Right Space?

Today, creating or seeking out spaces that encourage originality and innovation is more crucial than ever. We live in a time where uniformity in thought, behavior, and expression is almost the default mode of operation. Open social media, and you’ll see the same opinions echoed across multiple platforms. Visit a mainstream coffee chain, and you’ll experience the same standardized layout, offering little stimulation beyond what's on your phone screen.

If we wish to cultivate fresh perspectives, we need to be intentional about where and how we generate them. Environments directly influence creativity. Think of the most innovative companies you know—Apple, Google, and Tesla. They’ve invested not just in hiring brilliant people, but in crafting spaces that break the mold, allowing ideas to flow freely. It’s not a coincidence that innovation thrives in environments that are designed to spark it.

The Value of Discomfort?

One of the most underestimated factors in fostering originality is discomfort. When we stay within spaces that feel familiar, we rarely step outside our comfort zones. It's in those slightly uncomfortable, unpredictable environments where innovation happens. Just like those early coffeehouses, we need to seek out places that challenge us to think differently. This doesn’t mean we have to travel to some far-flung destination. It could be as simple as changing the spaces we frequent or the people we engage with.

Look for spaces that encourage you to break from routine, whether that’s through design, the people who inhabit them, or the activities that take place there. Sometimes, discomfort is the key ingredient that nudges our brains to look at things differently. New experiences push us to think beyond the limits of what we know.

Creating Your Own Creative Space?

If you can’t find a space that fosters innovation, create one. It doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. Start small—a home office that encourages creativity with open windows, natural light, and spaces that allow for quiet reflection. Or perhaps a meeting room where team members are encouraged to write on walls, move around, and actively collaborate rather than sit passively. The goal is to design an environment that promotes the kind of thinking that leads to breakthroughs.

In professional settings, leaders can encourage innovation by fostering a culture that values original ideas. Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it requires input from a variety of perspectives. Encourage your team to engage with viewpoints outside their usual spheres. Mix disciplines, introduce unfamiliar topics, and create a culture of curiosity. The more we expose ourselves to diversity in thought and experience, the more likely we are to spark originality.

In an era where everything is beginning to look the same, where every coffee shop feels like a carbon copy, the importance of seeking or creating spaces that foster originality cannot be overstated. The future of innovation will not come from environments that promote sameness, but from spaces that challenge the status quo and encourage new ways of thinking.

Interested in learning more? Let’s do an innovation keynote or workshop with your team!

--

Bob Roitblat

As a Transformation Navigator, Bob specializes in illuminating the path to innovative thinking, a future-proof mindset, and the leadership prowess needed to overcome today's challenges and grasp tomorrow's possibilities. He is a renowned keynote speaker, delivering powerful presentations and interactive workshops at numerous events across the globe. In addition to speaking, Bob writes extensively about organizational change and works directly with clients to implement effective strategies.

For further advice, insight, and perspective on the tools and techniques to transform your business, subscribe to this newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/newsletters/7099140608132358144

And Follow Bob on LinkedIn: www.dhirubhai.net/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=bobroitblat

Learn more at www.roitblat.com or call Bob at 847-572-3269.

Permission to reprint this article is hereby granted to all print, broadcast, and electronic media, provided that the contact information at the end of the article is included in your publication. For organizations publishing articles electronically, a live, clickable link to https://www.roitblat.com must also be included and be visible.

Permission is also granted for reasonable editing of content, including the exchange of industry-specific examples, adjustments to length, and modifications to the article title.