Educational Interiors Showcase 2018: Prairie View A&M University, Henrietta T. Farrell Dining Hall

GSR Andrade’s Farrell Dining Hall at Prairie View A&M University has been selected by American School & University Magazine to be featured in their Educational Interiors Showcase 2018 Edition, hitting shelves in August. The dining hall “celebrates student life on campus while upholding the university’s legacy”, according to the Educational Interiors issue.

The 10,700 sq. ft. dining hall features a large mural of its namesake, Henrietta T. Farrell, and the original laundromat scale to help students connect with the school’s heritage. The hall has been turned into three exciting functional student areas, including the main dining area (nicknamed “The Zone”), a grab-and-go convenience store, and a student laundromat called PV Suds. The overall redo cost about $1.8M upon completion.

One of the features praised by the magazine is the use of large graphics to emphasize and encourage healthy eating. Originally an outdated cafeteria, the building has been transformed into a vibrant and convenient hub for student activity. Featuring fun and flexible multi-colored furniture, the space encourages “gathering, lounging and studying, even after dining hours”.

Special thanks to our contractor partner, Archer Construction & Design, and our design team, B&H Engineers, Foodservice Design Consultants, and JQ for a successful renovation. And to our photographer, Tracy Allyn Photography, for capturing the essence of the work.

The list of all this year’s winners has been posted on SchoolDesigns.com site at http://schooldesigns.com/Educational-Interiors-Showcase.aspx.