JDTCI Cafeteria

The John Deere Technology Center India doubled the number of employees in the two years I lived there. The cafeteria only had a single u-shaped benmari, the Indian version of a serving counter, and a small kitchen from which dosas, somosas and other items not on the buffet could be purchased. In addition to the serving area that took up a large space and only had two serving lines, there was not enough seating. The clients wanted to have four serving lines, an expanded kitchen and add three service counters to accommodate the growing number of employees as well as increase the number seats in the dining area.

A committee was formed and together we came up with several ideas for the cafeteria. These ideas were then voted on by the employees. The inspiration for the cafeteria redesign was a French street scene with cafes.

Cafe Scene

This area was originally an enclosed space that housed a ping pong table. The wall between the cafeteria and the ping pong room was removed at accommodate some of the extra seating.

New Benmaris

The original benmari was u-shaped so that a server behind the counter could serve the food. To accommodate the four lines needed, two narrower, self-service benmaris replaced the larger u-shaped benmari.

The Red Pub service counter is seen in the backgound.

Arched Peacock Counter

Each of the service counters had a distinct door. This is the arched peacock counter.

Rustic Barn Door Counter

This is the rustic barn door counter.

Drink Station

This is the drink station where employees can get coffee and tea or microwave a meal brought from home. The tall cabinet to the right hides the garbage and recycling bins.

Flooring Detail

Transitional Seating Area

These high top tables are in the transitional space of the original cafeteria space and the new space.