As part of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Program, The City of Melbourne last year invited four Melbourne design firms to submit a proposal for a modular shed. Its purpose would be to house fruit and vegetable retailers from the existing Heritage listed Market Sheds while those buildings underwent refurbishment. While we didn’t ultimately win the project, we still think our proposal was a good one. Running 260 metres in length within the heart of the Queen Victoria Market precinct, the form comprises two storeys and was designed to be quickly erected and demountable to adapt to changing requirements. Key to its design were oversized north and south stairs to activate each end of the shed, providing generous meeting, resting and gathering points and realising a greater civic gesture that encourages a sense of social connection and sustainability.