We are in the midst of a tidal transformation in the conditions in which wireless systems operate, with a determined push towards higher frequencies (today mmWave, tomorrow sub-terahertz) and shorter transmission ranges. This is stretching, even breaking, time-honored modelling assumptions such as that of planar wavefronts. And, once that classic paradigm is transcended, the opportunity arises for spatial multiplexing even when no multipath components are present. Then, an intelligent surface can augment the number of spatial degrees of freedom even as the transmitter and receiver apertures remain fixed. This possibility, which is revealed only as the curved nature of the wavefronts is accounted for, results from the intelligent surface acting as a lens that enables resolving denser spatial multiplexings. This presentation posits that, besides the more obvious benefits of enhancing the received power and sidestepping blockages, the true potential of intelligent surfaces might lie in serving as environmental apertures: multipath propagation on steroids, controllable, and on-demand.