Presented at the Annual Innovative Learning Spaces Summit on September 23, 2016 in Prague. The event was organised by Luxatia International

1. Evolving Spatial Concepts for Learning
Arts, Design andArchitecture
CaseAalto University
Tapio Koskinen, Head of Technology
Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Prague, September 23, 2016

2. INTRO
AALTO
UNIVERSITY
LEARNING
SPACES FOR ARTS,
DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURE
LESSONS
LEARNED

3. Architecture
eLearning
Development
Infrastructures
for Learning
& Research
e.g. Motorcycle
Maintenance
1995 2011 2023
tapio.koskinen@aalto.fi https://fi.linkedin.com/in/tapiokoskinen @tapiofi
THE LIFELONG LEARNER

4. 55 Professionals
Supporting Learning
25 Specialized
Learning Environments

5. INTRO
AALTO
UNIVERSITY
LEARNING
SPACES FOR ARTS,
DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURE
LESSONS
LEARNED

6. Aalto University in brief
Foundation-based university of
technology, business, arts and
architecture.
Founded in 2010, when the
Helsinki School of Economics,
Helsinki University of
Technology and University of
Art and Design Helsinki were
merged to form a single
institution.
• 80 000 alumni
• 20 000 students
• 5 000 employees (370
professors)
• Funding 388.8 M€ (2014)
23.9.2016
7

7. Finland
Helsinki
Main campus,
Otaniemi
Helsinki
Espoo
The School
of Business,
Töölö
The School
of Arts, Design
and Architecture,
Arabia
From three Campuses into One
Aalto University focuses its operations on the main campus
School of Arts, Design and Architecture will move in 2018
School of Economics will move by 2020

8. Aalto University metro station will open
for public in 2017.
Light rail service is planned for 2021.
Aalto University’s new construction and
renovation investments on campus
(2010-20) are estimated to be >300 M€.

9. Aalto Campus master plan and design of the main building are by Alvar Aalto.
The old main building was completed in 1964, its renovation was completed in 2016.
Architectural design by NRT Architects

10. Aalto University’s main
campus hosts already four
schools of technology and
parts of the school of
economics.
The new building will be
completed in 2018, it
provides facilities for the
School of Arts, Design and
Architecture.
Design is based on a
winning proposal by
Verstas Architecs in an
international competition
Video duration 2:12 https://youtu.be/hGn7cIF37Y4

11. GROUND FLOOR
Aalto University
New Building
School of Arts Design and Architecture

12. GROUND FLOOR
Aalto University
New Building
School of Arts Design and Architecture
Helsinki Olympic Stadium Football Field 105 m * 70 m

13. INTRO
AALTO
UNIVERSITY
LEARNING
SPACES FOR ARTS,
DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURE
LESSONS
LEARNED

14. ARTS AND DESIGN IS A FAIRLY NEW DISCIPLINE IN UNIVERSITIES
TEACHING AND LEARNING MODELS HAVE BEEN
DOMINATED BY STUDIO WORK

15. Active
Experimentation
Reflective
Observation
Concrete
Experience
Abstract
Conceptualization
Experiential Learning
Learning through
observation,
experimentation and
interaction with the
environment

16. Learning Art, Design and Architecture
• The learning model adopted by the school combines theory and practice.
• The spatial solution supports successful implementation of the learning model.
23.9.2016
17
Hands on learning about
materials, techniques and
processes
Problem based learning in
small groups.
Learners
generate
meanings out of
their own actions
and experience
PRACTICETHEORY

17. Learning Spaces for Art, Design and Architecture
23.9.2016
18
PRACTICETHEORY
GENERIC
Learning spaces
LECTURE ROOM
Large Group
STUDIO
Individual study
Peer Learning
Group Learning
LEARNIN CENTER
GALLERY
CAFETERIA
HUB
Informal and
Group Learning
WORKSHOP
Individual study
Peer Learning
Group Learning
Machine Room
INFORMAL
Learning spaces
SPECIALIZED
Learning spaces
SPECIALIZED
Learning spaces
There are two main types of specialized learning spaces at Aalto ARTS that are essential from the point of view of the
generic learning model adopted by the school: Studio and Workshop

18. 23.9.2016
19
Studio
Studios should be flexible and user
configurable. Interior surfaces
preferably unfinished.
Key learning facilities, such as the
specialized workstations are part of
the studio. The studio is well
connected to the workshops to
enable students to easily move
their work between the workshops
and the studio.
Each of the three Studio Clusters
consists of the following facilities:
LIBRARY
GALLERY
CAFETERIA
HUB
Informal and
Group Learning
Desk work
Computer
work
Group work
Faculty workspace Socializing
Lockers
Access to gallery
and workshops
DESK WORK AREA: This is the hearth of the studio. The set-up and
furniture varies and does not necessarily include conventional desks. The
space can be easily re-configured by its users. Student lockers are located
within the space.
SOCIALIZING AREA: Kitchen / coffee shop area, living room and space for
ad-hoc meetings
GROUPWORK AREA: Small, Medium and Large project/meeting rooms,
serve meetings, group work and classroom sessions.
COMPUTER WORK AREA: Specialized workstations with software specific
to the area of study.
STORAGE ROOM: for student work
FACULTY WORKSPACE: offices for professors, lecturers and researchers.

19. 23.9.2016
20
Workshop
The workshop structure comprises
of 13 dedicated workshops that are
used by the five departments of the
school. Several workshops serve
also needs of other schools.
Each workshop consists of three
zones. Ideally the PUBLIC zones of
several workshops should be
merged.
Minimum height 4 m (floor-ceiling)
in all workshops.
All workshops require occasional
changes of machinery/equipment
PUBLIC (Informal and Group Learning)
• Lounge and gallery area. Furniture for ad-hoc meetings and laptop work.
• Common public area for several workshops.
• Easy access to studios (students will take their work to studio and back)
Hands on Learning
• Equipment that can be used without supervision
• Includes storage space for unfinished student work
• Induction required for 24/7 access.
Machine Room
• Equipment, materials and machinery that requires supervision and
special focus on workplace safety.
• Induction required for access. Open 5 days a week, also evenings.
• Access to materials storage space
Hands on
Learning
Storage
Machine
Room
Office
Access to gallery
and workshops
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
GALLERY
CAFETERIA
HUB
Informal and
Group Learning
Studentwork
storage

20. Group learning
Classrooms that support collaborative learning

21. 23.9.2016
22
Workspaces for faculty and staff
“The office space concept for the
School of Art, Design and
Architecture is a courageous step
and helps support and foster the
university's strategy and pioneering
spirit.”
The activity based office concept is
currently being piloted on Arabia
Campus.

22. INTRO
AALTO
UNIVERSITY
LEARNING
SPACES FOR ARTS,
DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURE
LESSONS
LEARNED

23. Drivers for change: Learning space strategy

24. Drivers for change:
effective and shared
use of space
Institutions are
becoming
increasingly aware of
the need for ongoing
evaluation of the
combined academic
and economic
effectiveness of their
facilities.

25. Seven Principles of Learning Space Design
Comfort: a space which creates a physical and
mental sense of ease and well-being.
Aesthetics: pleasure which includes the recognition of
symmetry, harmony, simplicity and fitness for purpose.
Flow: the state of mind felt by the learner
when totally involved in the learning experience.
Equity: consideration of the needs of cultural
and physical differences.
Blending: a mixture of technological and
face-to-face pedagogical resources.
Affordances: the “action possibilities” the learning environment
provides the users, including such things as kitchens, natural
light, Wi-Fi, private spaces, writing surfaces, sofas, and so on.
Repurposing: the potential for multiple usage of a space.
www.skgproject.com
Professor Mike Keppell
Charles Sturt University
Drivers for change: Informalization
of learning and its facilities

26. Drivers for change:
Pedagogy and Learning design
Source: CENTER FOR TEACHING+LEARNING, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

27. Drivers for change:
Technology enhancing studying and teaching

28. Learning Spaces Life-cycle Paradox
BUILDINGS 100 yrs
HEVAC 50 yrs
20-30 yrs
7 yrs AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEMS
4-8 yrs LMS etc platforms
3-4 yrs COMPUTERS
?? FACULTY & STAFF
STUDENTS
PARTITIONING AND FURNITURE

29. Users’ role in a building project
The challenge: How to maintain the users’ motivation
and interest?
23.9.2016
30
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
CAMPUS 2015
Initial Arch Comp
Väre
Construction
Use
Planning & Design
Of the New Building
MOVE
Over 8 years of involvement, participation and motivation
Users: >2000 meetings, workshops, events, presentations…
Space Requirement Survey 2010
Unelmien Taik survey 2010
Thematic Workshops 2011
Campus
Decision

30. “Come Together”
Lennon J. McCartney P. 1969
Virtual
Environment
Something good might happen
LEGEND