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can foresee. This type of casual meeting
space currently does exist, but is rare within
the facilities of Aalto University. One such
space has so far been developed. The
ADD café is located inside the Aalto Digital
Design Laboratory (ADD Lab), and is part
of the Learning Hub network (Torniainen
2013). Creating more casual spaces whit
a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere
can give the campus that friendly character
it needs as part of the T3 area. Cafés
are open to all, welcoming outsiders
into the (University) buildings. Because
of the drop-in culture of such spaces
serendipitous encounters can occur. When
emphasizing the café as a workplace,
power outlets need to be readily available.
Existing spaces
The University spaces discussed in chapter
2.4 Existing types of work- and learning
spaces are considered key elements in
today’s learning environment outside the
classroom. Several of the remaining spaces
can be updated to facilitate the changing
studying methods, which include peer learning
and collaboration. The library is already
undergoing such change by dedicating
space for the development of Learning Hubs.
Img 23: ADD Café, Otaniemi
“[T]he library is becoming a key
location outside the classroom where
the constructivist pedagogy plays out as
students learn to analyze information and
create new information, often working
in a group. This change represents
a great shift for the library from a
reading and storage site to a center of
interactive learning.” (Steelcase 2011)
Leftover spaces, or spaces such as corridors
that generally not have a distinct function can
be utilized to support studying and working.
They are ideal places to sit down and
continue class discussions (Steelcase 2011).
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