The way food is presented makes a difference to our interest in eating, the same applies to the environment where our food is provided.
One school experiment illustrated the point. Just moving fresh fruit from a plain stainless steel bowl, to pleasing, coloured bowls doubled the uptake by pupils.
Educational cafeteria design influences healthy eating, perhaps whether students eat at all. Social policies are affected, the language and social development which comes from shared meals.
Design aesthetics enhance life and eating is a key part of every young person’s life. Bringing the two together makes sense and has additional benefits.
A Pleasurable Environment
There can be a conflict between giving students the opportunity to relax and socialize at meal times, against the need to maintain order. An aspect which varies by age group, or by design.
Layout planning can help with traffic flow, reduce crowding, shorten lunch lines. Acoustics can be controlled, subtle barriers, or planters could be used to create group sections for quieter conversation.
Overall design tailored to age group helps, from school and activity themed decoration, to creating a fast food restaurant feel, to cafe style areas. Dining spaces which feel rewarding and natural to them attract students.
All the better if they are also vibrant, energising places to eat. Adding value to the food and the way students feel, a benefit for education.
Morgan Stewart’s Approach
Our role starts with listening to you, understanding your approach to meal times, perhaps to additional aspects. Cafeterias can be used for nutritional education, farm to school activities, academic input.
Morgan Stewart Interiors work with the finest suppliers and bespoke furniture creators, to meet your practical needs. From scratch resistant surfaces, to stacking furniture that feels the opposite, to space saving pedestal furniture.
Separate booths around the edge of a dining room can be fun and increase space, or cluster seating areas. Signage can become artwork, or be part of live screens engaging students in multiple ways.
An overall aesthetic feel to suit your school and students is the key. Our educational designers and installation teams understand the importance of great eating spaces, they would be pleased to work with you.
Gallery of our recent cafeteria installations
