Planting some Smart Seeds

A resilient energy system and a concept to improve a problematic intersection are the winners of the inaugural Smart Seeds program.

Launched by engineering, architecture and environmental consulting company GHD, with the support of the City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne in 2012, Smart Seeds is designed to help solve complex urban design and infrastructure challenges. As part of the program, 35 students and graduates from eight participating organisations took part in a group innovation competition to solve six real urban-development challenges.

The students worked in teams to prepare concepts that were presented at a recent showcase event and evaluated by four judges: Gary Liddle, CEO VicRoads; Tony Kelly, Managing Director Yarra Valley Water; Cheryl Batagol, Chair EPA Victoria; and Professor Rob Adams, Director City Design, City of Melbourne.

The judges awarded the winning prize to an entry that demonstrated a concept for a resilient energy system capable of capturing and storing renewable energy at a localised level to be used when needed.

In addition, the people’s choice award showcased ways to improve a problematic area of Elizabeth Street where it intersects with Flinders Street. This included the innovative use of water sensitive urban design as well as shading and safety measures to improve the pedestrian experience.

“Smart Seeds provides a great professional development opportunity for young professionals and illustrates the potential for a paradigm shift in how we engage with our strategic clients,” explained Claire Dixon, GHD’s Innovation Leader for Victoria. “We are now helping the winning teams take their concepts to the next level by facilitating introductions to strategic clients that may benefit from these winning concepts.”