Photography: Philippe Piron
Graphics & Signs: Praline
A new university food-service concept initiated by the Crous is being built at the Orléan University
Crous
Mini R wants to be complementary to the University cafeteria but on a smaller scale, and closer to the large hubs of students who can have a more spontaneous choice for what they want, and where they want to eat.
Mini R is the first project for alternative food services which has been implemented in Orléans following a call for tenders by the Crous and after much speculation led by the designer matali crasset, the graphic design studio Praline and the help of Dominque Serrel from Terres Nuage.
In parallel with the “resto U” (university cafeteria), the Crous gives an alternative for eating with less time constraints, allowing people to have a relaxed meal during their free-time.
The Mini R located in Orléans is a MINI R Global, decorated primarily in white and turquoise with orange splashes of colour appearing here and there to liven it up. The area is delimited by geometrically-shaped stands. A same, inextricably timeless rhythm belonging to the collective and contemporary subconscious which also covers large guest tables, making the presentation and seating area one.
There are different seating possibilities where a person can either intimately share a meal or eat with lots of friends, offering different levels of privacy and seat comfort which ranges up to more informal seating to just sip on a coffee.
This concept, with no additional furniture or sophistication, goes directly to the essential, making it a place where it just feels good to sit down and relax … this area is a reminder of the Crous basic values.