Over the first half of the semester in my Social Issues in Urban and Regional Planning course here at the University of New Mexico, the topic that impacted me the most is James J. Gibson’s, ‘Theory of Affordances’. Affordances according to Webster’s dictionary as, “the quality or property of an object that defines its possible uses or makes clear how it can or should be used.” Another way to describe it is when good design implies the function of an object. But this function can be perceived differently by whoever is analyzing the subject. An example that was used in class was the use of a chair. To some, it may be an object to sit on, but to others it can be used to stand on, to change lightbulbs, and it can even be used by others to get around from one place to the next. This concept is unique and new to me because I never thought about a chair being defined by its use. This is how urban and environmental planners demonstrate an idea by using affordance. 

 

For instance, some examples in a community are grocery stores, parks, and schools within a neighborhood. This concept of sustainable design would be planned around the park, where the niches in the area are impacted the least. This is a recent idea that was created by the community and regional planners in urban areas. With this innovation, we will be able to create a better starting point to build from. In the past, many people thought that the environment was something to overcome. This notion has taken our world in a dangerous direction. We all need to come together and get on the same page in order to see a solid difference by using affordances to better plan our communities. If we continue building unsustainable communities, we will steer everything in the wrong direction and may see the end of this era. If we start changing our attitudes and practices, we will be responsible citizens of the world. It is with every waking moment that individuals have the option to choose sustainable practices. We can start to implement affordances that function to impact the earth positively.

 

The reason the topic of affordances impacted me personally is that we have been using affordances to our advantages and not thinking about the side effects it will have on the earth if we continue to progress in this manner. As an Environmental Planner, I am concerned about the environment’s well-being. It's my responsibility to design areas that will have specific sustainable functions for use by people as well as other living organisms. It is sad to see how far we are willing to sacrifice the niches that afford many animals a home. In my Environmental Science class last semester, I connected with a Ted Talk with a young girl named Greta. She is a very motivated individual that is trying to implement change into the world one step at a time. Greta started a protest outside of the Swedish Parliament in 2018 when she was 15. She dedicates her time and effort into the cause of the “climate change crisis”. When I first saw this Ted Talk, I was inspired because of the determination this young girl had, and I wanted to do something to promote change within our world.

 

Over the summer, I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted to pursue as a career. I realized I have always had a passion for Environmental Science and architecture. This led me to my current plan to major in Environmental Planning and Design with a concentration in Landscape Architecture. This seemed unusual at first, but the more I have engaged in my Community and Regional Planning classes I feel like this is where I am supposed to be. The more I reflect on this I realize this has always been my passion. In high school, I fell in love with Environmental Science as we learned about engaging topics. I realized just how environmentally conscious my whole family is. Both my grandparents grew up on a farm and they would have to rely on specific sustainable practices, such as conserving water, using leftovers for compost, and making use of everything around them. There are many practices that my grandparents and parents use to make this world sustainable.

 

All these affordances that will be promoted by me will benefit the world rather than taking from it. As an Environmental Planner, I will be promoting sustainable outlets by creating affordances that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One such affordance is building living areas that have everything conveniently located within walking distance. As a future professional in Environmental Planning and Design, my long-term goal is to implement sustainable practices that create environmentally friendly communities.