The visually transparent interior with modern furniture and a clear seating arrangement in the Day & Night Boba Tea House in Eugene, OR.
In “Building the Empire of the Gaze: The Modern Movement and the Surveillance Society,” Peter Jones explores the ways in which the Modern Movement, a cultural and architectural movement that began in the early 20th century, contributed to the development of the modern surveillance society. Jones argues that the Modern Movement’s emphasis on transparency, functionalism, and rationality led to the creation of buildings and urban spaces that were designed to be efficient and easily monitored.
Jones highlights the roles of architects such as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in shaping the built environment of the surveillance society. These architects promote the idea that buildings should be designed with an eye towards efficiency, function, and clarity, which could only be achieved through a radical transparency that allowed for constant observation and monitoring. Additionally, he notes how innovations like the glass curtain wall and the open-plan office, which were hailed as symbols of modernity, actually facilitated the monitoring and control of individuals.
Ultimately, Jones argues that the modern movement’s emphasis on function and efficiency has led to a society that prioritizes surveillance and control over privacy and individual freedom. He suggests that architects and designers have a responsibility to create structures and systems that promote human flourishing rather than the empire of the gaze.
The Day & Night Boba Tea House is a prime example of how modern architecture’s focus on function and efficiency has resulted in the creation of buildings that are optimized for surveillance, often at the expense of privacy and individual freedom. The building’s design is marked by a large glass façade that enables passersby to see inside, making it seem welcoming and bright, but it also subjects those inside the building to constant surveillance. In addition, the seating areas are arranged in rows, facing towards the service counter, which allows staff to always keep a watchful eye on customers. The use of bright lighting and minimal décor also creates an atmosphere of visibility and transparency.
The user experience at the Day & Night Boba Tea House is therefore marked by constant observation, which can make customers feel uncomfortable or uneasy if searching for a quieter, more low-key study spot. The building’s design creates a sense of constant exposure as if customers are always on display, which could possibly be distressing for some people. This especially rings true when users are anticipating an intimate space rather than an extremely public one.