Dramatically enhancing the food experience on campus, krM worked closely with Metz Dining to transform Earlham’s central student dining experience. The space is at the core of the university’s student life functions. Its large open layout is now enhanced by food service operations with a variety of healthy meal choices.

The double-height room is organized around an existing, central hearth with adjacent windows that allow for ample daylighting and views to the surrounding campus. Bright colors and graphics set against neutral tones help students, faculty and visitors quickly navigate the bustling space and distinguish between individual food stations. A flexible meeting space or private dining room was created adjacent to the main dining area and includes an operable wall that promotes flexibility for campus and community events.

With the culture of the campus still vastly rooted in Quaker history, the design team explored ways to incorporate traditional aesthetic elements of the existing campus with the contemporary design ideals that were desired to attract new students. Traditional materials such as the warm, wood hues paired with fresh, bright colors further the bridge between old and new.