EMORY COX FOOD HALL

The renovation of Cox Hall was vital to improving the student experience at Emory University. As the campus’s busiest dining facility, it faced persistent congestion and queuing issues. The project reimagined an outdated, dark cafeteria as a vibrant food hall serving students, visitors, hospital staff, and the broader campus community. The design aimed to create an authentic destination that reflects Emory’s character while fostering connection and community through food. A bold, playful food hall concept addressed circulation challenges and enhanced the dining experience. Inspired by the campus’s tree canopies and historic architectural details, such as window tracery, the design features ribbon-like canopy forms, metal mesh soffits, and open-cell archways. Individual stalls are distinguished with accent colors, ceramic tile, and patterned mesh. Exposed concrete floors and columns reinforce authenticity, while wood accents and plantings add warmth through biophilic design. The project was completed in collaboration with Perkins&Will.

Photography by Katie Bricker