DeaglanW's Account

Hello, I'm one of the competition jurors.
I'm a little lost as to what you feel are the issues with your cafeteria (if any), other than that it would be nice to have more room. You do not mention anything regarding the kitchen or serving areas or flow. The indoor/outdoor courtyard concept is an excellent solution to the over-crowding issue. Varied seating areas with changes in elevation help to define space, and the circular oudoor courtyard center is a classic organizational device. Your rendering shows a very simply-detailed, very modernistic space with very little in the way of ornamentation, art, or vertical visual interest. I would have liked to have seen more development of the separation wall between indoor/outdoor, such as a sliding window-wall (such as www.nanawall.com), greater definition of sub-spaces (why is the circle empty? Is shade needed outside?), and some vertical elements within the spaces and along the perimeters. Did you consider the possibility to accommodate other activities besides just having lunch (gardening, science experiments, solar power, gatherings, alternat classroom space, etc.)? There's so much potential here! Excellent modeling. I see lots of potential for you as a designer, and I would encourage you to keep designing - it's a skill that only develops with lots of use (which is why we call it the "practice" of architecture). Good luck to you!

It would also be nice to see a better connection between the indoor and outdoor portions of the building. Can we open a window ? All in all a good project but you have to unleash your creativity. The strongest aspect are the sky lights and the level changes of seating is interesting.

Less grass and more natural plantings. Much more art throughout.

Inner and outer courtyards are well rendered but it could be a bit more fun as space right? Have we thought about handicapped accessibility. I would love to see a more creative and fun space. Why not a sculpture in the the middle of the outdoor courtyard?

Nice overall view of the courtyard. I would have loved to see more natural plants and less lawn to maintain. Don't be afraid to be extremely creative. Why can the benches have much more character and artistic influence. Why not graffiti benches in a natural landscape.

If adding a structure and a new roof, why can't the roof contain a vegetable garden that grows herbs for the prep of student lunches as well as a simple seedum roof.

Plan did not upload very well. It's hard to ascertain what is existing and what you are adding on

I like the concept of booths, but I believe you need an overall parti that would influence the shape and direction of the seating style, location and overall concept.

Good photo that identifies context and surrounding site

Hello DeaglanW. Thanks for starting a cafeteria design project. We're looking forward to seeing your creative work. Are you planning on submitting this project for judging in the 2012 DiscoverDesign National High School Architecture Competition? We hope so! Remember that you'll need submit a registration form and a consent form to CAF before Wednesday, April 4 in order to be eligible for judging and prizes. Final projects are due May 23. Feel free to contact us with any questions: discoverdesign@architecture.org.
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All the details and the forms for entering the competition can be found here: www.discoverdesign.org/Competition2012
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Best wishes!