Schools have had to change immensely in 2020. Many schools have had to switch to completely remote experiences for their students. Other schools have been able to remain fully open for students to use daily, albeit under new policies. No matter what, there has been great change in their overall setting.
Just as many businesses have used the downtime due to COVID-19 to remodel, your school could use this time to remodel its cafeteria. Deliver a new, holistic experience for students that goes beyond a place they get forced to sit at into a breakroom they enjoy. Keep reading for the Ferrante Manufacturing recommendations for your school cafeteria remodeling.
1. Create a Plan
Education, in general, takes planning. Building projects for schools are much the same. The more you can flesh out the project ahead of time, the smoother the design process will be. If you have themes, color ideas
2. Gather All Relevant Information
Collect as much information as you can on the use of the cafeteria’s space. Create a list of goals for your project, the space, the flow of students, and include numbers such as the amount of staff and students who will use the cafeteria daily. Also, include info on whether this is a multi-use space. If so, what types of events or organizations use the space? Consider offering surveys for students to providing their input.
3. Brainstorm New Ideas with Your Team
Get inspiration from other schools. Tour neighboring schools or check out cafeterias from schools around the nation online. Consider storage space, user-friendly seating, sustainability, ventilation, and lighting.
4. Getting Feedback from Stakeholders
Involve those people who will feel the effect of the changes. Create or have a designer create a mock-up sketch or 3D model of what the redesign will look like. Then present the intended changes to the teachers, lunchroom staff, security, other staff who use the area, and even the students if possible. Each group can give you unique perspectives that you might not have considered. Additionally, getting buy-in from all these groups will give them more ownership of the cafeteria.
5. Put Your Plan into Action
The last step is getting your contractor to work! Once you have all the ideas and are ready to go, work with your contractor to schedule time for the work to take place. Get the most out of the partnership by working with your contractor during the design process. Contractors like those at the Ferrante Manufacturing Company have been in the industry for years and can give you suggestions based on all the successful projects they have brought to life.
Get the Right Manufacturing and Design Partner for Your School Cafeteria Remodel
Schools are all about innovation and finding what works best. Make sure your cafeteria meets all the needs of the students, athletes, clubs, and everyone else that uses it. Consider Ferrante Manufacturing for your cafeteria remodeling project. We have designed furniture and entire dining rooms to meet the needs of each client. Give us a call today to discuss your school’s goals.