“Atas” Arts Canteen

Tan Tze How Kelvin | tzehow@nus.edu.sg
The Ridge News
A NUSSU Publication

July 11, 2007

Students can expect to see new food outlets like Burger King, Lerk Thai and Olio Dome at the renovated “The Deck” located at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Opening on August 13, 2007, the highlight of the new canteen is the air-conditioned “atas” dining area where the three new food outlets are.

After eight months of renovation, the (new) Deck will provide about 1,250 seats, up from the 966 seats previously. Ventilation is enhanced with the design of high ceilings. According to the Office of Estate and Development (OED), all 13 previous vendors will be back in full force.

The new canteen is also “more than just a place to dine.”

Gary Png, deputy director of OED, told The Ridge that the new canteen is designed for “students to do project discussion and chit-chat.”

Movable seats are installed at the al-fresco dining, and sofa sets will also be placed on the second floor dining area. The designs will increase flexibility of students’ movement within the canteen.

Dining, Retail and Housing Manager, Ong Sock Hwee said that the designs and planning are the result of working with the canteen vendors, NUS Students’ Union and the feedback from students.

“We do take into account students’ point of view,” she said.

Atas in Singlish means high-class. The term is derived from its meaning in Malay – upstairs.