The purpose of the study is to construct a definition and identify the basic aspects of the concept of environment as a design object by considering the nature of the phenomenon under discussion. A number of general scientific cognitive tools have been used: content analysis, comparison and the method of two-level triadic decoding of categories, which presents a tool of the dynamic information systems theory and categorical and systems methodology. Significant definitions of environment as an object of artistic design have been reviewed, and the basic characteristics of the concept under study have been identified. A conceptual model has been developed and interpreted, and a scientifically grounded definition has been constructed. Theoretical and practical outlooks for further use of the definition and its aspects are discussed.