Dorita Hannah

Biography

Dorita has taught and researched in schools of architecture, design and theatre while practicing as an architect, designer and event-maker in New Zealand, Australia, London, Czech Republic, Greece and New York, gaining awards and citations for her creative work. She has also been a Visiting Scholar and Professor to NYU, Columbia and SUNY Buffalo (USA), Beijing Academy of Performing Arts (China), Roskilde University (Denmark) and University of Novi Sad (Serbia).  She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Aalto University School of Arts, Design & Architecture (Finland). Working between the School of Creative Arts and the School of Architecture & Design, Dorita is a key researcher and practitioner in the new Creative Exchange Institute, with her creative work, teaching and research concentrating on the intersection between the varying fields. While she publishes on intersecting art forms, her research-led design practice incorporates scenographic, interior, exhibition and installation design, as well as a specialized consultancy in theatre architecture and the creation of international dance-architecture projects. Focusing on 'event-space' her work investigates how the built environment housing an event is itself an event and an integral driver of experience.

Research Interest

Dorita's research interests align with the University's research theme Creativity, Culture and Society.  Her research and creative work focuses on cultural politics and design activism, strongly informed by expertise in architectural and performance theory. She has also published on practices that negotiate between architecture, art and design, including her own trans-disciplinary work.