Coming back from summer break, you probably noticed that the Hub has changed a bit. These changes can be seen around the coffee bar area. The new seating and renovated lounging space makes for a better eating and working environment — and students like it. The new design seamlessly integrates the coffee bar into the overall dinning space. Sarah Bradley, a fourth-year writing student, said, “I think the new coffee bar looks sleeker and the lines seem to move a lot faster than usual. I dig it.” That sleekness may be a result of the stainless steel countertops SCAD imported from Italy, according to Ms. Cece, who has worked at the school for seven years.
Where there once was an octagonal ping pong table now stands several new tables — good for studying and working on projects with classmates. Installed in the middle of these tables are multiple discrete outlets and USB ports that can be pressed back into the table, allowing for flat working space. The nap pods still remain, but they have been moved to the right side of the lounging area, replacing the billiards table.
Many commend the renovations for their functionality. Jai Mathis, a fourth-year graphic design student said, “It looks good. I think it’s more functional with the deli feature.” The new coffee bar — with snacks, drinks and deli products for sale — does reduce the amount of dinning dollars gone unused.
The quick pickup food and drink, like the canned drinks and readymade boxed sandwiches became inaccessible whenever the Hub was closed. “It’s a good way to use dining dollars,” said Faith Dickey, a third-year animation student. “Because if you miss the lunch hours you can still use them.” The coffee bar is opened from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. With the extended hours from the Hub buffet, students have more opportunities to use up their dinning dollars before the end of the quarter.
Because this coffee bar serves Starbucks brand beverages, they have also opted to carry paper straws. As part of Starbucks’ larger effort, the coffee bar and all other Starbucks shops will become completely “straw-less” in the near future. These environmental efforts are apparent in the new cold beverage lid design that includes a larger opening, similar to a hot beverage lid.
Both pleasing to the eye and easier to use, the renovations to the coffee bar area has been well received among students at the Atlanta campus.