American School & University magazine has recognized the design of the Colonnades Dining Hall in its 2008 Architectural Portfolio competition. The Colonnades, designed by Spillman Farmer Architects, was among 71 projects receiving outstanding design awards in the post-secondary division.
A five-member jury reviewed 252 applications for the awards, evaluating buildings for design characteristics that included quality, inviting and inspiring environments, appropriate scale and relationship to the environment, and sustainability. The awards were announced in the magazine’s November issue.
The judges said the two-story, $6.7 million facility is “a complete departure from a typical dining hall or food court and sets a new standard in campus dining.”
With its main floor Fountain Market and its spacious second floor, with four separate venues, the Colonnades has become the most popular dining hall on campus. Concepts for the various food options were developed by Aramark, the university’s food service provider, and Vickie Somers, director of auxiliary services, working under the direction of Gerald Whittington, vice president for business, finance and technology.
The building, which is located adjacent to the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center and the two Colonnades residence halls, opened in August 2007 and has a capacity of 350. Project construction was overseen by Neil Bromilow, Elon’s director of construction management. The Spillman Farmer architectural design team included Daniel Harrigan, Thomas Woods, Henry Delvecchio Jr. and David Wrigley. General contractor was J.H. Allen, and Frank Havens was the project manager.