Defining Theory, Criticism, and Environment

I’m nowhere near an expert on the theory of interior design. In fact, I find the entire subject rather daunting. As I understand it, interior design crosses the paths of many disciplines; psychology, environmental design, economics, and gender studies (to name a few off the top of my head.) Since these varied disciplines are related to interior design, it makes sense that they have an affect on it’s theory as well. Admittedly, this is where I start to have problems understanding everything. If only interior design had it’s own defined theory – perfectly wrapped in a box and easily understood by every person who opened it! That would be helpful, don’t you think?

If I had such a box, it’d certainly help me define the terms Theory, Criticism, and Environment, but since I have no such box… I am going to try to define these terms with the understanding I currently have of them. I trust that my understanding will evolve as I progress through this class and I look forward to an increased understanding and appreciation for design theory and environmental behavior studies.

What is theory?

• As I understand it, the word theory comes from the Greek word “theoria” which translates into contemplation (literally, to view or witness, to behold something as a spectator). The name “Design Observer” was chosen to reflect this idea – to view or witness, observe, or contemplate interior design through the lenses of multiple theories.

What is Criticism?

• Immediately thoughts of “doom” begin to bounce around in my mind. For the purpose of this class, I understand that criticism is actually about critical thinking and not about passing value judgements. In fact, I love the idea that criticism is actually a new way of looking at things, it’s an option to view things through another lense (whatever that lense may be).

What is Environment?

• This one I struggle to put into words. I’d like to believe that I have decent understanding of what an environment is. The best way for me to describe it is like this: Environment is your surroundings, whether real or perceived. One’s environment isn’t just about what you can see, touch, or smell, etc. It’s about intangible items as well.

The next few weeks should proof rather interesting – will I still hold to my original thoughts on these definitions? Or will I gain a better understanding of them? Though a single, defined theory for interior design would make things easier, I gotta admit, that would be rather boring too.

Filed under: criticism, Environment, Theory, criticism, design theory, interior design