What Does “Black Box” Mean to You?

“Black box” — which definition of the term do you use?

The general public might say “flight data recorder” or “a computer thing that works mysteriously”. Theater folks might say “simple, reconfigurable performance space”. But those aren’t the definitions I’m looking for.

(And I’m going to ask you for yours in a second, so get ready.)

Museum folks, exhibition teams, and architects use the term to refer to a kind of gallery space. Usually, it's “black box” versus “white box”. Some add “grey box” in between.

We assume it means what we think it means. But do we all mean the same thing? Let’s find out. I’ll publish the numbers, so we all see what we said. Here we go:

Which definition of “black box” (for museum gallery spaces) do you use?

A. No daylight
B. Painted black
C. Architecture disappears
D. All of the above
E. Other (let me know what)

Please hit REPLY — right now — and tell me your vote!

Here’s the thing:
“Black box” is a common term in the museum planning world. But what do we all actually mean when we use it?

Did I mention to hit REPLY?

Warmly,
Jonathan