XO Dining; Hargrave Andrews Library

As the contemporary university evolves beyond the boundaries of a hermetic campus, greater emphasis is placed on permeability, adaptability, and engagement with the wider community. XO Dining exemplifies this shift, rethinking the role of communal dining within a contemporary pedagogical framework. Housed within an adaptively reused structure, the project reconfigures a previously underutilised space into a flexible, multipurpose venue that supports dining, informal learning, social interaction, and events. The design fosters a culture of connection - between students, staff, and the broader public - by integrating hospitality, study, and gathering into a single cohesive environment. It challenges conventional separations between eating, working, and learning, offering a spatial model that is inherently inclusive and responsive. Through adaptive reuse, the project extends the life and function of the existing building while contributing to a more socially and environmentally sustainable campus culture. XO Dining is both a destination and a catalyst for daily academic life.