Through The Eyes of Modern Design
Tailored Coffee Roasters Interior Cafe
Reading Summary
Vision is one of our human senses that I feel is taken most for granted. As a designer, my work would become increasingly complex if this singular sense were to diminish, and even more so if it were stripped completely. Peter Jones’ interpretation of Michel Foucault’s regard of modern surveillance cultivated a deeper understanding as to why and how societal gaze is interpreted through design. Aesthetic spaces are usually agreed upon by a consensus with a heavy majority. This idea can be proven with most individuals finding historic monuments beautiful; like the Eiffel Tower, the Parthenon, or the Taj Mahal all being highly valued for their beauty and construction, universally across society. However, I believe certain visuals may broaden each individual’s personal perspective. What makes each of these monuments worth praising for their beauty is not only the thoughtfulness of construction, but how individuals interact and respect these spaces. A modern observer doesn’t necessarily have to resonate with every style of design, but the job of the designer is to create the best possible lens for its users to experience something new. Visualization is a key element in achieving aesthetic, functional, and valuable spaces.
Building Interpretation
Tailored Coffee Rosters, Eugene, Oregon
686 E 13th Ave
Tailored Coffee is a 21st-century modern cafe located right off an American university campus. Most individuals would make this same observation based on the selection of color and material, interior decoration, and the music selection played throughout the space. I choose this building because of its unique modern features. This space is comfortable and allows its users to embrace both its interior and exterior. There are floor-to-ceiling garden windows with seating that faces their outdoor courtyard seating, which accompanies its traditional dining room space. I feel these distinct characteristics are positive representations of how visual surveillance is a significant feature to consider in modern design. By incorporating multiple opportunities to view, observe, or interact with a variety of visually stimulating designs within the space, users are more inclined to enjoy their individual experiences. An individual’s perspective or experience at Tailored Coffee Rosters is what they make it, it can be customized by user gaze or surveillance based on where its visitor may choose to sit.
Hi Claire! I really enjoyed your interpretation of Tailored, especially the last sentence. Tailored is a very adaptable place, as it provides the users with a variety of ways to control their experience in the coffee shop. This could be an aspect of Tailored that is inviting the houseless population. Despite the many hostile designs of Tailored, it does provide a space that people can choose to use how they please. Whether it is a place to rest or escape the cold weather, there are ways in which the houseless population could occupy this space for short periods of time.
I think tailored coffee roasters is a perfect example of how architecture displays surveillance. In the modern world I feel that we focus a lot on how technology functions with surveillance. Tailored Coffee Roasters presents architecture and surveillance through the glass half atrium. I view this more-so as a way for customers to survey the outside world better since they are on the first floor and get a clear view as to what is happening above and at street level. This is an example of architecture also connecting the interior and exterior while maintaining a strict boundary.
I think this is a very interesting take away. Claire, I think your interpretation about people keeping to themselves in this space because there are so many visuals to look at or to look through the windows. I tend to do this when I am there. I keep to myself and whenever I want a break it is a great space to people watch.