In his article “Building the Empire of Gaze”, Peter Jones details the involvement architecture has in disciplinary power. He specifically focuses on the role the Modernist Movement plays in the development of the surveillance society. First, it is important to understand the connection with Western metaphysics as this is where the idea of all certainty is based on visibility and therefore nothing should be hidden originates. It was this way of thinking that led to a fear of darkness in the late 18th century, ultimately leading to the desire for full visibility and light within spaces. This can directly be related to the sense of power that is given through the means of surveillance. If everything is out in the open for anyone and everyone to see with nothing hidden behind walls or in corners, it is believed to be no room for lies and uncertainty.
Key elements of modern design helped spaces achieve these desires of visibility. Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye is thought to be a successful example of such design. His new language of modern architecture includes an emphasis on glass and transparency paired with an open plan interior, allowing for the space to function as a panoptical mechanism for viewing. This includes not only viewing from the inside out, but also from the outside in, again enforcing the main idea of surveillance through visibility.
To further extend the argument that visibility and surveillance hold a certain kind of power in society, think about the use of security cameras. They are generally used to give people a sense of safety or hold people accountable for their actions. People act differently when they are in the visible public realm versus somewhere private and hidden. This is because when you are within another’s visibility you risk getting caught if not being truthful. For example, you would not willingly steal from a store/residence if you are aware of surveillance mechanisms, simply because due to the likelihood of being caught. This is the power associated with surveillance; visibility allows for the truth to be known.
Furthermore, as the article mentions, glass and open floor plans are some architectural strategies that help achieve this idea of visibility. Open floor plans eliminate unnecessary walls that act as space barriers and instead allow for sightlines from room to room. The use of glass blurs the distinction between interior and exterior as the transparency permits for continued visibility into the public realm outside. Similarly, it invites views from the public into the private interior to observe its inhabitants’ actions.
Interior view of Meraki Coffee & Co. showing the emphasis on visibility and transparency through the use of glass
Meraki Coffee & Co. poses as a great example that allows for visibility. This starts on the exterior as the use of expansive glass enforces transparency allowing the public realm a glimpse into what is going on inside. The interior is consistent with modern design as it utilizes an open floor plan. With this it is important to note the location of the staff counter in relation to the seating options and the entrance/exits. It is located in the back corner in such a way that allows sightlines to all areas of the customer realm really enforcing the idea of visibility. Also, in relation to the open floor plan, the placement of the furniture is important as it helps define spaces that previously may have been defined by walls. There are two couches arranged in such a way that suggests a space for more leisure enjoyment, circular tables intended for larger parties, and then additional seating outside that suggests a stronger connection with the public. Additionally, the glass garage doors open to allow for the blurring of interior and exterior while also allowing a better opportunity for staff to keep surveillance on their outdoor customers.