VIU Cafeteria
Created using Auto Cad, Revit, Enscape, D5, Photoshop and Procreate (Presentation not to scale) In collaboration with Heather Roberts and Zerai Vaughan
Concept
Problem Statement
Project Significance
Goal
The purpose of the redesign of the VIU cafeteria is to enhance the experience of its users and to create an environment which allows students not only to eat but also to collaborate, thrive and become inspired within this already central space.
The overall design will reflect VIU’s morals by including an accessible interior which is inclusive to people of any age, race, sexual orientation and physical/mental ability, while acknowledging the land of the traditional Coast Salish peoples that it sits upon. It is important that biophilic design elements are used within to increase productivity and to nurture the mental health of its users while connecting them to the west coast landscapes which will be heavily featured throughout. This will be done by displaying a neutral colour scheme, including organic forms as well as natural materials, and by displaying patterns which mimic those seen in nature. Each of these elements are meant to create a contextual connection with the natural environment while simultaneously interacting with the built one.
The design will lean heavily on the dynamic use of natural light which will be incorporated for convenience, to orient users and to provide hardworking students with a visual connection to nature. Clear and intuitive wayfinding strategies will be incorporated to alleviate stress from the user and increase the efficiency of the interior. Design principles such as line, texture and form will be used throughout built in merchandise displays to increase the performance of the interior and the strategic placement of functional elements will decrease clutter. Overall, the original structure of the building will be transformed into a hybrid location where one can socialize, work and relax all within the same environment.
Vancouver Island University has approximately 16000 students who frequent the campus and over 500 students who live here. Each of these students, specifically those living on residence, rely on the cafeteria to provide them with support as well as nourishment, both physically and mentally, throughout the school year. The building as it is now struggles to provide the students of VIU with what they need when it comes to convenience, comfort and accessibility. Although this building is located in the heart of the university campus, it is often times avoided by students because of what it lacks in its design.
This project is important because VIU is in need of a hybrid space where one is able to study, socialize, eat and learn all within one space. Not only will this building be able to fill the basic human needs of a student, but it also presents the opportunity to be designed in a way which nourishes the mental and physical health of its user. In addition to this it will increase the desirability of the university for future students and faculty to come. The redesign of this already valuable space will rejuvenate the campus and strengthen the community which is Vancouver Island University.
The goal of the redesign of the VIU cafeteria is to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space where the user is able to eat, socialize and complete work within one space. This space should foster the relationship between the built and natural environment in order to increase the productivity of the user as well as nourish their mental and physical health.
Floorplan
Reflected Ceiling Plan
Isometric View
Booth Seating Elevation
Bakery Elevation
Built In Microwaves Elevation
Entry Perspective
Main Level Seating Perspective
Lower Level Seating Perspective
Built in Counter Seating Perspective
Presentation Posters
Cash Desk Elevation
This floorplan utilizes every inch of the space while creating an open, cohesive and highly functional design. As one walks into the cafeteria they are immediately greeted by high ceilings and an inviting lounge area to their right. This space offers seating for groups as well as individuals, and a key design feature is the counter height seating which overlooks the entire cafeteria. The space located immediately adjacent to the front doors has been left open to allow a flexible space where students or faculty are able to advertise school events, bringing a sense of community into the space. As the user continues through the building they are presented with the opportunity to go straight and into the newly situated servery area, or they are able to go right and find a unique area to eat, socialize or complete work. The servery has been reimagined with the user in mind, whether this be students or staff. The placement of grab n go units have been situated in a way which creates obvious paths of circulation, thus guiding one through the area. The cash desks have been combined and pushed along the back wall in order to increase sight lines for theft prevention, as well as offering the staff with a more functional and aesthetically pleasing place to work. The beverage area is the first thing one sees when entering the servery, and has been designed accordingly.The central area of the space has been allocated to mainly flexible seating, which can be arranged according to the spaces multifunctional usage. Mixed in with this convenient flexible seating, there are banquet and booth seating areas along the perimeter of the space. These areas offer more intimate and separate seating for individuals or groups who are wanting to have some extra privacy while still being a part of the fun atmosphere. The lowest level of the building has been allocated to mainly soft and built in seating. This offers the user with comfortable areas to reside in, while also enjoying the breathtaking views of Nanaimo. Overall, this new floorplan displays a more user friendly and accessible interior, which offers areas that accommodate every need, while also incorporating interesting design elements that makes the space feel more integrated in the VIU community.
Lighting is an integral and often times overlooked aspect of design. The goal when looking at the ceiling of this building was to maximize and highlight the natural light which already streams into the space, while also introducing artificial lights that showcase the design elements on the floor. The main ceiling type has been kept the same, in order to maximize the height of the space while saving costs. In the servery area, all bulk heads and T-bar ceiling types have been removed in order to make the design feel more cohesive throughout. Cork acoustic drop down accents have been included in some spaces in order to minimize echo's. In addition to this, some key spaces display a wood strip ceiling accent that mimics the details on the floor, in order to bring eye-catching elements and more interest upwards. New track lighting has been proposed throughout our design, although the pre-existing lights may be kept in place for cost savings. In addition to the general track lighting, it has been proposed to add a variety of new accent and ambient lighting sources, in order to make the space feel more functional for working, as well as socialization. Some examples would be white dome pendants, circular LED light fixtures layered to create the look of a chandelier, and integrated wood strip lights which help guide users in the space.
Coffee Bar Elevation
Coffee Bar Perspective
Servery Perspective
