Which philosophical approach interprets the environment as a text and values simplicity?

The hermeneutic approach is grounded in the interpretation of texts and meanings, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context, symbols, and relationships within the environment. By viewing the environment as a text, this philosophical perspective encourages a deeper analysis of how architectural and spatial elements convey cultural, historical, and social narratives.

This approach values simplicity because it seeks clarity and transparency in interpretation, often stripping away complex layers to uncover fundamental truths within the built environment. In architecture, this can translate to minimalist design principles that emphasize function and meaning over unnecessary embellishments.

The hermeneutic interpretation invites architects and planners to engage thoughtfully with their surroundings, recognizing the inherent stories and contexts that shape environments, and advocating for designs that respect and reflect those narratives. This method contrasts with the other philosophical approaches, each of which focuses on different aspects of human experience and understanding, such as individual existence, power dynamics, or psychological processes.