Cafeteria Beautification

What is Cafeteria Beautification?

The atmosphere of a cafeteria or dining area can influence student behavior in positive or negative ways. Poor lighting, cluttered walls, and outdated decor can make the space feel unwelcoming, while natural light, thoughtful design, cheerful artwork, and positive messaging can create a warm, inviting environment.

Cafeteria beautification includes a range of improvements to the dining space. Changes can be simple, such as adding a fresh coat of paint, or more extensive, like updating furniture and installing colorful murals. Enhancements to the cafeteria space can also incorporate nutrition education messaging.

What is the WELL Building Standard?

The WELL Building Standard v1 is revolutionizing the way people think about buildings. It explores how design, operations and behaviors within the places where we live, work, learn and play can be optimized to advance human health and well-being.

Key Design Strategies

Interior designers are crucial in supporting WELL’s Nourishment features by shaping environments that encourage healthy eating behaviors and promote well-being. Some key design strategies include:

1. Optimizing Food Service Areas

• Designing inviting, well-lit dining and break areas that encourage social engagement and mindful eating.
• Positioning healthy food options at eye level in cafeterias, break rooms, or vending areas to promote better choices.
• Incorporating clear, well-designed signage and menu boards to provide nutritional transparency.

2. Encouraging Hydration

• Integrating conveniently located, visually appealing water stations throughout a space.
• Designing hydration stations with high-quality materials and branding that make water consumption an attractive and easy choice.

3. Creating a Comfortable and Enjoyable Eating Environment

• Providing ergonomic, comfortable seating to encourage relaxation during meals.
• Incorporating natural lighting and biophilic design elements to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Ensuring proper acoustic design to create a pleasant, stress-free eating environment.

4. Designing for Healthier Food Storage and Preparation

• Ensuring kitchens and food prep areas are designed with sufficient refrigeration and storage space for fresh, perishable foods.
• Using non-toxic, easy-to-clean materials for food preparation areas to maintain hygiene and safety.

5. Encouraging Movement and Active Design

• Strategically placing dining areas within walkable distances to encourage movement throughout the day.
• Integrating indoor and outdoor eating spaces to provide a variety of experiences that support well-being.

By incorporating these intentional design strategies, interior designers can help create healthier environments that align with the WELL Nourishment feature, ultimately supporting positive lifestyle choices and overall well-being for building occupants.

Improving School Cafeterias with WELL Design

Louisiana Team Nutrition partnered with CDI Solutions and the LSU School of Interior Design, College of Art and Design to raise the design profile of school cafeterias using the WELL Building Standard as a guide.

Select a school below to view the completed renovations: