OPEN AND FREE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
Thursday 10th April 4:00pm
Seminar Room, Centre for Innovation, 87 St. David St.
Mick Abbott, Design Studies Department, University of Otago
Mick Abbott is a lecturer in Design Studies at the University of Otago. His research investigates the role design has in directing engagements and formulating innovative understandings of natural environments. He is currently working with the Department of Conservation, Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and Otago Natural History Trust on the design of visitor experiences at Sandfly Bay and the proposed Orokonui Sanctuary. Potential design outcomes include the related structures, mapping, way-finding and virtual environments necessary to facilitate these experiences.
In his professional career Mick Abbott was lead designer of the Fairydown and Hallmark Outdoor Equipment ranges, and co-founder and designer of Gondwana Creative Kits. He has received the Monier Design Award, for Architectural Design Excellence, and the Oppenheim Toy Award. His design work has retailed internationally including United States, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Trained as an architect, he is currently completing a PhD in Landscape Architecture on "design-led makings of wilderness".