re: Why is Architecture so Bland Today?

Architecture is a reflection of society.

And society is crumbling. So architecture is less of a human scale and more like cold, depressing modernist crap that feels less welcoming. Fast food in particular wants to encourage more drive thru business so they don’t have to spend as much on cleaning the interior. So they use fewer roof elements that extend outward and draw people in, and dining rooms now feel very sterile and uncomfortable.

Same reason everyone is driving around in SUVs in various shades of grey, black, or white. Modern vehicles look like angry toasters instead of fun looking vehicles in fun colors like we had in the 1950s-1960s. We can’t make cars like the Thunderbird or Beetle work today. Even the Miata looks pissed off now. The world feels less safe so consumers demand more serious looking cars that make them feel safe.