The Sidney Smith Café, situated in Sidney Smith Hall on the University of Toronto St.George Campus, has served students for many years as an eatery and gathering space.

Renovations were made to accommodate a request for a more comfortable and functional space. As a construction project this involved revising servery equipment layouts, as well reviewing lighting conditions and the architectural quality of the space.

Existing problems included obstructed views and disorienting and unclear circulation as well as outdated millwork. Our design approach was to provide a simple and cohesive space to eliminate visual barriers and obstructions, and to provide a variety of student use spaces. Comfort was addressed with attractive materials and brighter lighting as well as through the articulation of the space into different areas of use: Café, Lounge and Hub.