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Geoff Abbott |
Architect Geoff Abbott of the CSIR has been selected as a lead judge in the biannual awards of the Design & Health International Academy.
The academy is a global, interdisciplinary knowledge community that aims to stimulate and apply research in the areas of design, health, science and culture.
As the lead judge in the category 'Low Cost Project in a Developing Economy', Abbott joins the ranks of other independent experts from Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
The Academy's awards recognise professional excellence in the research and practice of designing healthy environments. These awards are open to international organisations and individuals active in research or practice, including the planning, procurement, design, construction and management of healthy built environments. (The closing date for entries is 1 April 2010.)
"The category that I'm involved in is aimed at a completed healthcare scheme where resources are limited. Entries must demonstrate design ingenuity and innovation; a locally and environmentally appropriate and functional health service environment; recognition of user rights and dignity; patient safety and security; and be able to be maintained locally," comments Abbott.
At CSIR Built Environment, Abbott specialises in health facility architecture and strategic infrastructure planning. He is a past president of the South African Federation of Hospital Engineering (SAFHE) and was also recently awarded honorary life membership by the federation. Abbott represents South Africa on the public health group of the International Union of Architects and is an executive member for Africa.
His current work focus is on a research, development and implementation project for accommodation for drug-resistant TB patients in South Africa. This project is funded by the Global Fund. Abbott lectures in health facility planning and design at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Cape Town, and in property management at the University of the Free State.
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