READING SUMMARY

In this article by Peter Jones, he draws on Michael Foucalts concept of the surveillance society and began to argue that modern architecture, mainly the modernist movement, not only reflected ideas from the surveillance society but also played a role in its development. He argued that architecture was not built to be seen, but built for control. Glass was one of the architectural features that Jones saw as something that held disciplinary power and portrayed the idea of surveillance. Glass being something that is transparent gave off a very light, open, and airy feeling, but can also give off the feeling of being completely exposed and unable to hide. Le Corbusier saw glass as an enemy of secrets. 

The desire for visibility was something that was very prominent in the surveillance society, and this is reflected in modernist design at the time. Corbusier developed Five Points of Architecture, horizontal windows, pilotis, open plan interiors, non-load-bearing walls, and roof gardens. These are exemplified in his Villa Savoye by his ability to create new standards for the public and private gradient, as well as the relationship between exterior and interior. Villa Savoye created changes in visibility and surveillance of both the interior and exterior spaces because of these five points.

BUILDING INTERPRETATION

The Farmers Market Pavillion I believe is a good modern-day example of Corbusiers five main points and their relation to the surveillance society. Although it doesn’t perfectly exemplify all five main points, the strategies used in this design allow for the need for surveillance while providing users with comfort throughout the light, open, and airy space. 

All the materials used in the building are of lighter color, making the space feel more welcoming. There is an open plan concept within this space, although it’s for a functional purpose, this allows for visibility which is furthered by the glass and garage doors that are in the space. In a way when the garage doors are opened up the facade can be seen as having pilots. There is however no rooftop garden, but the surrounding landscape is full of life not only in the people but with the trees and plants around it. The material used at the top of the facade is horizontal almost translucent sheets, that not only allow light to filter into the space but also in a way represent Corbusiers first point of horizontal windows. Many years later if you look hard enough you can see the effect that Corbusier had on architectural design.

Photo of interior of Farmers Market Pavillion