Otago Polytechnic creative and applied technologies group
manager Alistair Regan, who will head the new Otago
Institute of Design planned for the Wickliffe site on the
corner of Clyde and Albany Sts. Photo by Linda Robertson.
Alistair Regan is a happy man.
After years of negotiations, planning and funding
applications, the Otago Institute of Design is about to
become a reality.
And, if he has his way, it will soon become the leading
design facility in the country, offering a combination of
academic courses, product development facilities, design
research capabilities, advisory services and practical
support for businesses.
"We've been working on this for three and a-half years.
''I'm very positive and upbeat that something is finally
about to happen."
Mr Regan, the polytechnic's group manager of creative and
applied technologies, has been appointed general manager of
the institute.
He floated the idea of a joint venture between Otago
Polytechnic and the University of Otago after overseeing the
expansion of the polytechnic's design courses and noting the
friendly relationships which already existed between design
staff from the two institutions.
A combined polytechnic-university facility had never been
attempted before in New Zealand, he said.
"No-one else is doing anything like this . . . and I don't
think it could happen anywhere else.
''People in Dunedin want to work together.
''We realise that together we can do more."
The concept had been well received by Otago local
authorities, business leaders and education leaders, he said.
The Tertiary Education Commission also showed its support in
October with a $12.5 million grant towards the new building.
By combining personnel and resources, it was hoped the
institute would be able to provide students and others with
more opportunities in a cost-effective way, Mr Regan said.
Another major advantage for students was that the polytechnic
and university had agreed some design papers could be
cross-credited.
That meant students could follow a study path which might
involve taking classes at both institutions.
Asked what design was, Mr Regan said it was about thinking
about new and existing products or processes and trying to
improve them.
"Designers want to make a difference.
''They want to change the world."
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