When a Roman, a Frenchman, and Buddha meet at the buffet…

Architectural interior design showcasing organic forms and natural light

At the prestigious EPFL campus in Lausanne, innovation meets recreation. Cafeteria ZAHA is more than a dining hall, it is a social ecosystem blending culinary fusion with architectural clarity for a world-leading university.

Elevating the Campus Canteen

We deconstructed the functional canteen character. Through strategic spatial zoning and atmospheric light design, we transformed an "eating station" into a gastronomic co-working hub.

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Ancient Wisdom, Modern Design

ZAHA: Biophilic design featuring maritime pine and terrazzo. Natural materials provide maritime warmth, timeless elegance, and a significantly optimized indoor climate.

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Project Insights: Next-Level Hospitality Design

The challenge at EPFL was harmonizing high-traffic volume with premium stay quality. Our concept creates fluid movement zones that prevent congestion while carving out private niches for meaningful communication.


The Material Concept: Where Durability Meets Sophistication

Public spaces demand materials that "age with dignity." We selected Terrazzo and solid pine wood to provide tactile warmth, durability, and natural acoustic dampening.


GALA Services List:

  • Hospitality Transformation: Converting a canteen into a premium food court.
  • Flow Optimization: Data-driven planning to eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Acoustic Engineering: Sound-absorbing materials for a productive atmosphere.
  • Custom Furniture Design: Bespoke seating landscapes for dining and study.

Delivering Value

From a transit zone to a destination point: A design strategy that increases dwell time and elevates the campus as a primary living space.

Frequently Asked Questions: Campus Architecture

Exceptionally resilient. Terrazzo and maritime pine are engineered for high-frequency environments. They are impact-resistant and develop a rich natural patina over time.

Yes. By integrating timber acoustic louvers, we significantly reduced reverberation, making ZAHA an attractive workspace outside of peak meal times.

Absolutely. The flexible modular furnishing and open-plan structure allow for rapid reconfiguration for networking apéros or university lectures.

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Cafeteria ZAHA: High-End Interior Design in Lausanne | Gala Design