City College of New York

To: CCNY NAC Administration

From: K. Ryan Aldana

Subject: NAC Cafeteria-Observational Analysis

Date: October 7, 2019

The main purpose of this memo is to present my analysis on the North Academic Center cafeteria and to list some of the design flaws as well as some design approvals. The NAC cafeteria is often a hotspot among most students where they can hangout, eat, and/or, study.

Summary:                                                                                                                                            The NAC Cafeteria is well-lit and vibrant area where students get to interact with each other and/or study for their next class. What contributes to the well-lit environment, is that of the “multi-window” design. This design, while it is very aesthetically pleasing, can be a flaw for those who do not enjoy the hot sun when they are casually relaxing.

Discussion:                                                                                                                                          While the design isn’t completely a flaw, the multi-window design could be a negative aspect in a lot of people’s eyes. The multi-window design contributes to a lot of the unnecessary heat which may turn some students away from this hotspot. Along with the unnecessary heat, the rays of the beaming hot sun is another factor as to what might turn students away from this area. Because of the heat and the brightness, students might take their lunch elsewhere, sometimes resorting to the staircase rather than the cafeteria which has in total approximately 25-30 tables.

Although the multi-window design is somewhat a design flaw for many who want to hang out at the cafeteria, it is still great design, nonetheless. It’s all about preference, and some students enjoy the sun’s rays, while others choose to not be in the sun’s rays. Some students might enjoy the suns warmth, and others might not want to feel the sun’s heat. However, there can be a solution that can benefit both parties.

Recommendation:                                                                                                                       First, I would like to propose blinds for those windows (maybe curtains but blinds are better) so that the option for blocking out he sun is available for those who do not enjoy the sun’s rays or who do not like feeling the warmth of the suns rays. Another way of combating the suns warmth is to add maybe one air conditioner unit in that area so that the cafeteria isn’t too hot all the time. Doing any of these would greatly affect the popularity of this area, as the main reason as to why people don’t hangout there is the heat and the sun’s rays. A would also like to propose an additional 10 tables in order to further populate and further the use of the cafeteria.