The project involved a comprehensive refresh and enhancement of the RMIT University Building 514 café located within the Brunswick Campus. Its inception was rooted in an exhaustive Feasibility Study conducted in partnership with the café operator. This study scrutinised relevant precedents and functional models. The overarching goal was to present the cafeteria as a contemporary café experience, achieved through aesthetic improvements and refined presentation.

The project’s is encapsulated by the following key components:

A deliberately modest and non-structural brief was meticulously developed, taking into account a tight timeline and budgetary constraints. The primary focus rested on decorative upgrades, minimising the need for extensive demolition.

The design philosophy analysed the existing spatial configuration, with a commitment to preserving its core identity. A strategic shift altered the dining experience from an east-west orientation to a more engaging north-south orientation, enhancing exposure to the welcoming north-facing aspect.

Drawing inspiration from Building 514’s heritage, the design language integrated the iconic tubular steel and vibrant hues. Subtle visual screens, reminiscent of woven patterns, were incorporated to pay homage to the site’s historical role as a rope factory.

The project effectively amalgamated aesthetic rejuvenation, historical homage, and functional optimisation. Its objective was to craft a contemporary café experience that resonated with the evolving needs and preferences of the campus community, signifying a strategic evolution in the café’s identity