Concrete Playground

If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then could it also be the gateway to a conscience? Cilla Madden of Collaborate believes so, and this forms the premise of her Eat Green Design project, a sure highlight of Sydney Design 09.

As the assumption that there will always be more fish in the sea starts to wear thin, and we begin to realise that we may have bitten off more than we can chew (or replenish), ‘you are what you eat’ begins to acquire new meaning. This project focuses on providing food for thought on sustainability in a purpose-built exhibition space, which doubles as a restaurant. The idea is to encourage reflection and discussion on ethical and sustainable practices and products at every level of our everyday consumption.

Madden has involved the cream of the designer crop, as well as a huge range of professionals, all working in line with the sustainable brief. Architect Hannah Tribe has designed and built the space, which is filled with furniture, lighting and objects from a range of local designers, including the NEW TO YOU range, which recycles and recreates objects for use as tableware. Chef Jared Ingersoll, of Danks Street Depot, has created a menu of local organic and seasonal food, and Fair Trade coffee will be available during talks from numerous guest speakers on the sustainability topic.