SUNY PLATTSBURGH
Offering great wooded views of the Saranac River, the Clinton Dining Hall had not been updated in over 20 years. Additionally, the servery’s back of house storage and support areas had not been touched since their original construction in the late 1960s. The goal of this project was to upgrade the dining experience, so an understanding of the culture of the space was necessary. We conducted on-site table interviews with students and hosted a Town Hall Forum to solicit student participation and inform our design.
“We have never worked with a group of design professionals like Edge. they really listened to our needs and criticisms and then, they actually came back with design changes that solved our needs.”
CLINTON DINING HALL | SERVERY AREA
Original “basement-like” spaces were transformed to incorporate a modern the look with a retail ambiance, through interactive service stations, and flexible cooking equipment.
CLINTON DINING HALL | SERVERY AREA
The old, single serving line was replaced by fresh food stations, catering to student requests for personalized meals and on-the-go options.
CLINTON DINING HALL | SERVERY AREA
The goal was to make the dining experience holistic and educational; through nutrition, food sourcing, preparation, efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.
CLINTON DINING HALL | SERVERY AREA
Along with multiple food stations, the new servery includes a large salad, soup, fruit and yogurt bar, self-serve areas with pizza, comfort, ethnic foods, and more.
CLINTON DINING HALL | SERVERY AREA
Anchored around a modern design, the major interior finishes were selected to reflect the regional Adirondack style such as stone slabs, ledge rock, timber, and steel.
CLINTON DINING HALL | DINING AREA
A new kiosk system was installed, allowing students to customize entrees. Overall, the new dining experience is one Plattsburgh students have said is great.
CLINTON DINING HALL | DINING AREA
The dining area was redesigned to create a restaurant-like experience, using a mix of seating zones to engage multi-purpose use, and a welcoming lounge area with a new fireplace.
CLINTON DINING HALL | DINING AREA
The original ceiling was left partly exposed, from which ceiling clouds were suspended to help diffuse light and aid in acoustic control.
CLINTON DINING HALL | DINING AREA
Students were a part of selecting the design, arriving on a welcoming style rooted in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the Saranac River.
CLINTON DINING HALL | DINING AREA
In addition to the servery, the school also wanted to improve the student experience. Seating options and modern materials complement the functional improvements.
CLINTON DINING HALL | ENTRANCE
Stone slabs, ledge rock, timber, and steel were used to create a continuous connection between the upper entrance and the lower level.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM STOCK