Skip to main content

MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Design Elements: Dining


One of the interior design criteria for the Terrace dining area and adjacent spaces (i.e., Terrace Lounge, second floor North Lobby, etc.) was to create an environment that would draw people to and carry them through the different spaces.

Gentle curved lines are used throughout the renovation and addition to indicate controlled circulation and connections from one area to another. Circular and semi-circular shapes are used in floor patterns and at ceiling soffits to create focal points -- design features that would anchor people as they circulate from one space to another.

People entering the Terrace Lounge, coming up the stairs from the Atrium or from the link corridor, will easily be drawn to the dining and events spaces because of the floor pattern and ceiling design. The gentle sweeping curves of the floor pattern and ceiling design carry into the dining and through the Marketplace. The objective was to create a fun, unique eating area, but also to have a smooth connection from the adjacent lounge space.

The Terrace and Marketplace opened opportunities for even more creative design features. Removing the ceiling tiles directly above the curved floor pattern enhances the "gentle sweep." The ceiling design mimics the "circulation path" created by the floor pattern. The exposed ceiling offers a more dramatic effect of carrying people through the spaces. Exposing the ceiling above the circulation area offers an interesting visual to the "inner workings" of MCC.

Exposed ceilings are used to show the intricacies of the building. In addition to adding height to the space, this effect adds intrigue, interest, excitement and even relief from typical ceiling treatments. Exposed ceilings are designed for areas that do not require acoustical sound proofing (i.e., restaurants, cafes, clubs, salons, etc.). Because MCC's main dining area requires acoustical control, only strategically located areas of the ceilings are exposed (above circulation paths).

Dining and Marketplace areas provide a relief from the academic environment -- a space that people will regard as fun and different, an area in which students, faculty and staff will feel comfortable socializing. The new campus center will give our community a reason to visit and stay on campus.

Valarie Avalone
Office of Planning
03/21/2003