Dani Somerville Rhetorical Space

America runs on Dunkin. This catchy slogan is disseminated across the world every day, consequently increasing the cravings for Dunkin Donuts flavorsome drinks and succulent donuts. Recently, the beloved company opened a new store in UCF and it is already evident that profits are soaring. The success of Dunkin is all due to the logical and ingenious design of the store. The arrangement of the store allows all to feel welcomed. I believe that Dunkin can best be scrutinized in reference to Reynolds analysis of the trialectics of space. The trialectics are made up of perceived, conceived and lived space. Although these three aspects must work collectively in order to function, Dunkin mainly corresponds to conceived space. For me, Dunkin is located in the ideal, most favorable place. It is on West Plaza Drive in Knights Plaza, right amidst the gym and Subway. Since I have the privilege of living in Tower III, my commute to Dunkin essentially consists of crossing two streets, approximately a five minute walk door-to-door. Dunkin is very convenient to all of the students living in Towers. The CFE Arena is located across the street, which makes Dunkin a popular destination for all of those whom attend a concert or sporting event. Aside from its optimal location for pedestrians, it is also in a spot that is easily visible to passing vehicles. It is the second store from the corner and displays a large, illuminated Dunkin sign above the doors. These physical aspects of the store are examples of conceived space. Reynolds states that conceived space is made up of conceptual abstractions like geometry that may in fact inform the actual configuration of spatial practices. The external attributes are highly commercialized; advertisements and promotions encompass the building.

Due to its strategic location and design, Dunkin appeals to a specific audience. I believe that it predominantly tries to allure to the residents of Towers. As far as on campus housing goes, Towers are the most expensive option and have a very modern, metropolitan design. Dunkin has made the assumption that since the residents of Towers are willing to spend more money for better quality of their housing, they will do the same for their coffee. Urban areas have a tendency to be highly populated and portray a hasty atmosphere. People often rush to class and do not have time to make coffee or breakfast in the morning. Dunkin is an easy solution to this dilemma shared by most college students. The employees are swift with their service, allowing students and faculty to reach their destination with punctuality. Dunkin offers an extensive menu containing various breakfast items, from bagels to egg sandwiches. It also has numerous drink selections full of caffeine to help jumpstart the lethargic students days. Perhaps this is how Dunkin coined its slogan, America runs of Dunkin. Like the external design, the internal layout is also strategically planned. When I walk inside, my attention is immediately drawn to the cashiers and the vast menu hanging above them. The walkway to the register is wide and has no barriers that might restrict a handicapped customer. Also, another feature that I observed was that the counter was at a low altitude, which appeals to those in wheelchairs or even to customers of petite size, like myself. There is a mens and womens restroom located in the back right of the store. Each bathroom is a single, allowing only one person at a time. Both bathrooms are handicap accessible, containing railings near the toilet, a door that opens inward, and spacious arrangement for maximum wheelchair mobility. These physical components and one-story configuration allow Dunkin to accommodate to the needs various customers, especially those with disabilities.

On the peripherals of the store there are tables and booths where customers can sit and enjoy their purchases. The table and chairs are convenient for the handicap and for bigger parties of people. The booths provide a homier atmosphere, and in my opinion are much more comfortable than the wooden chairs. I prefer to sit at the booths when I plan on staying for an extended duration. There are power outlets placed all around the store, but there is a larger quantity of outlets near the booths. This suggests that this area is where the most electronic use occurs, such as laptops and tablets. The booths are in a linear arrangement on the right side of the store. This allows each booth to be intimate and separate while still providing a social environment. The tables and chairs are located on the left side of the store and are very close together. Adjacent to the tables, there is a set of arm chairs and a coffee table, providing a cozy area for costumers to enjoy their food and drinks. There is also a large flat screen TV visible to all of those in the left section of the store. Compared to the right side, this sector is much more sociable and noisy. However, in the front left of the store there is a separate room dedicated to studying. I think that this was a wise addition to the store because it promotes educational success which highly appeals to college students. Personally, I have never used the study room but it seems like an ideal place to hold a study group since it is still in a communal location yet maintains a tranquil, reserved ambience. All of these attributes demonstrate the conceived space; Dunkin has specifically designed its store in order to maximize business success. According to Reynolds, perceived space is what we see or smell or otherwise register with our senses, it is the material expression of social relations in space. Dunkin certainly entices the human senses, with its bold aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the mouthwatering donuts displayed behind the counter. The color scheme that is perceived creates an inviting setting. The walls are painted orange with tan accents, there is a wooden floor, and the entire

store is well lit. The color orange radiates warmth and happiness, while the tan portions of the wall sustain a dependable and conservative sense. In Dunkins case, the most significant component of perceived space is taste. It is the worlds leading baked goods and coffee chain in the world because of its flavorful products. The third part of the trialectics is lived space. Lived space is the actual experience that one undergoes in a situation; it is the balance between perceived and conceived space. The three types of space cannot exist individually, only when they are intertwined will they function properly. I, myself, visit Dunkin at least once a day and have never left dissatisfied. It is easily accessible to me and has hours that are adaptable to my schedule. I use Dunkin as a place to meet with friends or just somewhere to go when I want to get out of my dorm. Dunkin unanimously captures the interest of all types of people, never excluding or disregarding the needs of anyone. The intricate design of Dunkin determines the various ideas that are expressed and circulated amongst the UCF community.

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