As part of a broader initiative to enhance the student experience, the University of Pittsburgh renovated two existing Einstein Bros. Bagels cafés—one in Benedum Hall and the other in Wesley W. Posvar Hall.
Client
University of Pittsburgh
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Key Contact
Michael Mistriner
Photographer
Elliott Cramer
Completed
2025
Size
6,021 sq. ft.
Cost
$1.3 M
Services
Architecture
Though both had operated under the Einstein name for years, their dim, dated interiors no longer matched the energy of student life. The redesigns retained the brand identity while weaving in fresh color palettes, lighting and architectural elements that complement the distinct character of each building.
In Benedum Hall, the café’s below-grade location presented a unique challenge. Dominated by exposed ceilings, mechanical piping and utilitarian finishes, the 2,112 sq. ft. space felt more like a basement corridor than a hangout spot. Our Higher Education practice team embraced the industrial context and elevated it with a sculptural, curved baffle system that conceals utilities and allows for necessary access.
Contemporary lighting fixtures introduce warmth and rhythm, and acoustic treatments dampen sound in what had previously been an echoing environment. Open shelving and updated furniture round out the transformation, repositioning the cafe as an urban-inspired retreat that feels purposeful rather than improvised.
The cafe at Posvar Hall, by contrast, sits at 3,909 sq. ft. within a Brutalist framework of heavy concrete and oversized volumes. We introduced elements that add human scale: improved illumination to counteract the dark shell, softer finishes and a mix of seating that supports varied styles of gathering. Here, a student can grab a quick bite between classes, find a quiet spot for individual study or meet with friends for collaborative work—making the café as flexible as it is approachable.
Together, these projects illustrate how small-scale interventions can have a large impact on campus culture. The cafés not only provide food and drink, but also serve as integral social anchors—inviting, comfortable spaces that enrich the rhythms of student life.
