Writings – Scott Penman

Toward Computational Play

Last fall, I presented a summary of my thesis work at the ACADIA 2017: Disciplines and Disruptions conference held at MIT. It was an exciting entry into the publishing/conference world, and the condensed format of the paper supplies me with a nice, concise version of my thesis. I’ve converted it into a blog post, sansContinue reading “Toward Computational Play”

The Pursuit of Certainty

In setting up a counterpoint to last the last post (The Pursuit of Risk), it seems only fitting to again begin with David Pye: “With the workmanship of risk we may contrast the workmanship of certainty, always to be found in quantity production, and found in its pure state in full automation. In workmanship ofContinue reading “The Pursuit of Certainty”

The Pursuit of Risk

Building on my last post ((Re)Defining Play), I’d like to expand the idea that the core trait of play is an attitude rather than an observable, external activity. I intend to situate play within a broader notion of what I will call the pursuit of risk. This phrase pulls directly from David Pye’s “workmanship ofContinue reading “The Pursuit of Risk”

(Re)Defining Play

In my undergraduate thesis, I explored the topic of play at length. The fact that I was allowed to conduct a research thesis (rather than a design thesis) is arguably responsible for my current status as a grad student, but I admit I did not anticipate that I would ultimately repeat (and expand) the veryContinue reading “(Re)Defining Play”

Virtual Medium: A History

medium (n): 1580s, “a middle ground, quality, or degree,” from Latin medium “the middle, midst, center; interval,” noun use of neuter of adjective medius (see medial (adj.)). Meaning “intermediate agency, channel of communication” is from c. 1600. – etymonline.com I continually find myself returning to this word. At the risk of oversimplifying things, I’d like to posit the theory that designContinue reading “Virtual Medium: A History”

Digital Play

Well, looks like graduation has come up out of nowhere, just as everyone promised it would. In just a few days, I will no longer be a student, having completed my undergraduate degree in architecture at Mississippi State University. What happens next is the topic for another post – right now, I’d like to talkContinue reading “Digital Play”