The Living Design Series emphasises sustainable and adaptable design solutions, showcasing building and their spaces as dynamic entities that serve the needs of users. It initiates dialogue on how design can shape healthier and more resilient environments for people and the planet. This series has been curated by the Queensland Climate Action and Sustainability Committee.
The series will consist of four consecutive webinars. Each webinar will include a 40-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session.
The March 2026 webinar titled “Good Bones, Shared Tables” reflects on how the inherent structure of an existing building, shaped collaboration, can support generous, community-centred spaces for food and gathering. Born from Food Connect’s grassroots mission to connect farmers and community, the Shed transforms a former industrial building into an open, adaptable civic space. While the Shed offered a great anatomy of an expansive floor plate, sawtooth roof and a setting defined by parkland and quiet streets, it was constrained by poor access, flooding risk, limited daylight and airflow, and a termite-damaged, unwelcoming street facade.
The project tackled these challenges head-on through collaboration and ingenuity. Working closely with the builder, Shed volunteers and supportive structural engineer, existing structural members were salvaged and reused, and materials were sourced as locally as possible, including from within the Shed itself. A rebuilt facade and adjusted roof pitch open the building to the street, improving accessibility, ventilation and daylight while inviting the neighbourhood in. The result is a flexible, resilient and evolving community hub—one shaped by constraints and strengthened by collective effort.
More info: https://www.emmascragg.com/portfolio/food-connect-shed/