Permacomputing | viznut

Permacomputing | viznut

This is a collection of random thoughts regarding the application of permacultural ideas to the computer world.

Permacomputing

Permacomputing is a term originating from the demoscene, known for squeezing the most out of very restricted computing resources, such as the 4k intro with a maximum executable file size of 4096 bytes. Artist programmer Ville-Matias Heikkilä, aka Viznut, coined the term in a text he published on his website in 2020 1. What stands out in this writing is the holistic approach to computing and sustainability by taking inspiration from permaculture. In both computing and agriculture, problems are usually solved by increasing control over a process, which often goes hand in hand with an increase in resource use. Permaculture uses methods that lets nature do the work, minimizing the reliance on artificial energy. Heikkilä sees similarities between how both permaculture practitioners and hackers find clever solutions to problems. He writes that the existence of computers can only be justified by their ability to augment the potential of humans to have a strengthening effect on ecosystems.

Permacomputing Update 2021 | viznut

It is now more than a year since I wrote my "early notes" about Permacomputing. At that time, I was not yet aware of anyone else having similar ideas, so I've now decided to write an update that connects my ideas with the existing discussions and activities. I also want to share some new ideas I have been pondering about. This text is about 33K characters / 4900 words long, so allocate your time accordingly.

Permacomputing

Permacomputing is a computing design philosophy which aims to improve resilience by using regenerative design in computer and network technology. It is inspired by permaculture.[1] Permacomputing approaches to computing often involve paying more attention to the life-cycle of hardware (including re-use and designing for older hardware),[1] using low-level languages such as FORTH that have greater operability with older hardware, and fostering a more mindful relationship with technology.[2]

Permacomputing

Editor's note: As a programmer, media artist and educator teaching and working with computation and digital media, the nascent community and thinking around permacomputing has helped frame my own thinking and response to the wasteful and consumption-oriented nature of digital electronics and computation. This interview by Counter-N with two early thinkers on the concept of permacomputation provides a strong introduction to the concept and related movements.

  Permacomputing as a practice for digital Graphic Design

This project explores the application of Permacomputing principles in graphic design. Permacomputing represents a concept and community dedicated to promoting a more sustainable use of computer and network technology. The design principles of permacomputing, their origins and significance serve as a practical theoretical framework.

permacomputing

Permacomputing is both a concept and a community of practice oriented around issues of resilience and regenerativity in computer and network technology inspired by permaculture. ପໄଓ☾☼✫ -☆:*´

Perplexity on Twitter / X

Introducing Perplexity Computer.Computer unifies every current AI capability into one system.It can research, design, code, deploy, and manage any project end-to-end. pic.twitter.com/dZUybl6VkY— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) February 25, 2026

Redefining our needs: Permacomputing and Vernacular computing

How to ensure an increasing focus on sustainability in computing?

Permaculture YouTube channels

54 votes, 39 comments. 378K subscribers in the Permaculture community. A community for like-minded individuals to discuss permaculture and…

Permacomputing and the Dance of Repair Amid the Vestiges of Digital Obsolescence « Performing the Internet

Assuming this is an AI generated image for ELECTRONICS < > ECOLOGIES series

principles

Contemporary permaculture is founded on three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. These ethics serve as a guiding compass for its design principles, co-creating a holistic framework for regenerative living. Similarly, permacomputing is built upon 10 principles that encourage and raise awareness about more sustainable digital practices.

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Sepp Holzer was doing permaculture before he ever heard the word. To my knowledge, his farm is, by far, the best example of permaculture...

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A layer of intelligence for the physical world. We are a research company building the future of Physical AGI.