by Michaela | May 13, 2023
Article Summary:
As a society, we have attached to this need to hold power; Power over the environment, power over politics, and power over one another. We have inhabited a disciplinary society and as a result, we use surveillance to exercise this. There is clarity in knowing what your surroundings are and what lies around the corner. “It is the fact of being constantly seen, of being able always to be seen, that maintains the disciplined individual in his subjection (Jones pg. 3)”. During the 19th century, new modes of cognition and control were adopted as all certainty was further based on visibility alone.
As modern architecture and the idea of the “new age” rises, surveillance and visibility become important aspects to designs. Materials such as glass, steel, and concrete now embody the new architecture movement and modernity. I’d argue that glass was the most important element to the modern movement due to the fact that nothing can hinder the gaze from either the interior or the exterior. “It is what connects and implicates Modernist architecture in the constitution and operation of the surveillance society (Jones pg. 7)”. Now people rely only on the sure path of reason. Designers wanted to create clear, organic architecture, that was visible from all aspects; Nothing hiding, and nobody not being seen.
Building Interpretation:
The 541 Sushi Bar located on the corner of Pearl Street and Broadway in Eugene Oregon creates a welcoming open space by providing natural lighting through the large windows facing East. These windows help make the rather small restaurant feel bigger as it connects the outside to the interior of the space allowing people to feel surrounded and encapsulated in the exterior environment. There is also an aspect of entertainment that is at play with the large windows, as customers can watch and observe what is going on outside. The total presence in the light also acts as a good visibility strategy for those inside the building.
This is where we see the Western philosophy appearing as surveillance becomes very important to companies in America. “Surveillance plays a key role in the disciplinary society, being a specific ‘disciplinary mechanism and an organizing principle behind many others (Jones pg.2)”. And as values in technology grew, surveillance cameras were put in place to keep people accountable for their actions. The architecture of the building provides a visual power that keeps people in line; Open spaces, windows, and surveillance cameras give the owners of the building clarity and closure knowing that they know everything that goes on in their store without them physically having to be present. Modern architecture has been adaptive to the new surveillance society and uses techniques to exploit man’s actions.
by Jesper Braun | May 3, 2023
Summary
In this week’s reading, the author claims that we live in a “surveillance” society, where surveillance tools are often installed in the architecture around us, in order to maintain control over us. Peter explores this relationship between architecture and power, and how power has convoluted and hijacked the essence of architecture in many ways. Instead of being about artistic expression and enhancing the health/experience of the individual, it has become a game of power, one where architecture becomes the vessel for surveillance. Peter claims that modernist architecture marked the shift to surveillance society, and that we have created spaces of constructed visibility.
Peter claims that new technologies has helped create this surveillance society. One of these technologies is glass, which modern architecture uses heavily. Glass creates transparency in buildings, and allows for visual connection between indoors and outdoors, which is advantageous in many cases. However, this transparency also promotes surveillance and allows for easier observation of people. Overall, Peter believes that the partnership between architecture and surveillance is a dangerous one, and that steps must be taken to free architecture from surveillance.
Building Interpretation
I decided to choose Whole Foods to examine to its relationship between architecture and surveillance. On both the exterior and interior of the store there are dozens of cameras that observe people’s behavior. The front of the store is made largely of glass, which allows people to both view the inside from outside, and outside from inside, diminishing privacy and encouraging surveillance. The cashier stations are configured in a way that the employees can both see potential threats coming from the outside, as well as see potential shoplifters down the aisles. This is because the cashier stations are located at the end of the aisles, allowing them to see down the aisles and surveil potentially suspicious customers.
Amazon’s recent purchase of Whole Foods raises even greater implications for the relationship between surveillance and architecture. Amazon uses a form of surveillance to track customers desires and wants, and then advertises them products that might fulfill these desires. Surveillance within Whole Foods, and how they use customer data, raises ethical questions about surveillance in the modern age and whether customers privacy is being violated. Additionally, it is known that Amazon that has collaborated with and given information to government agencies, which raises further questions about the relationship between corporations and the government, and their attempt to control and surveil the population.
Interior of Whole Foods
by egarret3 | May 3, 2023
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.
by bekahe | May 3, 2023
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.
by faithw | May 3, 2023
An interior view of Meraki Coffee Co. that shows the design’s many ways of promoting surveillance in the space.
In Building the Empire of The Gaze: The Modern Movement and the Surveillance Society, Peter Jones discusses how the Modern Movement is a society that has systematically grown to be centralized around a strong desire for visibility and in-turn, led to a ‘surveillance society’. Jones cites Michel Foucault throughout the text. Jones brings up many of Foucault’s arguments, principles, and solutions in regards to how ‘mechanisms of visibility’ have systematically become inseparable from society’s idea of power. Jones analyzes the connection between modern society’s emphasis on surveillance being a necessity and how the visualization of power has systematically been taught through ‘disciplinary mechanisms’. Many different architectural space types are analyzed with a perspective on how their different uses play an effect on the belief in the necessity of surveillance/disciplinary mechanisms and their connection to sense of control/power. Modernist Architecture and the Modern Movement have assisted in the transition to a surveillance society through the heavy emphasis on designing with an intent on ‘absolute publicity’ and establishing a sense of control over the space in its layout. There are many design strategies that have been implemented to create ‘spaces of constructed visibility’ introduced throughout the text; but, there is a strong argument that is repeatedly discussed on the role that the Panopticon model prison has made on the Modern Movement.
Meraki Coffee Co. is designed with careful attention to detail in regards to the worker’s ability to monitor the café space. The counter where orders are taken and drinks are made is central in the design’s layout. The counter is strategically positioned to have the worker(s) facing the exterior windows and doors, the main entrances. The counter also has a clear view to the indoor and outdoor seating areas throughout the café. Almost the entirety of the cafe’s main exterior façade utilizes glass. This heavy use of glass in the façade shows the constructed visibility that has created a much larger view frame for everyone (inside and outside) using the space. The importance in designing with consideration to surveillance is shown throughout many aspects of Meraki Coffee Co. in a subtle way that works alongside promoting Meraki Coffee’s character and aesthetic. The well-lit space’s use of light colors, natural materials, an interior open-concept, a strong connection to the exterior, and the overall use of glass in Meraki Coffee Co. closely aligns to Jones and Foucault’s argument of a modern surveillance society being systematically defined in Modernist architecture.
by caslan | May 3, 2023
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.