Canteens at UvA and HvA get total make over
The UvA and HvA kicked off 2017 with both a new caterer (Cormet) and a new look for all dining halls and canteens. This week all locations opened their doors for students and staff. Folia passed by for a sneak preview.
While last week most of the UvA locations were already up and running, the HvA was working hard to get all refurbishments finished. We spoke to one of the constructors in the Wibauthuis: ‘It’s a huge improvement. This used to be a cold and empty space’. A glance across the room tells you that the interior designers have found inspiration in some of the latest trends in restaurants: rough wood, vintage furniture, retro light bulbs, organic products and the obligatory small forest of plants.
Astrid Scheurs, responsible for the coordination of the refurbishments at the HvA, explains the idea behind the new concept. ‘Before starting the renovations, we draw up an inventory of needs by means of an opinion poll. The resulting theme can be described as ‘Urban Jungle,’ and you’ll see by looking around that the polls showed high demand for comfortable spaces to sit’. You can tell that she is proud of how things have turned out. ‘We succeeded in giving the spaces more of an edge with minimal resources.’
Healthy
She also refers to several collaborations with local food businesses. She points to two stands where this week Kaas&Worst and Joeri Tandoeri are selling their products. ‘The staff wasn't too happy about this at first because they saw the merchants as competition. But Cormet has a different view.’ Instead, Scheurs says they should work together.
The focus is clearly on healthy food. There is vitamin water and a range of vegan options as well as small packages of fresh, healthy snacks like sliced pear and cherry tomatoes. ‘We’re starting with a basic selection and will assess what works and what's missing over the coming weeks,’ says Anja Hoorenma who works behind the counter at the Bushuis. ‘But it already feels like my own little grocery store.’
