A Fresh New Look for an Old Favourite
The heart of any college community is its dining space—a place where students gather not just to eat but to connect, unwind, and share in the communal experience of university life. At Mannix, this experience has been elevated to a whole new level with the grand unveiling of the newly redesigned dining hall servery, an architectural and artistic masterpiece brought to life by renowned architect Michael Hrysomallis, Director of Hiro Design.
The servery was officially opened by Polly Lewis, 2025 Student President, at the 2025 Leadership Dinner in February, alongside Bishop Tony Ireland, Chair of Council, Principal Andrew Swan, Professor Sarah McDonald, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and Senior Vice-President, and Old Collegian The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills.
Enhancing Student Life
The transformation is more than just a structural upgrade; it represents an investment in the student experience. Andrew Swan, Principal of Mannix, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This redevelopment is a game-changer for the college. We wanted to create a space that not only facilitates ease of dining but also enhances the overall student experience. Seeing the transformation come to life has been truly rewarding. Thank you to everyone involved in this significant project."
Hiro Design, an award-winning architectural and interior design consultancy, has long been recognised for crafting masterful spaces that inspire users. With a keen focus on functionality and aesthetic brilliance, Hrysomallis and his team reimagined the servery to enhance traffic flow, increase natural light, and optimise the ease of service—all while ensuring the utmost comfort for students and staff alike. The result is a space that seamlessly blends practicality with elegance, making mealtime at Mannix an inviting and enjoyable experience for all.
Michael Hrysomallis, Director of Hiro Design, shared his thoughts on the project: “Hiro Design was proud to contribute to the Mannix College Dining Hall Servery Upgrade, enhancing the space with a vibrant and welcoming design. The final result reflects the dedication of the entire team, who worked tirelessly to create an exceptional hospitality experience.”
Connection to Country
Beyond its architectural transformation, the servery now boasts a stunning artistic addition that further enriches its cultural significance. Returning to Mannix after her acclaimed work on the ‘Kyinandoo Wilam – Clever Hut’ mural at the college in 2023, celebrated Australian Aboriginal artist Simone Thomson has once again left her mark—this time on the southern wall of the servery. Her immense mural series, themed around food, connection, community, and nourishment, is a breathtaking tribute to the spirit of gathering and sustenance. Interwoven with vibrant colours and intricate storytelling, her artwork serves as a visual reminder of the deep-rooted importance of sharing meals and fostering relationships.
Simone spoke about the inspiration behind her latest work‘I drew upon the importance of community and sitting facing one another with respect with the larger gathering circles, and of course the coolamon dish which is an iconic multi-purpose carrying dish used for gathering and holding food. The coolamon also references the holding and carrying of knowledge as infants were placed here as a means of cradle, the start of our learning journey.’ Discover more about this incredible artistic vision titled "Tikilara, Spirit of Place."
Bon Appétit!
By modernising essential facilities, Mannix is ensuring that generations of students will benefit from a space designed with their well-being in mind. The new servery stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to continuous improvement, enhancing not only the functionality of dining services but also the sense of belonging and community that defines the Mannix experience.
With cutting-edge design and inspiring artistry coming together, the revitalised dining hall servery is now a place where nourishment extends beyond food, feeding the soul of the college itself.