Program
Architectural and interior renovation of 22,000-sf building including Atrium, 800-seat dining commons, and commercial equipment design.
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Solution
The renovation of The Atrium at Eickhoff has not only stolen the attention of students, faculty and staff, it has also been the topic of discussion among food industry magazines, and food service professionals all along the east coast. The project has also won the 2011 award for BEST RENOVATION for its dramatic transformation of the Atrium from a traditional tray-line service cafeteria to a dynamic facility with the latest in preparation and cooking techniques, and 10 distinct serving destination stations.
The main objective was to transform the dining facility into an interactive dining space to showcase a variety of food choices and provide an environment that doubled as a social space for student and teacher gatherings. The design team created an original, lively, and energetic design that changed the use of space and the functionality of the food service program on campus.
The project program included a renovation of the serving and seating areas, but required maintaining the existing kitchen. The final design offers a destination dining concept with eight distinct dining locations. Each station represents its own experience and personality with its own food, style, colors, and forms. Besides the unique qualities of the forms and colors, there is a variety of seating postures offered, including tables and chairs, booths, banquettes, and counter seating where guests could watch the chefs’ work.
