SFUSD Future Dining Experience

Client: San Francisco Unified School District, SFUSD Future Dining Experience
Services: Environmental Graphics, Interior Design
Awards: San Francisco Design Week Award

How can we use design to improve the public school cafeteria experience? Faced with low student participation, inadequate cafeteria facilities, and a problematic dining experience, SFUSD Future Dining Experience has undertaken an initiative to rethink the school food system. Working closely with principals, teachers, students, and parents, Atelier Cho Thompson is developing environmental design packages for primary and secondary schools throughout the city. We draw upon each school's mission, history, and culture to create graphics that embody the specific character of each institution and its community. ACT also designs interactive installations for each school, including map corkboards, Lego walls, and chalkboard calendars. 

Kids have the option to sit where they want, rather than by class. Because of this, kids from Spanish immersion sit with kids from the English class. The re-design has been very intentional in disrupting class and racial segregation between different races and led to less conflict between student groups.

PRINCIPAL, BRET HARTE ELEM. SCHOOL

This process made me realize environment matters! We still have the same four walls, but the students are enjoying and respecting the space like never before.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

Kids like hanging out in the cafeteria space more. The couches and varied seating are more inviting for kids to hang out.

PRINCIPAL, ML KING MIDDLE SCHOOL