The RAD Center: UH’s New Dining Center Combines Innovation and Flavor

Looking at “The RAD”, the University of Houston’s newest contribution to the campus culinary scene, you might not realize just how remarkable it is — how it rose from a giant hole in the ground like a foodie Phoenix, not from the ashes, but from the floodwaters.

“For decades, the Student Center Satellite sat in that hole, a dark, dungeon-like space that flooded all the time,” says Emily Messa, senior associate vice chancellor and senior associate vice president of administration at UH. “After Hurricane Harvey, we knew we needed to transition to something above ground that was brighter, more inviting and less prone to flooding.”

Now, four years after the Satellite was put out of its misery, the Retail, Auxiliary and Dining Center, or the RAD — a 41,000 sq. foot, $44 million architectural wonder that is the talk of campus — is officially open for business.

FSAC member Benjamin Rizk (left) and UH SGA President Diego Arriaga (right) cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the RAD Center.

FSAC member Benjamin Rizk (left) and UH SGA President Diego Arriaga (right) cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the RAD Center.

The Vision

In developing a vision for the RAD, UH Auxiliary Services, in collaboration with Chartwells, the UH System’s dining services partner and the student-led Food Services Advisory Committee, hit on three key themes: the reimagined space should be eco-friendly with unique design features, offer diverse, locally-sourced food options and provide an inviting, family-like atmosphere.

“Students wanted something different from what we already had, and the result is a unique set of dining options representing different cultures and flavors — a true taste of Houston in one place.”
DaNesha Allen, senior director of UH Auxiliary Services

“We hosted focus groups and listening sessions that put students’ opinions front and center,” says DaNesha Allen, senior director of UH Auxiliary Services. “They wanted something different from what we already had, and the result is a unique set of dining options representing different cultures and flavors, a true taste of Houston in one place.”

Alyssa Green, the former chairman of FSAC who graduated in May, agrees and says their goal was to create a vibrant new space that reflected what UH is today.

“What mattered most to me was to have the options reflect the diverse student body,” Green said. “I wanted to ensure that students could find a piece of themselves in the space and feel at home on campus.”

The Design

With a strong vision in place, UH turned to world-renowned architecture firm Perkins & Will and Houston general contractor Turner Construction to make it a reality.

Combining an innovative mass timber structural system, vertical façade rhythms and a focus on transparency and porosity, the building reflects and reinforces the surrounding campus woodlands and showcases the activity going on inside.

“Spaces are designed to create a sense of serenity and calm in an ecologically-minded environment,” said Diego Rozo, a senior project manager and associate principal at Perkins & Will. “They were conceptually inspired by the notion of ‘unleashing the senses’ – the design celebrating different sights, sounds, smells and tastes alongside the tactile nature of the timber.”

Constructed of large, multilayered solid wood panels, the sustainable building brings life safety, wellness and sustainability benefits. In total, the project utilizes more than a million pounds of timber that hold over 650 metric tons of stored CO2.

“Lighter than structural steel, the timber structure enabled us to utilize foundations and columns from the existing facility that the RAD replaced,” Rozo said. “We were able to reuse dozens of foundations, resulting in significant cost and schedule benefits for UH.”

The Concept

In staying true to the original vision, the team didn’t have to look very far when deciding which food concepts to feature in the RAD.

“An important component in the venue is we wanted it to feel Houston,” Messa said. “We wanted local concepts that students were already frequenting and that were reflective of our diverse community.”

“An important component in the venue is we wanted it to feel Houston – we wanted local concepts that students were already frequenting.”
Emily Messa, senior associate vice chancellor and senior associate vice president of administration at UH

The Burger Joint, which started as a food truck on the UH campus, serves juicy burgers such as the BBQ, Fire, Mexi and Classic Smash alongside huge orders of fries and refreshing milkshakes.

The Taco Stand is another locally-owned concept serving chorizo and egg breakfast tacos in the morning and delicious beef, chicken and shrimp burritos, bowls and tacos for lunch and dinner.

And Chartwells launched two unique brands of its own with recipes developed on campus. Absurd Bird serves crispy fried chicken tenders, sandwiches and salads with a plethora of tasty sides. The Paper Lantern offers flavorful Asian fare, from spicy Gochujang Wings and Hong Kong Shrimp to Thai Grilled Chicken and Smoked Brisket Curry.

“We prioritize local businesses and UH alumni-owned brands in our selection process, reinforcing our commitment to giving back to the community and offering dining options that truly resonate with our students,” said Chad McDonald, the UH System’s senior executive chef.

And so far, the student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The vibrant and bustling space speaks for itself,” McDonald said. “We’re thrilled students are embracing the new dining options.”

Hours of Operation

LOCATION	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
Market at RAD	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Nook	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Absurd Bird	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Paper Lantern	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	7 a.m.-7 p.m.	Closed
The Burger Joint	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Taco Stand	7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.	7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.	7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.	7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.	7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.