The Michigan State University (MSU) Union Food Court has been reimagined and opened to the public following a focused, meaningful process of engagement and design by MSU alumna and interior designer, Ashley Latinen. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can prioritize well-being and create meaningful spaces for the Spartan community.

Latinen’s redesign reflects a deep connection to MSU, a commitment to trauma-informed design, and an approach centered on community healing and resilience. “We wanted to reclaim this space to serve and empower community members,” Latinen said. 

A Design Grounded in Healing and Collaboration

The space in the MSU Union, a central hub for students, faculty and visitors, was reimagined to foster a more secure, calming and functional environment following the violence of Feb. 13, 2023. Guided by trauma-informed design principles, Latinen created a space that embodies safety, trust and empowerment.

Latinen’s process was highly collaborative and focused on ensuring adherence to trauma-informed design principles. She worked with MSU’s Interior Design instructors and students, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Program, various student organizations, MSU’s University Health and Wellbeing, as well the Office for Resource and Support Coordination, the university’s office dedicated to supporting all efforts related to the Feb. 13 violence, who engaged with those most directly impacted regarding the redesign.

Transformative Design Elements

Latinen’s evidence-based approach transformed the MSU Union Food Court into a space that promotes healing and connection. Key features include:

• Biophilic Design: A living moss wall, nature-inspired color palettes, and ceiling tiles that mimic a tree canopy bring the calming influence of nature indoors.
• Cultural Connection: A mural titled Under the Pines celebrates Spartan traditions and community pride.
• Functionality and Safety: Adjustable lighting, flexible furniture, improved sightlines, and secure egress pathways enhance usability and security.

Effort to Educate and Support the Design Community

Latinen has earned national recognition for her transformative redesign of the MSU Union Food Court. Her innovative work was recognized with a top honors finish in the Association of University Interior Designers (AUID) Design Competition in the Student Life & Academics 5,000–20,000 Square Foot category.

“One of the main reasons I submitted my work for the AUID competition was to share it with other designers and campus partners as a resource,” Latinen explained. “Ideally, we hope they won’t need it, but it’s important to have it available if necessary. I wanted the focus to be on the space itself and what it has become, rather than on me.”

Latinen is also contributing to Learning by Design magazine, volunteering her time to educate the design community about the importance of trauma-informed design. By sharing her research and insights, she hopes to inspire others to create spaces that foster healing and resilience.

A Lasting Impact on the Spartan Community

The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can prioritize well-being and create meaningful spaces for the Spartan community. As Latinen continues to inspire the broader design community, the Spartan campus will remain a place where students, faculty, and visitors can gather, connect and heal. Through her thoughtful and collaborative efforts, Latinen has transformed the MSU Union Food Court into a restorative and empowering space for the Spartan community. Her work demonstrates the potential of design to go beyond functionality, creating environments that support well-being and resilience. 

See the redesigned space for yourself:

Visit the MSU Union Food Court space on the first floor of the MSU Union, next to Sparty’s Market. The MSU Union is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and with a valid MSU ID from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Get support: 

If you or someone you know are in need of support or resources related to the Feb. 13 violence, please contact the Office for Resource and Support Coordination at orsc@msu.edu or visit the ORSC website.

Author: Hanah Khan, student communications assistant