The project began by addressing major issues with circulation and congestion in the original layout. Students previously entered the servery through a narrow 5-foot-wide door at the bottom of a staircase, leading into a small, overcrowded cafeteria with five tightly packed menu stations. LDL Studio, serving as Architect, Interior Designer, and Food Service Consultant, led a complete gut renovation that eliminated columns, repurposed former storage rooms, and reoriented the main entry to connect directly with a large seating and lounge space.

New flexible service lines were introduced to allow for daily menu variation, and a dedicated grab-and-go market with refrigerated reach-ins offered better visibility and convenience. Clear signage, organized counter layouts, and improved sightlines helped eliminate bottlenecks and reduce confusion during peak dining hours. To further improve traffic flow, beverage and condiment stations were moved into the seating area, distributing movement more evenly throughout the space. The project’s success was recognized with two design and food service awards for innovation and excellence.