Task 5 - Lefebvre & Space

The Victoria quarter is an upmarket shopping area, with exclusive shops, based in the heart of Leeds city centre. The Quarter is a clever blend of old -a Victorian shopping façade (Lefebvre’s representational space) appealing to fashion-conscious adults – those with disposable income prepared to pay expensive prices for state-of-the art clothing and goods. It is home to 76 high-end leading brands and provides 6 eating and relaxing areas within.

Referring to Lefebvre’s spatial triad aspect ‘Practice’ The Victoria Quarter proves to be successful bec­­ause in reality it has seen occupancy reach 100% over time. It is comprised of a nu­­mber of stores, which have made their out-of-London debuts there like Harvey Nicholls. Reasons for its success could be that it is visually interesting, is of historical significance and a listed building; it is situated in the city, which is the largest centre for business, legal and financial services outside London, and draws many higher paid workers who live and work nearby and for whom high-end luxury products are affordable and a necessity. In practice, the quarter is also visited by tourists on a daily basis: these visitors will see a different perspective to locals who use it as a thoroughfare. Tourists visit because they come to window shop, look with interest at the interior architecture, which is unique within the city, and engage their interest in browsing highly priced goods beyond their pockets. Others however, only come to Leeds so that they can shop at the Victoria Quarter because it provides stores such as Harvey Nicholls which is unique in itself; in fact only two other such stores exist in the country. Stocks here include Designer labels in the main and in the clothing ranges items are also virtually unique –this is a place where celebrities shop. The name sells the products but the building and store interior, in themselves provide a unique retail experience within Leeds.

The Representations of space show The Quarter to be interwoven with large corridors allowing shoppers to view each store as the walk. Cleverly the corridors encourage people to flow through, using the Victoria Quarter as a cut-through to get to the next street rather than to stand and look round. There are no large open spaces, and few benches, which would allow people to sit down; however the proximity of those passing through to the shop facades themselves, means that the eyes of the public will be drawn to the most endearing specific displays. The window fronts illustrate the competition between stores and cafes to allure the public with eye-catching mannequins and decorations. The eating areas where people would have to purchase food are the only larger spaces available which almost prevents visitors who only come to the building from staying too long unless they deliberately enter the shops or eating places.