The Panopticon (architectural concept)

The Panopticon is an architectural design for a prison, envisioned by philosopher Jeremy Bentham, where a central watchtower allows a single guard to observe all inmates without being seen. This layout maximizes surveillance efficiency, encouraging inmates to behave as if they are constantly watched, even if they are not. Beyond prisons, the concept symbolizes systems of constant observation and control, raising questions about privacy, authority, and power dynamics in society. It highlights how design can influence behavior by creating an environment of perceived surveillance.