Design Portfolio 

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES:

Salem State College, Salem, MA | Suffolk University, Boston, MA | Suffolk University College of Arts & Sciences

SALEM STATE COLLEGE
Salem, MA

College students and food - a critical pairing. We kept that rule in mind when designing a new cafeteria and food court for Salem State College. Thousands of hungry college students would utilize the new Dining Commons to satisfy their appetites and as a place to meet and socialize. The challenge was heightened by the need to create the space within the confines of an existing athletic administration building and gymnasium.

The result is an open, airy and bright three-story space that features a modern food court, 750-seat cafeteria, reserved dining rooms and balcony mezzanine. The special requirements of designing areas for food preparation and serving were compounded by the variety of foods being made available to students, from Burger King to fresh salads to pizza.

"We're just thrilled with the way it came out," according to Janyce Napora, vice president of Administration and Finance for Salem State. "It's just a real shot in the arm for the campus. I think it's going to make a big difference in the culture of the campus."

"It's a thousand times better," student Melissa Flynn told the Salem Evening News. "It's beautiful. It's like finally we can see where the (tuition) money is going."

One connection with the building's previous function remains. A section of the old gymnasium floor is still visible on the second floor balcony.

KBA Architects
Knight, Bagge & Anderson, Inc.

Architecture – Design – Planning