Florida Atlantic University’s previous food court had students traveling off-campus for meals and was in need of a renovation. To increase student retention, the architect created a new dining concept that attracts students to eat, study and socialize on campus.
A circulation pattern and end-use requirement study showed a need for perceptual boundaries without ASSOCIATED FIRMJWR Construction Services, Inc.
COST PER SQ FT$184.62
FEATURED IN2009 Educational Interiors
INTERIOR CATEGORYCafeterias/Food-Service Areas
partitions. To accomplish this, a fused color palette of durable flooring, including porcelanato tile and stained concrete, was installed to help delineate areas. Painted clouds, open structures, hard ceilings and 4-foot by 4-foot ceiling tiles were added to facilitate traffic flow. Technical aspects of the space became part of the design concept with exposed ventilation and air-conditioning ducts. Dining concepts were showcased by visible food-preparation areas, lighting, unified wall colors and logos.
Seating design, materials and colors were integral to the vision from the onset. Indoor seating included booths, rectangular and freeform tables, high-back and standard chairs, and counter seating. Outdoor dining incorporated epoxy textured flooring, vinyl-coated seating, suspended stainless-steel lighting and oscillating fans.