Headingley Sainsburys is designed (representation of space) to be a ‘panoptic’ space
to minimize theft and encourage people to act “as they should” in a consumerist
institution. Cameras are pointed up the rows and there is an attendant manning
a till at the end of every row as constant reminder to pay for what you take
out with you. The isles are wide, and brightly lit.
The floor plan is designed in such a way to maximise your visibility, their sales and your efficiency of shopping. It is quick to find anything. It is a
modern space and you are constantly aware (representational space) of the possibility of being watched
by cameras and attendants. The lower priced products and essentials such as
snacks, batteries and toilet roll are all by the counters so you can grab them
last minute. The expensive produce is at the back of the shop where you have to
go and look for it. It is a way from the door to minimise theft. Signage is
hung from the ceiling to make the food categories easily accessible and to
optimise shopping time, turning over customers quickly and efficiently.
The large population of students in Headinley coupled with
the fact that this branch of Sainsburys is the only supermarket within a square
mile and a half of the centre meaning the majority of customers seem to be in
their early twenties. On evenings, cheap booze is sold in large quantities,
their selection of which is large and subject to deals on price. There are
buskers and beggars who sit outside next to the cash machine and ask for change
from the customers of the shop. One particular man plays an accordion there
more often than not, providing a sound track to a visit to the establishment. (Practice)
In practice, Headinley Sainsburys deviates from the designer’s
intent. While the space is no doubt designed to be ‘Panoptic’ in a brightly
lit, gridded floor plan, there are places where you can be comfortably hidden
from site. The large pillars in the centres of the isle, sometimes right next
to shelves of food, provide a hidden space for thieves to put items in their
clothes.
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