The Brief
Working with the Student Union team at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and Chelmsford, Essex, Spaceworks were selected to design a new  student social space as well as a complete revamp of the Union Bar and Restaurant which was losing money on a monthly basis. The existing space was un-inspiring, bland and with a menu that the savvy health conscious student of today had little interest in spending their precious money on. The new interior was to excite, entice all of the senses –  a space they would want to be seen in and charge up and also deliver music, theatre and arts performances in a flexible way.

The Solution
Our design teams took on period of research of what other successful Student Union Bars and Restaurants looked like – as well as a review of the latest burger pop ups, as this was to be the main attraction of the new menu. (yes we did sample a few too!) The new design proposed modern materials coupled with some rustic charms, pops of colour and integrated LED lighting. A variety of seating styles to appeal to different groups of users and a flexible space to pack away for events and shows. Our role as design ambassador was to provide the design intent and material samples for approval, provide layout drawings and scrutinise build plans and technical drawings issued by their chosen tendered main contractor. The final result reflected accurately the design visuals and the more importantly happy students enjoying good food in a considered environment.