The addition and renovation of the cafeteria at Downstate Health Sciences University expands and updates this vibrant hub of campus life. Upon completion of the phased construction,  the new cafeteria will provide 23 percent more seating, additional food venues with longer operation, and a new boardroom for the hospital.  

The existing cafeteria exists at the connection between the Basic Science Building and the University Hospital.  Located at this crossroads, the cafeteria is frequented by university faculty, visiting doctors, medical students, scientists, and lab technicians, as well as patients and their families.  User surveys and interviews with staff helped define the goals for the project:  extend the hours users can get access to meals, expand the menu offerings, and create a “hangout” space for non-dining uses such as studying and small-group meetings.  In addition to these goals, the FCA team was required to develop designs that allowed for continuous operation of the cafeteria during construction.

Beyond renovating the existing space, the project includes a 7,200 SF addition.  The addition site is in a courtyard bound by three connected 8-10 story buildings of this superblock campus.  A 24/7 service drive extending off Lenox Road cuts through the site before diving down to an underpass to the central service yard.

FCA led a team of consulting engineers and experts to develop three distinct conceptual designs. Throughout the Program Verification and Conceptual Design phases, FCA collaborated regularly with stakeholders, including food service vendor Sodexo, materials management, facilities operations, safety and security, and the executive suite.