What’s not working from a functionality perspective and are there space options; for instance, creating zones in a less lined up way? It’s difficult to recommend without knowing the dimensions/structural components and needs. Maybe get some Kraft paper and draw room’s details (including pillars, doorways etc), then cut up proportionate rectangles (for tables) to test placement.

When everyone enters, gets their food, etc, what/where are the specific problems. Can the garbage cans for instance be placed at each pillar so as not to take up valuable space.

Can you get the kids‘ input on what could work better/ask them to help solve as a project and/or test configurations.

Is there a possibility to improve visually? See if some (or all) are interested in creating large posters and place throughout the room. Make it a fun competition and even vote on the best one.

Are they going to replace the ceiling panels? That needs to be done.

The whole school needs to be rebuilt. Everything is in bad shape here. So no to replacing the ceiling tiles. For functionality the lunch lines aren’t working and somehow spill over into the hallways. From what I’m hearing the kids are not giving input when asked. The teachers have been trying. I’ll try myself soon to see what I can gather. I can ask the art teachers for art for the walls. That would be great too.

I would also suggest looking for an architect that would be willing to do non-profit/reduced fee work to help resolve the school's issues.

It looks very clean, well kept and orderly. Chipped and damaged vinyl floor tiles can be replaced at minimal cost (there may be a box of tiles in a closet somewhere). Try changing the kids' artwork and papers on the bulletin boards every month. Changing the way the kids line up for lunch requires someone there in person to see what is going on and suggest ideas.

I need mor einfo please . Is this space used for other things besides eating? It looks just like the cafeteria in my school many moons ago, If you can replace the tiles and I love huge cork boards for art display they are cheap and the art easily changed often I love the pillars decorated so make that a thing the kids can change throughout the year too. How old are these kids ? As for the food line up I would need to see a whole floor plan of this space and how it realtes to the rest of the school showing where the food comes from and ho that relates to the space . Kids are often not willing to offer ideas out loud some sometimes the best is to just get them to write out what they think without nayone knowing who wrote what. Then take the time to read those ideas and see how many can be done cheaply .

This is a high school cafeteria. It is primarily used for eating but sometimes test taking. So the kids enter and exit through the doors in the back of the cafeteria to get their food. I’ll work on getting more photos and a floor plan this week

Hi Mallorie C!

The cafeteria is spotless! Right down (or up) to the atomic art on the wall lol lol ❤️! You may need the advice of an interior designer/decorator — designers and architects can give you direction as to flow as well as built additional structures.

Advice from the decor end?

PAINT!

The worn vinyl on the seating/tables hmmm!!! hmmm!!! could certainly pose a safety hazard! 🙂! This might be in a budget allowance to get some shiny black industrial strength paint for ALL seating/tables! Round tables and stackable chairs too!

Flow problems can be solved temporarily by assigning color indicators to each area — same as in the classroom, but in a big, all purpose area, the look needs to be more cohesive. For now, perhaps hang giant black chalkboards on least four walls/corners, and stand a few on easels. Project for shop/automotive/art: paint plyboard/heavy cardboard with black chalk paint (diy mixes online) with at least 6 inch borders? They could create easels too, should you want the chalkboards standing. The wood can be coaxed from the secret stash of the drama department if shop claims they are out

lol lol ❤️.

And borrow a few atoms from the wall sculpture as corner studs! Each chalkboard has a theme—sports, arts, academics, notices, menu, etc.

I prefer red/black/cream together, but if school colors are blue and green, pick one shade for border color. Using Green? Borders on boards in similar shades, lightening in intensity—dark hunter green/grass green/lime/pale. Chalk lettering in the school’s other color, blue, any shade!

Also, condiment trays on tables give each area a true dining feel—this is as simple as two frame style-trays per table with just napkins/towels/condiment boxes etc in each, pencils/phones at test-time.

Three long tables to area, plus round where needed, colored boxes to match borders on the area chalkboard (OR cherry wood finish boxes/trays on each, great cherry tone accents in the room!) good to go! til budget permits bigger redesign! Go cafe style if you can!

And remember Craigdlist is still the best place to ask for resources from renovations/remodels who have extra paint/wood/fixtures and restaurant supplies which will otherwise be sold or donated to Habitat.

Great light and space! Anything you try will look great! Whatever you decide, let us see? post done pictures here or in the before/after section? Have fun with it and a great rest of the school year! ❤️

I can't say anything about function because I don't "see" where students line up to get food, etc. Maybe rearranging tables could create a better line-up system?

I'm not surprised the kids aren't sharing input. Average high schoolers are good at telling you, "I like this or I don't like that", but they're not strong on analyzing exactly what they like or dislike /suggesting how to improve things.

As for looks:

- The worst thing about this is that it's telling the kids, "This is what you're worth".

- I'd like to see the columns and ceiling painted in the school colors. That'd bring in a big, vibrant element, and it won't cost all that much.

- Alternately, can those ceiling tiles come down? Our advanced art students have painted ceiling tiles for the library, cafeteria, even some classrooms -- they've copied some famous paintings, and they've done some original work. I understand it takes a lot of paint /the ceiling tiles suck it up, but it's a project that involves students, and it's a really cool look.

- I'm guessing you can't do anything about the tables and lights, but I hope painting the ceiling would make the lights -- so ugly -- look better.

- Could your advanced art classes (or National Art Honor Society) paint murals on the wall?

- How about having those same groups paint the trash cans? Yes, it's possible -- ours are those same ugly gray cans, and they're painted with murals.

Loving all these notes!! Will get back to you all soon. Side note, we are the Cowboys so the school colors are gold and brown.