Myllypuro Campus
Campus for Builders of Well-being
Client
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Information
2018-2020
45 000m²
What we did
Workspace and learning space development
Interior Design
Participatory Design
Furniture Design
Location
Helsinki
The new campus built for Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Myllypuro, Helsinki features versatile facilities for 6,000 students and 500 staff members in four buildings. The moving and merging of operations required a review of working methods and an extensive assessment of needs. New models of study and work were developed together with students and staff. Methods included workshops, information sessions, and interviews. The modern and open environments created in the buildings designed by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects and Arkkitehtitoimisto Lehto Peltonen Valkama Oy encourage encounters and community development.
In addition to multi-use classrooms, each building has numerous lounge areas that cater to a wide range of needs. From meetings to group work, the flexible spaces can be modified to different kinds of requirements. Myllypuro is the campus for the builders of well-being and the best basis for its activities.
Myllypuro Campus is for the builders of well-being.
Drenched in light, the campus is an extensive environment for working and learning.
Over three years of close collaboration
45 000m², 6000 students, 500 teachers. Workshops, interviews, info sessions. Collaborative methods, sourcing, substitute premises. Four new builds and a historic transition for Metropolia. KOKO3’s role was to serve as the interior architect for the users and lead the collaborative development process. New solutions for the campus were brainstormed together with students, staff, teachers, experts, and citizens.
Steering committee
Observation and calendar tracking
Questionnaires and user interviews
Workshops
Info sessions
Model spaces
Transparent process
Communication support & 3D
Sourcing support
Steering committee
A collaborative development project lasting several years requires an active steering committee as its backbone. Metropolia’s steering committee oversaw the design progress from a practical standpoint. Close and communicative collaboration with the project’s steering committee was integral support for the design process.
Observation and calendar tracking
We observed the occupancy rate of Metropolia’s spaces and compiled a calendar tracker. The results were summarized in an occupancy rate report that was used to make decisions about work station coefficients. The observations also helped clarify furnishing needs.
Questionnaires and user interviews
Themed interviews related to workspaces, learning facilities and specialist teaching facilities and their spatial needs. Teachers’ input and practical knowledge were especially valuable when designing the health and social services learning environments.
Workshops
The workshops focused on multi-purpose office furnishing options. Durability and ergonomy of furniture types were discussed along with determining usage principles for various spaces and facilities.
Info sessions
We held open info session for Metropolia’s students, teachers and staff. Workshops held after the info sessions were a tool for gathering user comments and feedback about the interior design. All materials shared in the info sessions were also uploaded to Metropolia’s internal Intra network.
Model spaces
Some furniture options were piloted on three different campuses. Classroom types that developed together with the teachers are Basic, Basic High, Mobiili, Agora, Amfi and Tatami. Agora was piloted to test its functionality in practice at an early stage. Other spatial layouts were also piloted.
Some furniture options were piloted on three different campuses. Classroom types that developed together with the teachers are Basic, Basic High, Mobiili, Agora, Amfi and Tatami. Agora was piloted to test its functionality in practice at an early stage. Other spatial layouts were also piloted.
The different stages of a long process do not always become clear to users without tools. We created a “mega banner” for all campuses, where all steps of the development and construction process were clarified step by step.
Communication support & 3D
We supported Metropolia’s communication during the concept stage with the help of 3D renders that allowed each user to easily understand the new spaces. The renders were considered an important part of the change communication and transition.
Sourcing support
The project was executed together with Metropolia’s existing partners as well as Hansel partners. Furnishing the campus followed Metropolia’s required quota of used furniture pieces to the total number of furniture.