Chris Fersterer

MDes Candidate

Curriculum vitae

In 2008 Chris Fersterer graduated from University of Otago with a Post Graduate Diploma in Consumer and Applied Science (with distinction).

His early training was in the field ceramic arts where he worked for some years both as a production potter and as a ceramics lecturer at the Otago Polytechnic, School of Art.

In 2002 he graduated from Otago Polytechnic with a diploma in architectural drafting and began working as a free lance architectural designer before, in 2005, becoming a lecturer in product & interior design. He currently continues this work in the Polytechnic design department as the academic leader for interior design.

Research

Current research focuses on how Department of Conservation might better reflect the ‘positive’ design elements inherent in the vernacular of the Kiwi bach or crib.

Background research that may inform this work has been in micro architecture and in particular the adaptation of ISO shipping containers.

The literature review phase will be followed by the development of shelter solutions that draw on participatory design process within the conservation estate.

Areas of proposed research

• The identification of modes of place attachment within the conservation estate and how this might be enhanced with improved shelter design.
• The identification of design elements within existing DoC structures that contribute to a recognized and valued design language.
• The potential of contemporary ‘micro’ architecture design solutions to enable sustainable building practices in remote wilderness areas.