Design Brief
The objective of this project is to redesign the empty café space located within QCAD at Griffith University, South Bank, transforming the space into a relaxed, fun, and vibrant place. The design will reflect the creative energy of the campus while responding to students' needs for both comfort and functionality. The concept aligns with Cultural Fusion & Provenance trend from Future Food 2025 and is tailored to QCAD’s unique creative culture
CONCEPT
Inspired by the Cultural Fusion & Provenance trend, Coffee Run blends French subway culture with the creative energy of QCAD. The café showcases rotating student artwork, with the food being inspired by each collection. A seasonal menu that draws inspiration from the colors, themes, and shapes from each collection, as the artwork changes, so does the food. French subway details and gallery-style lighting tie the interior together, making the café a cozy, expression of creativity and culture.
Finishes Board
Sustainability Considerations
This design incorporates sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact while maintaining functionality and aesthetics.
Design:
Minimal demolition: The layout was adjusted as little as possible to reduce waste from demolition.
Simple finishes & detailing: A simple palette of durable materials reduced excess material use and ensures longevity with minimal maintenance.
Sustainable spatial layout: A simple layout was used to limit the number of new materials required and reduce demolition waste. Modular furniture was used so the space can be rearranged when needed, while fixed banquette seating provides durable, long-term design that minimise future replacement due to the quality.
Seasonal menu: A rotating menu rotates as the student artwork does, to reduce food waste by sourcing seasonal produce and streamlining supply.
Environmentally Material Selections
Upholstery – Avantgarde™ by Spradling: Produced under the Eco Sense® sustainability program, manufactured carbon-neutral, durable, and easy to maintain, extending product life.
Countertop – Corian® Designer White (CASF): Durable, seamless, non-porous surface with long life cycle, part of CASF’s Return–Repurpose–Recycle program, and selected ranges include recycled content.
Concrete Walls – Nucon: Concrete is durable and low-maintenance, extending lifecycle, and durability reduces the frequency of replacement.
SITE ANALYSIS
Opportunities:
Located inside Griffith Uni (South Bank)- foot traffic of art and design students
Is a blank canvas so design there is a lot of design opportunities.
Constraints:
Café is hidden from the public- will need good signage and intriguing marketing
People walking through the table and chairs to get to the building- will need to take into consideration the outdoor boundary design
Compliances and regulations around the hospitality industry
Accessibility requirements