Victoria
The Roundtable is a temporary 7m diameter communal table filled with edible plants, located in the Errol St Reserve, North Melbourne. Commissioned for the post COVID City Activation Grant program, the Roundtable has positively contributed to it’s community, hosting events and serving as a gathering space; a place for harvesting herbs, working, eating, and interacting.
The design minimizes environmental impact, using digital tools for optimal material use. The table’s folded geometry reduces material consumption, while its parts slot together easily, assembled by two people in half a day. The structure uses FSC plywood, and a mild steel top for weather resilience and longevity. All materials are recyclable or up cyclable, extending its benefit beyond its installation period.
The Roundtable offers a place to gather, share, and connect, promoting social interaction and environmental consciousness through urban food plants. It’s a testament to how small, community focused design can positively impact the world.
Although funded by the City of Melbourne via the City Activation Grant program, the project clients are the local residents.
President of North & West Melbourne Precinct Association, Sylvia Hungria, writes: “Social isolation is an epidemic in many of our communities. The Roundtable has been a thriving hub where the community gathered for social interactions. A diverse urban green space with great impact, that provided the extra benefits of sensorial experiences with the edible garden. We as a community have benefited so much with this amazing initiative. We would love to have it as a permanent feature of our suburb.”
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
