04_imageA precinct-scale ‘living laboratory’ and the importance of connectivity were among concepts discussed at a CRCWSC Research Synthesis workshop, held recently at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

With UQ currently developing a master plan for its Brisbane River main campus, CRCWSC and its partner – engineering consultancy Bligh Tanner – brought research, government, and industry together to explore opportunities for water sensitive innovation at the site.

Held over July 28 and 29, the Research Synthesis workshop began with a powerful Welcome To Country by UQ student and Jagera man Steve Coghill, who also shared what it means for him to be a part of the university community.

The theme of community was reflected in the spirit of open collaboration that followed, which lasted throughout the productive two-day event.

Representatives from Bligh Tanner, Brisbane City Council, CRCWSC, Urbis, Queensland Urban Utilities, and Queensland University of Technology (Flood Community of Practice) identified a number of ideas and opportunities for the UQ master plan and broader activities at the university.

These included ways of delivering generative and adaptive water and energy infrastructure, enhancing living and learning through green and blue infrastructure, and the concept of a precinct-scale living laboratory: a user-centred open and adaptive innovation ecosystem.

Ideas from the workshop will be presented in an ‘Ideas for UQ St Lucia’ report, currently being prepared.

For more information on Research Synthesis projects: https://watersensitivecities.org.au/solutions/research-synthesis/

Last updated: 7th Sep 2016