M.A. Lecturer in Art History; Professor, Foothill College
Designing the Future: Modern Design and Creative Economy
Simon Pennington has taught at Foothill College since 1995. Simon earned his M.A. (1992) from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England with an emphasis in Romanesque architecture. Simon’s dissertation examined the ruined 12th-century church at Orford, England, proposed a form for the building, and placed it within the context of vigorous economic and political maneuvering by King Henry II and his attempt to dampen the influence of both the papacy and his barons.
Simon, a native of Norwich, England, received his B.A from San Jose State University and has worked extensively in both the private and public sectors including an internship at SFMOMA in the architecture and design department. In addition to Foothill College, Simon has taught at De Anza, Chabot, and San Mateo colleges.
Simon feels strongly that the study of art history not only provides a deeper understanding of specific cultures, their beliefs and history, but more importantly, gives us a keen sense of how we are all connected by our shared experiences. Currently, Simon is particularly interested in the influence of traditional Japanese design in the 21st century.
