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2.3.2 Situation at
Aalto: Obsolete
buildings
The background research looks into involve
entirely vacant buildings and taking them
into use as such. The problem identified
within the Aalto University campus in
Otaniemi concerns single or multiple unused
spaces, classrooms, offices, etcetera,
in otherwise actively used buildings.
Considering the large institution Aalto
University is, this vacancy can easily go
unnoticed. On paper the buildings are used
fully, though in reality many spaces are left
idle. These spaces are either appointed to a
person or to a department or study program,
which apparently does not need it and as
a result the spaces are not being used.
This results in vacant spaces scattered around
the campus area. Because of the hidden
character of this vacancy, the managing
bodies have difficulties discovering them.
At moments where they do, it appears to
be considered inappropriate to raise the
issue regarding this lingering problem. It
is however a terrible waste of resources to
leave the spaces empty and unused, and
thus this situation needs be changed. In order
to do so effectively, time and effort need
to be spent on the matter, ensuring to find
the best possible solution. However, as the
information is scarcely disclosed, it is difficult
to resolve the vacancy issue. The topic of
vacancy within the University will be further
dealt with in chapter 2.6 Surplus of spaces.
2.4 Existing types of work-
and learning spaces
Aalto University’s campus in Otaniemi has
a supply of various types of work spaces
for its people. Anticipating on the increased
variety in backgrounds the community
will have, the current supply ought to
be expanded and improved, including
increased variety in types of spaces.
At present, there are different types of
working spaces available, both to students,
as well as to other members of the Creative
Community. These can be found in the
School and Department buildings, such as
computer rooms for individual students. These
work places provide computer equipment
and often printing facilities, and on
occasion some might be in use as computer
classrooms. As a basis, a university consists
of classrooms and lecture halls: the place
where the primary pedagogical activities
take place. These spaces are not discussed
in the following subchapter, as are the
traditional offices for teachers and other staff.
The types of spaces are divided into two
categories: Those who are open to all
members, and those who are focused on
a subgroup within the Aalto Community.
2.4.1 Spaces open to
all
Libraries
In the libraries, spread around the campus
inside the different school buildings and
in the main library building, there are
silent study places available, as well as
group working spaces. In the main library
the individual workspaces are located in
the general space, and quietness is the
norm—as is customary in a library. The
group working spaces in the main library
are equipped with tables and chairs, and
a whiteboard. The rooms are suitable for
group discussions and meetings. The faculty
libraries are different in terms of what type
of workspaces they provide. The libraries
are of varying sizes, though in general there
is some space for reading and studying.
Learning Hubs
A number of libraries within Aalto University
have a special Learning Hub space inside
or nearby. These spaces are initiated and
developed by Valeria Gryada, Interior
Architect and graduate of Aalto University.
Each Learning Hub is developed together
with students who are enthusiastic to create
one. The spaces are all informal with
comfortable seating for casual studying, often
situated in small clusters (Gryada 2012). At
present there are five Learning Hubs spread
out over the campus, with varying sizes .
The spaces are used by individual students,
but also by groups for meetings. Their
popularity could increase, as the spaces
have the capacity to be used much more.
Img 18: Existing and planned Learning Hubs
Source: Learning Hub presentation by V. Gryada
Case Learning Hubs
Around the Otaniemi campus more and more
Learning Hubs are emerging. The first one
was developed in an uninspiring study room
in the Töölö library. Changeability of the
space played a large role in its development.
For its development the set-up of other, similar
learning centers, in regards of their program,
changeability, openness and appeal to the
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