Abstract:

Informal, social learning is one of the key issues in developing existing university premises to meet the trends in education and change in work habits. Physical spaces in higher education often follow conservative models and do not necessarily support informal learning the best possible ways. Hence, novel innovative architectural solutions are needed, which break the rules of typical spatial categorizing.

This paper focuses on a case study conducted over year 2012. The case started with an architectural design course arranged for architecture students where solutions for novel learning spaces were designed. The design and case area was a supporting functions area; entrance hall, coat rack area and corridor next to a café at the Tampere University of technology premises. Café Motivaattori can be seen as a third place in the university campus; informal and social place. Two of the final designs from the course were merged, developed and built by property owner over summer 2012. The spaces were transformed into use of primary functions of a university; study and work. A space purposefully created for learning, but situated outside curriculum, and intended for multi-disciplinary use is here called a Designed Third Place.

Method of this research is Direct Systematic Observation on two novel spaces; how many persons were using the spaces and to what purpose. Research was conducted by two observers at the end of fall period 2012 in several sessions from one to two hour time each. The amount of users and passers-by were recorded, together with how many persons seemed to be using the space for work or leisure. Also, how many users were alone or in groups was monitored.

Preliminary results show that both places are in active use. Users seem to study or work rather than just spend time. This indicates that such places are needed and studying can happen in active, even noisy place.

Case Motivaattori is an example of a transformation of existing supporting functions area into primary functions as social informal learning place in university building. Research on novel space types in higher education premises is still scarce, and whether these novel types of spaces actually work as intended, is even fewer. On its part, this research intends to fill that gap.

Keywords:

Learning space, third place, design, architecture, informal learning, social learning, higher education.