The existing cafeteria space was too small to seat all students throughout the school day, even with multiple lunch periods. The school administration wanted a space where students can enjoy lunch and staff can easily supervise lunchroom activities.

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• The addition also acts as a meeting space, study space, and presentation space.

• Students and staff can use the eclectic furniture and seating options to work individually or in groups.

• Adequate storage was provided for the furniture and other equipment, as well as an IT closet.

• The space successfully ties together three different existing building vintages, providing access to the existing cafeteria, teachers lounge, and stairwell.

• The cafeteria addition can be closed off from the existing cafeteria with the use of an operable partition, establishing it as its own space.

The cafeteria addition offers a flexible space that is well-equipped for 21st century education.

 

• Outlets line the tiered seating, providing a place for each student to charge their devices.

• A variety of seating options allows students and staff to work alone or with others.

• A countertop with seating on the east wall provides a work and study space.

• Large monitors mounted on the west wall, facing the tiered seating, offer a perfect presentation venue. Motorized roller shades, linked to the AV system, further highlight this.

• Although the space was designed to be first and foremost a cafeteria, it can serve as many other types of spaces, thanks to the flexibility of the design.

 

The main focus of the design involves connecting three different eras of the existing building, each with its own floor level elevation.

 

• The design team uses this condition as a feature rather than a hindrance. Tiered seating bridges the difference in floor elevations, allowing the upper level to flow seamlessly into the existing stairwell east of the addition.

• Differences in levels within the space present an exciting variety of seating locations for students to choose from. Flexible soft and hard seating complement this feature, both in the new and existing cafeteria spaces.

• Glass railings along the tiered seating provide visibility as well as an upscale look. Wood benches line the tiered seating, creating a timeless and classic feel not often seen in a school.

• A vibrant and cohesive finish package adorns the space, celebrating the school colors while also adding a touch of modern style.