Reading Summary:

Peter describes the connection between architecture and the position of power, through the modern movement and its attributes. Specifically, he highlights the impact of the relationship between vision and the aspect of power through a design standpoint, and this transition into a surveillance society, which in turn distracts the purpose of architecture from that of an artistic interpretation of space to the promotion of control through omnipotence.

Peter’s main critique lies in the ideology of the modern movement. One topic lies in his assessment of Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus building, as it is built with the ideas of transparency and function. He disagrees with Gropius’ principle that architecture should be of clear logic, without the need for embellished facades that take away from the truth, with the remark that the promotion of the excess in visibility is an indication of the shift towards the surveillance society, with concern that people will be in fear of the observer in power.

Architects such as Le Corbusier give way to the potential surveillance society with their ideas about architecture. The Villa Savoye, a residential estate, was built minimally in line with Corbeau’s ideas about a lack of ornamentation or decoration, as they promote an environment that is ingenuine and an obstruction of the truth. Peters also addresses the overall construction, stating that surveillance exists on both the inside and outside. The home features meticulously placed openings and empty spaces which Peters claims leads to the destruction of privacy in the residence. The raised pilotis provide vantage over the neighboring space but also reveal itself to the surrounding world.

Building Analysis:

Whole Foods is a practitioner of the outcome of a modern surveillance society. It shares a lot of the principles described by Peter Jones. Whole Foods is a high-end grocery store designed like many similar commercial environments. The east façade, housing the main entrance and exits, is a partial glass storefront wall. This creates a sense of openness from both inside and outside, dramatically reducing privacy for the user as it allows them to see out but also allows someone to see inside. Additionally, this transparency creates opportunities for natural light to enter and creates an inviting shopping environment. Whole Foods is also arranged orthogonally, like the majority of stores and city plans. This arrangement makes the store easy to navigate by creating axis and vistas, through the arrangement of the aisles, which, additionally make it easy for people on the floor to observe the customer.

Technology is contributing heavily to what defines a surveillance space. Whole Foods, like many other modern establishments, is equipped with a security camera system. When someone walks into the store, they remember they are being monitored or recorded. Though the veil of seclusion may be equipped when walking through the aisles, customers know that privacy is not achieved within the store. The high ceiling with exposed HVAC and structure also reminds the customer that they are in a commercial environment and can associate this with the feeling of being watched.

The key is, customers especially in today’s era are aware of the surveillance society. It has become the expectation to forgo privacy when entering into the public domain. Cellphones and cameras make capturing events accessible to everyone and as such the architectural language contributing to the effectiveness of surveillance becomes less disturbing. Whole Foods is a prime example of the expectation of the release of one’s privacy to accomplish a necessary task.

This image features the interior of Whole Foods while depicting the interior orthogonal layout and the security system on the ceiling.