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Model citizen Otago Polytechnic prototyping facility lecturer Gary Gibson, left, operates a 3D laser scanner.
The scanner can analyse an object and then
create a 3D digital image of it.
Laser scanners of this type are used in the film and gaming industries to create digital images without hours of tedious programming.
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A new joint venture in Dunedin will bring together the university and polytechnic’s design departments.
But the Otago Institute of Design will go a lot further than that, assisting local industry in research and development.
A big part of this is a high-tech prototype modelling facility that’s better than anything else in Australasia.
The institute is a venture headed by Otago Polytechnic design school manager Alistair Regan.
Before coming to Dunedin in 2004, Regan worked at the similar Umea Institute of Design in
Sweden.
In 2005 Regan and the University Design Studies department’s Professor Thomas Bley discussed pooling the two schools’ resources.
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Better design: Alistair Regan
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“We realised there was an opportunity to collaborate and make something better than either of
us have got,” Regan says.
“We have very good facilities which the university doesn’t have. At the same time the university has very good facilities, so it’s literally a win-win situation.”
Regan says the idea for the institute was simply to share educational resources. But it soon became apparent that they could work with local industry to mutual benefit.
Funding of more than $2 million has been obtained from sources such as the Ministry of Economic Development and Otago Forward.
While some classes have already been combined, the institute will be rolled out over the next few years.
Some courses will change but Regan says it won’t affect students much other than making more options available to them.
The ultimate plan is for the two departments to be united in a new 6000sq m building, Regan says.
D Scene understands the proposed site is the Wickliffe Press building in Clyde Street.
A further $2 million in funding has already paid for the prototyping facility.
It is due to open in November, although parts of it are already working at the polytech’s design building on Harbour Terrace.
This operation enables three-dimensional models to be created in different materials.
Among the 12 tools available are laser cutters, a 3D printer, a 3D laser scanner and tube benders.
Students will have access to the best equipment available, facility development manager Campbell Booth says.
“They have the luxury of having different methods to try out their creative ideas.
“It’s sort of a catalyst to try out their creativity but it also gives them a skill base for when they go into working in the industry.”
The prototyping facility is also the main draw for collaborations with industry, Regan says.
“An association with industry from our point of view is starting with the prototyping facility.
“I suppose we’re fielding half a dozen inquiries a week about the use of it.”
Regan says everyone involved thinks it is a positive thing for the city.
“We can see ourselves as one of the top three design-producing towns in New Zealand.
“It’s a reason to come to Dunedin and with the support that we’re giving them it’s a reason to stay.”
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