Contact details +6449793224

Stuart Foster BDes, MDes

Senior Lecturer in Spatial Design

School of Design

The founding principles of Stuart’s research are drawn from architecture, phenomenology of perception and haptic technologies. Immersive interactive art and design presented in public and or site-specific environments, that communicate cultural and social connectedness through innovative use of technology, interdisciplinary aesthetics and methodologies.  Stuart’s creation of artefacts, installations and curatorial practices, are to activate participatory space, alongside, textual and oral presentations. Stuart’s research aims are to produce innovative forms and experiences that pose new alternatives toward 21st century world ideas and insights that will influence ensuing values. 

 

‘Material Remains,’ an interactive national student exhibition at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and invitation as Co-curator for The Prague Quadrennial 2015 ‘PQ15’ (with Amanda Yates: AUT) for the NZ national exhibition ‘Ahua o te Rā-ngī’ demonstrate Fosters expertise in curatorial practice in cross-cultural spatial immersive design.

Foster achieves a wide range of high-level digital based experimental and exploratory projects through collaboration with experts in their specialist fields.

Foster has also exhibited works such as ‘Micro-inhabitation’ with N. McLeod at Form Gallery Perth, 2013; exploring microscopic form and surface processed through gaming software.

‘Tipi-Rā-ngī’, for Scanz2013: 3rd nature, The ‘He māmā whenua’ and ‘Hīnātore’ projects for TEZA2013, plus “Ko Tatou te tangata’ for MAP2014 exemplify Foster’s innovative use of sound-carrying laser and LED lights within kaupapa-driven visual aural experiences within land-based environments. These were created with K.Puke and Te Matahiapo Research Organisation (http://www.tematahiapo.org.nz)

‘Tūrama pou’ for WgtnLUX:2013 highlight Foster’s data-responsive illuminated site-specific sculpture, while, ‘Robra/Arbor” for Art in the Dark, Akld, emphasize possibilities with light projection and software.  ‘Jeuplay’ for Performance Arcade, Akld Fringe and Awesome Festival in Australia exemplify highly effective interactive and reactive public installations.  These projects are one of many as a member of Interrupt Collective  http://interrupt-collective.blogspot.co.nz

‘Space an interactive artwork for The Edge Interactive Art Wall, Aotea Centre, Auckland and ‘Chirp’ for the ilight festival, Marina Bay Singapore in 2012 exemplify Foster’s innovative use of technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), camera vision and embedded sensors to provide audience interactivity within the context of exhibition and art installation environments.

In 2011, Foster received accolades at the Design Institute of New Zealand’s Best Awards, a gold pin for the set design of ‘Everything is Okay’ and a silver award for interactive installation ‘GeoPing’ .

 

Foster also works with digital fabrication technologies and  in 2013 received a Diploma of Digital Fabrication (Fab Academy: FabLab Network).  Commissions such as ‘Flitch’, with W.Neale  for the Research Institute of New Zealand http://www.fablabwgtn.co.nz/project-showcase demonstrate expertise in design, craftsmanship and contemporary construction technologies. Foster was acknowledged through his selection to exhibit ‘Splice’ in the internationally-profiled and curated exhibition 'Somewhat Different: Contemporary Design and the Powers of Convention' sponsored by the Goethe Institute.

 

As a design-led researcher, Stuart Foster specialises in the fields of digital interactive experiences and digital fabrication technologies. His research focuses on emerging technologies through the application of virtual modelling, visualizing and sensing technologies to create immersive experiences that test the limits of and interface between physical space and digital space.Stuart produces artworks, site-specific installations, curatorial and written works often working within creative collaborations with both Massey University and external partners. 

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Professional

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) - Massey University (2005)
  • Master of Design - Massey University (2007)

Prizes and Awards

  • Best Awards for 3 categories 1) Toitutanga- Gold Textiles, Gold and Light Design -Silver . Signitificant contribution to application process with Ngatai Taepa and Stuart Foster (on behalf of the wider Te Kahui Toi group) with Ari Stevens of Athfeild Architecture. - Designers Institute of New Zealand DINZ (2022)
  • Resenes Nightingale Award - Kura Puke, Stuart Foster and Ngatai Taepa contributed to the application of this award alongside Ari Stevens from Athfeild Architects. This article was based on the colour applied in the wharenui (Kura Puke, Saffronn Te Ratana and Ngatai Taepa) with painted artworks using Resene Paints in wharenui. Resene Paints is a major sponsor to the national architecture and design awards. - Resenes (2022)
  • NZ Timber Design Awards- Speciality Timber - Kura Puke, Stuart Foster and Ngatai Taepa (on behalf of Te Kahui Toi) contributed to the application of this award alongside Ari Stevens from Athfeild Architects. This article was based on the innovative and excellent application of Totara to ‘Te Whaioranga te Whaio’ wharenui, Te Rau Karamu marae. - NZ Timber Design Awards hosted by Timber Unlimited (2023)
  • The New Zealand Best Design Awards Bronze Award in recognition of the work "NZPQ15 Ahua o te Rangi", a temporary exhibition structure created for the Prague Quadriennial 2015 (PQ15). This work was supported by Creative and Design directors Stuart Foster and Amanda Yates. Foster was also a team member. The Best Design Awards are run by the Designers Institute of New Zealand. They are an annual showcase of excellence in graphic, spatial, product, interactive and motion design. - The Best Design Awards 2016 (2016)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Spatial Design

Interaction Design

Interface Design

Digital Fabrication

Thematics

Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Architectural Design (120101): Architecture (120100): Architecture not elsewhere classified (120199): Building (120200): Built Environment And Design (120000):
Communications Technologies (100500):
Interior Design (120106):
Other Technology (109900):
Performing Arts and Creative Writing (190400): Performing Arts and Creative Writing not elsewhere classified (190499): Studies In Creative Arts And Writing (190000):
Technology (100000)

Keywords

Spatial Design

Interaction Design

Interface Design

Digital Fabrication

 

Research Outputs

Journal

Foster, S., & Puke, K. (2024). Ki te Titia Taku Raukura: Should My Plume of Peace be Witnessed Quivering. Memory Connection. 4(1), 58-71 Retrieved from https://memoryconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Memory-Connection-2024.pdf
[Journal article]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Archer-Martin, J., Foster, S., & Kura, P. (2023). Waewae Taku Haere: Stepping into Belonging in Storied Landscapes. idea journal. 20(1), 151-179 Retrieved from https://journal.idea-edu.com/index.php/home/article/view/511
[Journal article]Authored by: Foster, S.Contributed to by: Puke, K.
Foster, S., & Puke, K. (2019). Kapo, Ka Pō Ka Awatea. Memory Connection. 3(1), 144-175 Retrieved from http://memoryconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Memory-Connection_30MB.pdf
[Journal article]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.Contributed to by: Foster, S.

Book

Galbraith, HL., & Saluti, AJ.(2016). Trigger points. Syracuse and New York, USA: Syracuse University Art Galleries
[Authored Book]Authored by: Galbraith, H.Contributed to by: Brown, A., Foster, S., TeAo, S.Edited by: Galbraith, H.

Creative Work

Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2024) He Raukura ra Tenei - Aroaro [audio-visual screenwork]. [Exhibition] Cine Cosmos Cinema, Universidad Buenos Aires
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2024) Taumaha kā roimata, Muramura kā Takiwai ...he taonga - 2. [Exhibition] Wellington Museum
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.Contributed to by: Puke, K.
Puke, K., Foster, S., & Bridgman, M. (2022, September 14). Ahi Kaa ! E Noho Koniahi ! Ko Ngā Taringa i Kite !. (No. of Pieces: 2) [Light , sound, and visual art installations]. Wellington Waterfront.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2020) Te Mouri. [Exhibition] Waterscreen, Whairepo Lagoon, Wellington Waterfront
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Belton, D., Bonshek, C., & Foster, S. (2019). Laniakea. HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast, Austrialia: HOTA, Home of the Arts,
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.Contributed to by: Foster, S.
Belton, D., & Foster, S. (2019). Astrolabe – whakaterenga. National Museum of Singapore, G10: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/our-exhibitions/exhibition-list/astrolabe?sc_lang=en
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.Contributed to by: Foster, S.
Foster, S., & Mehzoud, S. (2019, June 6). Curation of NZPQ19 Te āhua tū wātea: New Zealand representation at Prague Quadrennial 2019 (Exhibition of Countries and Regions Section). Czechia: Prague Quadrennial.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Foster, S., Mehzoud, S.
Foster, S., & Belton, D. (2018). ONEONE Matariki Ahi Kā.
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.
Taepa, N., Birch, I., Te Ratana, S., Puke, K., Foster, S., & Rakena, R. (2017) Kuratini Marae wharenui. [Exhibition] Massey University Campus, Wellington
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S., Taepa, N.Contributed to by: Taepa, N.
Foster, S., & Puke, K. (2016) E tuhi i konā! E rapa i konā : Cast your glow here and there!. [Exhibition] [Interactive sound imbued illumination, accessible portable digital light /sound technologies]. For, 'Water Peace Power 2016', Parihaka Visitor Day, Parahuka Marae, Parihaka Papakainga, Taranaki, New Zealand
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, S., & Puke, K. (2015) Wai : Kinect. [Exhibition] [Projection: Animated audio-visual of ceremonial maioha using infra-red motion detection (playstation ‘kinect’)]. Presented in the Huatoki tunnel underpass, Huatoki River, New Plymouth, New Zealand. For, SCANZ2015 wai*peace
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, S., & Puke, KA. (2014). Te Hononga: The Joining of Two Worlds. ([Site-specific installation and ceremony; reactive sound-carrying LED lanterns, projection mapping, live cellular/broadband connection, speakers].) Te Hononga: The Joining of Two Worlds: Hinemihi Te Ao Tawhito, Clandon House, Clandon Park, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
[Performance]Authored by: Foster, S.
Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2013) Te Ao Awatea. [Exhibition] [Audio visual, ceremonial led content including karanga, karakia by cultural experts in marae-based landscape calling to the London-based cloak]. Presented simultaneously in NZ & UK. Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand and University College London, United Kingdom
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2013) Tipi Rā-ngī: Traversing the Heavens. [Exhibition] [Interactive, site-specific installation, night-scape, sound-carrying laser light, solar panel receiver, speakers, aural content]. For, SCANZ2013: 3rd Nature. Te Rewa Rewa pa/archaeological site, Fitzroy, New Plymouth, New Zealand
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2013) E Hahana nei i te Hīnātore: To emit brilliance in the wonder of the world. [Exhibition] [Site-specific installation: sound imbued LED lights, ishuffles, headphones with solar sensors, aural content]. Creative Core, New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand. For, TEZA2013
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST., Nortje,, J., Silver, H., & Woodham, A. (2011) Inside the frame. [Exhibition] Wellington Waterfront
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2011) Chirp. [Exhibition] The Edge Interactive Art Wall, Aotea Centre, Auckland, New Zealand (15 April - 30 May)
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2011). Digital Archive. 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, Prague, Czech Republic (16 Jun - 26 Jun).
[Exhibition]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2011). Material Remains. [Curator and Exhibition Design]. 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, Prague, Czech Republic (16 Jun - 26 Jun).
[Exhibition]Authored by: Foster, S.
Preston, J., Foster, S., Payne, J., & Neale, W.(2011). Somewhat, unpacking foriegn bodies. [quicktime video]. ULTIMA THULE: Journal of Architectural Imagination (online multimedia journal ISSN:1839-9991)
[Film or Video]Authored by: Foster, S., Preston, J.
Foster, ST. (2010) "Splice" in somewhat different: Contemporary design and the powers of convention. [Exhibition] Included in 'somewhat different: Contemporary design and the powers of convention', Great Hall, Massey University, Wellington, NZ (01 May - 30 May)
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST., & Appierdo, R. (2010). Everything is Okay. Bats theater, Warehouse 70 Cable St,, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST., Mezhoud, S., & Adank, RG. (2010). Mac Pac Interactive Product Information Interface prototype. The 7th Australian Conference on Interactive Entertainment, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand (22 Nov - 23 Nov)
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, S., & Gallagher, S. (2010). Live. Repeat. Playback.: Student exhibition. [Curator and Exhibition Design]. St Paul Street Gallery, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (13 Aug - 28 Aug).
[Exhibition]Authored by: Foster, S.
Trubridge, S., Appierdo, R., & Foster, S. (2010) Time Capsule. [Exhibition] Included in 'Low Lives 2', Online performance network screened at multiple venues across the United States (30 Apr)
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2009). Carnival Hound. Print Factory, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2009). Live at Six. Bats Theatre Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST.GeoPing. [Exhibition] The Engine Room, Wellington ,New Zealand.
[Artwork]Authored by: Foster, S.

Thesis

Foster, ST. (2006). Being @. (Master's Thesis, Massey University, New Zealand)
[Masters Thesis]Authored by: Foster, S.

Conference

Puke, K., & Foster, S. (2022, October). He Raukura Rā Tēnei : Here is that plume. Presented at Memory: Trauma, site and Materiality Symposium. Online- presentation from Te Rau Karamu Marae Oct 14.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Foster, S., Mehzoud, S., & Adank, R. (2010). Up with the play: TUI prototype design for retail experiences. The 7th Australian Conference on Interactive Entertainment 2010. (pp. 41 - 44). : 7th Australian Conference on Interactive Entertainment
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Adank, R., Foster, S., Mehzoud, S.
Foster, S., Mehzoud, S., & Adank, R.(2010). Up with play: Interactive demonstration. . Wellington, New Zealand
[Conference Other]Authored by: Adank, R., Foster, S.
Foster, S., Mehzoud, S., & Adank, R. (2010). Up with the play. Poster session presented at the meeting of 7th Australasian Conference on Interactive Entertainment. Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Adank, R., Foster, S.
Preston, J., Foster, S., Payne, J., & Neale, W. (2010). Foreign bodies, somewhat unpacked. In Unsettled Containers: Aspects of Interiority(pp. 1 - 1). , InIterstices 12 Under Construction Symposium: Unsettled Containers: University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Foster, S., Preston, J.

Other

Taepa, N., Macgregor, H., Puke, K., Foster, S., Taepa, W., Jahnke, R., . . . Te Ratana, S. (2021). Te Rau Karamu Marae.
[Other]Authored by: Foster, S., Jahnke, R., Macgregor, H., Taepa, N.
Puke, KA. (2016, May). Te Māori. In Memory Works Symposium. Presented at Lubin House Syracuse University, NYC.
[Oral Presentation]Contributed to by: Foster, S.
Puke, KA., & Foster, ST. (2014, January). Katere Ki te Moana: Ko Tatou Te Tangata: We are the people. Presented at Te Rewa Rewa, New Plymouth.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Foster, S.
Puke, KA., & Foster, ST. (2013, December). Standing in the Light. Presented at 'Creative Summit' forum, TEZA2013 Transitional Economic Zone of Aotearoa, held at the Creative Hub, New Brighton Mall, Christchurch.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Foster, S., Puke, K.
Foster, ST., & Puke, K. (2013, April). Te Ao Awatea. In School of Anthropology, UCL University College of London, UK..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Foster, S.
Foster, ST. (2011, July). Space Interrupted. Presented at Massey University. : Wellington Lux 2011, At the intersections of light, space and interaction : art, design and architecture.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Foster, S.

Teaching and Supervision

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Co-supervisor 0 1

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2019 - Claire Hughes - Doctor of Philosophy
    Entanglement: An investigation into the effective union of contemporary art and science communication

Media and Links

Media

  • 10 Dec 2016 - Online
    Spaces of the future (feat. Honours student work)
    Article by ArchitectureNow Editorial Desk about the work of three Spatial Design Honours students who designed apps.
  • 07 Nov 2016 - Online
    Stuff.co.nz article featuring Honours student
    'Wellington tertiary students shining a light on the future of design' by Ruby MacAndrew. Features 2016 Spatial Design Honours student Stephanie O'Shea.
  • 01 Nov 2016 - Magazine, Online
    Capital Exposure - student work cited in Urbis
    CoCA graduate exhibition reviewed in Urbis magazine by the Urbis Editorial Desk. Spatial Design student work cited: "From the design of luxury, floating baches that can motor to other parts of our coa