Dr Dorita Hannah

Professor
Program Director: Spatial Design
Post-Graduate Director: Institute of Design for Industry and the Environment

Qualifications attained:

PhD with Distinction (New York University)
MA with Distinction (New York University)
BArch Hons (Auckland University)
LTCL (Drama: Trinity College of London)

Teaching and research interests:

Architecture and performance form the principle threads that weave through Dorita Hannah's creative work, teaching and research. Her practice includes scenographic, interior, exhibition and installation design with a specialized architectural consultancy in buildings for the visual & performing arts as well as international performance design projects. She has published on practices that negotiate between art, architecture and performance. In 2007 she was a member of the international jury for the Prague Quadrennial and in 2006 convened an International Symposium on Performance Design in Rome that brought together interdisciplinary artists, performers, architects and theorists, resulting in the publication of an anthology. Hannah also recently co-edited a themed issue on Architecture/Performance for JAE. She has practiced as a designer in New Zealand, Australia, London, Czech Republic, Greece and New York, gaining awards and citations for her creative work, including a UNESCO Laureate in 1999. Hannah is currently vice-Chair for OISTAT's History/Theory Commission and is on the editorial board for a three-volume publication on World Stage Design.

Selected Research/Practice Highlights - Authored Publications

-2008: Performance Design: co-editor of international anthology: (Museum Tusculanum Press).
-2008: Architecture/Performance: co-editor of themed edition of refereed journal JAE: Journal of Architectural Education (Blackwell Press).
-2006: IDEA Journal: refereed paper: 'Dancing Between the Lines: The Jewish Museum of Berlin' (Interior Design Educators Association).
-2006: Cluster: Sasha Waltz Dance Co: chapter: 'Body Space: Mining the Limits between Architecture & Dance': (Henschel Verlag, Berlin).
-2006: The Senses In Performance: chapter: 'Containment & Contamination: A Performance Landscape for the Senses at PQ03' (Routledge Press).
-2005: Exquisite Apart: 100 Years Of Architecture In New Zealand: chapter: 'Architecture as Stage': (NZIA/Balasoglou Books).
-2004: Eating Architecture: chapter: 'Butcher's White: Flesh and Pu(t)rification in NYC's Meatpacking District' (MIT Press).

Selected Research/Practice Highlights - Design Practice

-2006: NZ International Arts Festival: 'Aarero Stone: 2 Solos In A Performance Landscape': Designer of World Premiere (Gained DINZ Gold Award).
-2005: Duncan Research Centre, Athens, Greece: 'Her Topia: A Dance Architecture Event' Designer of Site-Specific Performance. Conceived with choreographer Carol Brown.
-2004: Hirschfeld Gallery, 'DisPlay: Re-membering a Performance Landscape': co-Designer of installation at Wellington City Gallery: International Arts Festival 2004.
-2003: Prague Quadrennial 2003: 'Heart Of PQ': Design Director of site-specific architectural installation as central thematic exhibit (Gained NZIA award and Bliznakov Prize commendation. Selected for exhibition at World Stage Design, Toronto, 2005).
-2000: Pacific Events Centre, Manukau City: Theatre Planning Consultant for 700-seat flexible auditorium and associated facilities.
-1999: Waikato University: Performing Arts Academy: Theatre Planning Consultant for Complex with 3 auditoria (Project gained NZIA awards).
-1999: Prague Quadrennial 1999: 'Landing: 7 Stages: Aotearoa New Zealand': National Commissioner and Project Coordinator of NZ exhibit. (Gained UNESCO Prize and AASA refereed academic citation).
-1995-2006: Studio 77: Theatre Planning Consultant for Development of VUW laboratory theatre and facilities, 2003-6. (Gained AASA refereed academic citation).

Contact details:

Phone: +64 4 8012794 ext 6690
Fax: +64 4 801 2799
Email: d.m.hannah@massey.ac.nz
Address: Private Box 756 Wellington