UChicago Medicine - Center for Care and Discovery Food Hall

Interior of a modern coffee shop with customers sitting at tables and a barista preparing drinks at the counter.

The Center for Care & Discovery Food Hall renovation consists of the redesign of a hospital lobby and food services space on the University of Chicago’s Medical Center campus. A series of terrazzo tile-clad curvilinear countertop and wainscotting elements wrap three distinct food retailers in a unifying gesture across the food hall space. White oak board-and-batten paneling brings rhythm, texture, and natural warmth to the space while a collection of planters interject greenery into an otherwise clinical environment.

 
Isometric view of a modern café or restaurant interior with seating, counters, and customers.

The new food hall accommodates seating for approximately 150 people in a diverse collection of furniture, including built-in banquettes, high top tables, custom millwork benches and soft lounge areas. The project seeks to create an inviting and naturally warm space as a respite from the daily demands of the hospital facility.

Architectural floor plan of a building with interior rooms, outdoor landscaping, and trees.
Architectural elevation drawing of a modern building with black and white panels, people walking and interacting outside, and a person sitting inside.
Interior of a modern building with large windows, wooden ceiling, and a long wooden table with chairs. A person is sitting alone at the end of the table using a laptop.
Empty office space with wooden partition walls, a round ceiling light, a wooden table with a laptop, two wooden chairs, and a potted plant in the foreground.
Interior view of a modern space with a hanging white round light, a wooden wall panel, and a row of white chairs along a wooden counter separated by frosted glass partitions.
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Design Consultant: Figure
MEPF Engineer: ACGI
Contractor: Bowa Construction
Photography: Kim Rodgers Photography, James Leng/Figure