Kitchenscapes, Tablescapes, Platescapes, and Foodscapes

Abstract

Built environments at many scales influence the type and amount of food consumed. Macroscale food systems and food landscapes influence food choices, and microscale rooms, furniture, containers, and objects influence food intake. The authors review literature about how four ubiquitous microscale built environments are persistent but often unrecognized influences on food intake. Kitchenscapes influence food intake through availability, diversity, and visibility of foods; tablescapes through variety, abundance, and accessibility; platescapes through portion and/or package size, arrangement, and utensil type; and food-scapes through food-item forms and landmarks. Microgeographies of built environments provide a subtle, pervasive, and often unconscious influence on food choices, food intake, obesity, and health. Reengineering built environments may offer opportunities to shape food intake.