D2 takes home national design award

D2, a recently renovated dining center at Virginia Tech, has been recognized for its outstanding design in American School and University Magazine’s August 2006 issue.

The Educational Interiors Showcase features 16 categories, ranging from classrooms and laboratories to cafeterias and media centers. Five other college designs and two high school designs received the outstanding honor in the cafeteria/food-service design category.

Planned by MMM Design Group and associated firm Ricca Newmark Design, D2 was completed in August of 2004. What had previously been a run-of-the-mill cafeteria, transformed into an international marketplace. High windows with scenic views, varied ceiling heights to help define spaces and circulation paths, simple materials, color changes and specialty lighting all contributed to the overall function and look.

“We envisioned an airy, open space with an artistic flare to take dining to another level,” said Ted Faulkner, associate director of Housing and Dining Services. “In the design of D2, we wanted to incorporate cutting-edge delivery of non-traditional food items in a collegiate setting.”

For the award, a jury of school administrators and members of the American Institute of Architects evaluate projects submitted by design firms, architects, and interior designers. They consider technical specifications, response to the program requirements, aesthetic characteristics, and overall presentation of materials. The winners and their clients receive national exposure through AS&U’s magazine readers, website, and thousands of school board members and administrators planning and designing interior learning environments at facility trade shows.

D2 is an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant located on the upper level of Dietrick Dining Center. It is the largest dining facility on campus and can accommodate more than 1,100 customers. It features eight major food platforms, serving a wide variety of options including crème brûlée, regional cuisine and grill items and an authentic Brazilian churrascaria serving an array of carved meats.

For more information on D2 and other Virginia Tech dining centers click here. For more information on AS&U’s outstanding design award click here.