Creating a better learning space: The case of the Sino-Finnish centre
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
Ask about the availability of the thesis by sending email to the Aalto University Learning Centre oppimiskeskus@aalto.fi
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P1 OPINNÄYTTEET D 2015 Lu
Authors
Date
2015
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Language
en
Pages
89+11
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Abstract
As the attention on learning spaces increases, also increasing are the opportunities for higher-educational institutions to facilitate deeper and richer learning experience. Learning spaces are expected to facilitate creative work, to host a rich network of knowledge exchange, and to assist in enhancing deeper and richer inter-disciplinary collaborations with domestic and foreign institutions. In such a context, the Aalto Design Factory was opened in Finland; its first sister space, Aalto Tongji Design Factory was brought to China, under the responsibility of the Sino-Finnish Centre. Their mutual goals resulted in a similar space design at the Sino-Finnish Centre initially as at the Aalto Design Factory. This study investigates how Sino-Finnish Centre, modeled on Aalto Design Factory, was utilized and experienced by its local users. In addition, a comprehensive literature review incorporates with empirical findings to offer recommendations to improve the design of Sino-Finnish Centre space, better serving the local demands and trends. The theoretical part of the study elucidates the intricate relationships between learning space design, organizational culture and other socio-cultural factors. The empirical study consists of a case study on Sino-Finnish Centre. Empirical data for this study was collected from participant observation and interviews, with an aim to optimize the design and utilization of the space, so that it can better meet the needs of its users, as well as other requirements of the social, and educational community. This study illuminates how some spaces, designed based on the Finnish model, are interpreted and used by the local users in different ways. In order to better understand the situated practices and experiences of the local users, broad trends of development in the local society and the cultural patterns are taken into account. Furthermore, it is hoped that the spillover effect of this research could provide reference for other educational institutions to enhance co-creativity, collaboration and generative learning.Description
Supervisor
Peter, McGroryThesis advisor
Wu, YiyingKeywords
learning space, users’ experience, space improvement, institutional culture, localization