Cultivating Creativity

“Cultivating Creativity takes us on a deep dive into the power of creative thinking (and making). Through a collection of provocative exercises, Iain Robertson presents what he calls a “why-to manual” that makes the case for risk-taking and thinking outside the box to unlock the inner abilities of students, designers, and citizens.” - Jeff Hou, Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington “In this generous book, Iain shares his conviction that the work of cultivating creativity lies in unearthing and nourishing it, rather than teaching it. He invites readers to close their eyes and spin around just once so when they open their eyes, they might again see the world as the vast and strange place it is.” - Tammy Tasker, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Educational Studies Department, University of Michigan “For any educator concerned with the “life” education of their students, I highly recommend they read, emulate, and, as Iain had hoped, elaborate on the content of this book. Iain and his colleagues have achieved what they set out to do: inspire, encourage, and provide an approach for all educators to help their students uncover their creative potential.” - John Koepke, Professor of Design, University of Minnesota “Cultivating Creativity may show us where the crux lies with discovery learning. The hidden potential of discovery lies in opening up the mind; in cherishing the path, not the goal; and finally, in playing.” - Rolf Reber, Professor of Psychology, University of Oslo “Iain’s work offers an ecosystem to experience and explore, not a path to follow. This book will resonate with anyone interested in harnessing the human capacity to create and to do so reflectively, joyfully, and ethically with an eye toward human flourishing as the most important goal of education.” - Leslie Rupert Herrenkohl, University of Michigan, Professor, Learning Sciences & Technology and Combined Program in Education & Psychology

Iain Robertson is Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington’s Landscape Architecture Department and has served as adjunct faculty with the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, he holds a B.Arch from Edinburgh University and an MLA from the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Robertson’s professional interests focus on the spatial, functional, aesthetic and ecological uses of plants in design and the role of creativity in the practice of design. Currently he is exploring how design and creative thinking may be taught in other disciplines and fields. He has presented on design studio pedagogy at the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture’s annual conferences, and wrote articles on related themes for Landscape Journal.