My single visit to Disney World was for a work engagement, keynoting a conference centered on crafting exceptional places through landscape architecture, where placemaking was a core theme. Disney World is undeniably impressive, though not entirely aligned with my personal taste. I do, however, admire the impeccable polish they achieve in their environments. In many ways, they validate the principles of placemaking—designing, programming, and managing public spaces effectively—albeit in a manner so amplified it’s almost comical.
Yet, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from the Disney experiment.
During my visit, a Disney staff member shared an amusing anecdote about families at Epcot. Apparently, toddlers crossing its vast, open plazas would often succumb to meltdowns. The sheer expanse of concrete was overwhelming for young children, akin to traversing a desert.
Image: A wide, open concrete plaza in Epcot appears stark and uninviting.
This resonated deeply with my own experiences in environments devoid of human scale and user-centric design. I believe we all experience a form of “inner tantrum” when subjected to poorly designed spaces.
Conversely, Main Street Usa, situated nearby Epcot, presents a starkly contrasting environment. Its buildings, constructed at a 5/8 scale, are richly detailed and filled with sensory diversions. A new shop or eatery appears every few steps. I observed people congregating on every available perch—lampposts, steps—an atmosphere of comfort permeated the air.
Image: People are comfortably sitting and relaxing on various ledges and steps along Main Street USA.
Image: A closer view of people enjoying the ambiance of Main Street USA, utilizing the available seating and ledges.
Affordances in the Urban Realm
How can we cater to the “toddler” within us all, and what strategies can planners and designers employ to consistently create spaces that are vibrant, populated, and perpetually enjoyable?
Consider the Theory of Affordances, a concept I believe is underappreciated yet highly relevant for urbanists. J.J. Gibson, who coined the term and is a personal inspiration, defined “affordances” as: “The affordances of the environment are what it offers the animal, what it provides or furnishes, either for good or ill…. It implies the complementarity of the animal and the environment.”
In simpler terms, individuals are drawn to and interact with their environment based on its perceived functions. A bench suggests sitting; a ledge at a certain height might invite placing a coffee cup. Even a doorknob “affords” a potential action—opening a door.
The careful selection and arrangement of buildings, steps, ledges, furniture, landscaping, and various programmatic elements—affordances—significantly contribute to the feeling of a habitable environment. Any child instinctively understands that a vast, featureless concrete plaza surrounded by impersonal buildings is not conducive to human comfort. To a toddler, this can feel like an existential threat, triggering a meltdown.
Image: A woman is comfortably seated on a plinth, demonstrating how architectural elements can provide affordances for seating in urban spaces.
The affordances chosen directly impact who utilizes a space and its surroundings. If attracting families and young children to downtown areas is a priority, designers can strategically incorporate affordances in landscapes and public spaces. Details and graspable objects at child-friendly heights encourage exploration and play. Family-oriented park programs can be scheduled to coincide with peak shopping hours in adjacent streets. Even the provision of toys and sandboxes during these times, coupled with coffee and seating for parents, can enhance the appeal.
Affordances in Design Application
The Theory of Affordances is actively employed by designers focused on usability and intuitive interfaces:
- Device designers applied it to revolutionize smartphone usability with the iPhone.
- UX designers utilize it to ensure interfaces are user-friendly and efficient.
- Industrial designers have consciously embraced the concept since Don Norman’s influential book, The Design of Everyday Things.
However, urban designers and architects seem less acquainted with this theory. If you are an architect or landscape architect who integrates affordances into your work, I urge you to reach out—I am eager to learn more. Personally, I rely on this theory whenever I assess a space and consider its potential for improvement and enrichment.
Walt Disney’s original vision for Epcot was rooted in the modernist urban planning and architectural philosophies of his era. Today, mirroring urban trends across America, Epcot is undergoing a substantial transformation to address the shortcomings of many modernist ideals. Large portions of Epcot are being redeveloped and replaced with the contemporary urban concept of “neighborhoods.” This shift underscores a growing recognition of the importance of human-centered design principles, echoing the enduring appeal of places like Main Street USA.
