SPECIAL RECOGNITION |
|
| Resurrection Medical Center Cafeteria Chicago, Illinois |
|
|
|
| Architect: | Loebl Schlossman & Hackl / Hague Richards |
| Client/Owner: | Resurrection Health Care Corp. |
| General Contractor: | Power Contracting and Engineering Corp. |
| Consultants: | G. Burkhardt and Associates (Mechanical), Dickerson Engineering Inc. (Electrical), Janows Design Associates Inc. (Food Service) |
| Photographer: | Bruce Van Inwegen |
As part of an ambitious expansion and modernization program, this 112,650-square-foot cafeteria was renovated to enhance its operating efficiency and to create a non-institutional restaurant atmosphere. The dining area had a complete facelift and was expanded to 395 seats by extending into an adjacent under-utilized conference room. Intimate seating groups took the place of large tables. Seating was divided into several smaller areas using wooden partitions and planters. The 1960s decor was replaced with a Mediterranean palette of blues, greens and light woods. The existing ceiling was retained, but a glare problem was addressed by re-lamping the fixtures and installing fissured ceiling tiles.
The servery was totally renovated and expanded to almost three times its original size. Eye-catching, back-lit super graphics highlight serving areas. A scramble-style system reduces lines. A popular feature is the new espresso bar which is located so that patrons can bypass the servery. What had been an overcrowded nondescript space with an inefficient servery has been transformed into a visually vivid, enticing and meaningful setting that operates effectively.
"The designers have also been careful to use great graphics and signage in the space." -Jury Comment
