Topic outline

  • Welcome to the course!


    Course overview

    The Researching Space course (9 cr) introduces research-based approaches and methods for analysis and design of space. Emphasis is particularly on human-centred, collaborative and conceptual design as applied to interior space. Teaching comprises lectures, weekly reading and design assignments focusing on topical themes in spatial design studies and practice. Students complete a design project on a study case that combines space and services. They map the current state and future trends in the topic area and research the user needs, identify a design problem to focus on, generate alternative solution ideas and produce a more detailed design. Along the way, they learn about and rehearse the utilisation of research-based approaches and methods relevant to spatial designers. The main themes in the course in 2023 are:

    • Adaptive reuse and temporary use
    • Spatial agency and socially driven design
    • Design foresight methods
    • Design strategies for reuse

    The design project in Johannisberg

    Many social and health care facilities in Finland have become redundant due to the recent organisational renewal or spatial mismatch with new service models. How to find environmentally, socially and economically sustainable ways for reusing the vacant buildings? How to adapt the spaces to changing needs? How to develop feasible operational models and hybrid service concepts based on the local needs?

    Our brief in 2023 is to find new uses for a former care home building in Johannisberg, Porvoo. We will proceed from analysis of the characteristics and reuse opportunities of the building to identification of a design focus, gathering user knowledge and mapping local needs, building alternative future scenarios, defining the overall design strategy and spatial concept, and designing a spatial solution.


    Practicalities

    • The course starts on Wed 26th April and ends on Fri 2nd June, 2023
    • Teaching takes place Wed and Fri between 9:15–15:00 in Väre, room Q203
    • There is a one-day excursion to Porvoo on 28th April.
    • Total workload of 243 hours means almost full time study during the period
    • See the schedule for more details (to be updated by course start)

    Contact
    Antti Pirinen
    antti.pirinen@aalto.fi