Purdue University, Hillenbrand Hall Dining Court Renovation

West Lafayette, Indiana

Firm

Scholer Corporation

Client

Purdue University Dining Services

Area

11,875 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,685,703

Completion Date

07/2009

Recent improvements and renovations to other areas of Purdue University’s Hillenbrand Residence Hall prompted university officials to move forward with renovations to Hillenbrand Hall Dining Court. In an effort to inject new life into this archetypical residence hall cafeteria, architects incorporated a number of cosmetic, mechanical and electrical updates in the design.

Chief among the design considerations was creating an open dining concept similar to those found in modern restaurants. The main entrance vestibule doors and framing were removed, and a contemporary glass curtainwall was installed to showcase the open concept inside. Wider traffic areas, incorporating whimsical terrazzo floor patterns, were created to provide easy access to individual servicing stations and to enable patrons to move about more freely.

Ornamental columns were removed, and the remaining structural columns were covered in colorful glass tiles and captured at the ceiling by cloud-shaped bulkheads complete with LED lighting. Outdated furniture and fixtures were replaced with modern lighting, seating and floor coverings in vibrant, fluorescent colors.