The design work marks the latest in a line of projects that RDA has undertaken since the University first engaged the firm’s services as design consultants in 2011, during the development of its college catering.
Since the appointment, RDA has also designed new catering facilities for St Aidan’s College and the second oldest college on the estate - Hatfield College - a Grade II listed building, which was founded in 1846.
Paul Hirst, design director at RDA, said: “We were employed not only to create state of the art designs and to advise on all aspects of new technology, customer flows and dwell times, but also to create the look and feel of high quality catering establishments that would enhance the use experience.
“Whilst the catering facilities adhere to the same high standard of rationalised equipment and facilities, the interior design aspect was carefully taken into consideration to ensure that each scheme had empathy with the age and history of each college.”
The college catering facilities are used by students, college guests and commercial guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner services. The number of diners can easily exceed 400 covers per service in each of the colleges, which also host a range of additional events such as formal banquets and buffets.
The firm’s brief was to create a series of innovative designs that would satisfy the stringent requirements of each college and the overall aims of the University catering management team. This involved designing new kitchens, preparation areas, storage and production facilities and food serveries.
In addition to the college projects, RDA’s further past work for Durham University includes the design of a catering area within Durham Business School, the design and installation of a new café at the Oriental Museum, and the revamp of a café within Palace Green’s library courtyard.
RDA, founded in 2007, was set up by directors Roy and Judith Addyman and has since grown to become one of the UK’s most successful design and installation companies.