Michael Dickson

Michael Dickson is an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Queensland. He has served as a lecturer in design and technology within the school, coordinating student projects such as the redesign of the campus kindergarten play space in 2009, where architecture students developed team-work skills and deep understanding of client needs through modular play structures. In 2011, he coordinated the SpICE project, challenging students to propose innovative housing solutions for Brisbane. More recently, in 2024, he taught the Dwelling and Density studio to Master of Architecture students, focusing on contemporary urban challenges. Dickson also acts as academic adviser for initiatives like modular engineered wood projects with civil engineering students in 2016.

His research centers on the process of making buildings, integrating digital manufacturing technologies and fabrication with participatory approaches that engage builders, craftspeople, building owners, and communities. Dickson investigates how technology can enable simple fabrication using under-utilized resources to produce novel, adaptable, sustainable, and affordable structures. By combining high-tech processes with low-tech materials and construction methods, his work democratizes advanced building techniques. Current efforts include design and manufacturing systems for low-grade roundwood from Queensland hardwood plantations and collaborative student projects on user-built, flat-pack prefabricated secondary dwellings for affordable, reconfigurable transitional housing that fosters community engagement and cost reduction. Key publications include conference papers such as 'Finding space between design thinking and CAD training' (2011), 'Concepts of play informing aspects of the design studio' (2010), and 'Studio as laboratory: A hinge between idea and practice' (2007). Creative works feature 'Feel the ground. Wall house: one to one' (2012) with Anupama Kundoo, exhibited at the Venice Arsenale. He co-authored the research report 'A market assessment and evaluation of structural roundwood products from hardwood pulp plantations' (2011). Notable designs encompass 'Courtyards and Corners: A New Rural Residential Dwelling' (2001), 'Hobart Waterfront International Design Competition' (2007), 'A New School Vision' (2011), 'Site setting and circumstance: A house and courtyard garden, Riga, Latvia' (2005), and 'Journey from the park, to forest to clearing and the prospect' (2005). Dickson coordinates the UQ School of Architecture, Design and Planning Winter Sleepout, supporting the Second Chance Programme for 25 years as of 2025. He received a nomination for the 2018 UQ Awards for Excellence.

Professional Email: m.dickson@uq.edu.au