An open invitation

Indiana University of Pennsylvania - North Dining Commons

Indiana University of Pennsylvania officials could almost hear the stomachs growling. Campus meal plan participation was growing and students were seeking more menu variety and convenient dining locations. The University responded with a several staged dining master plan. The new North Dining will increase options, access, and variety for students in the heart of the underserved north campus residential district.

The new building features a 500-seat residential dining venue and student lounge space overlooking the campus lawn and great dining room. Hungry diners get their wish with a choice between an “all you care to eat” option and a nationally-branded retail dining venue. 

Defined by moderately scaled volumes and a traditional architectural language, the dining common blends seamlessly into the surrounding campus aesthetic. Large expanses of glass punctuate the exterior to achieve greater transparency and visibility to students passing by the facility, creating an open and inviting atmosphere for meeting, greeting, and eating.