Pilot project Learning Lounge brings more flexible use of campus space
In the first pilot, the TUAS restaurant dining area is available for use after lunch on a self-service basis.
Learning Lounge concept is expanding
Looking for more space for self-study or semi-quiet, independent work? Welcome to the Learning Lounge!
The Learning Lounge concept, piloted last spring 2025 at Compass Group’s Food & Co TUAS restaurant (Maarintie 8), was met with great enthusiasm and positive feedback. After a short summer break, the pilot is now becoming a permanent feature at TUAS and is also expanding to the Food & Co A Bloc restaurant.
What is the Learning Lounge?
Outside of regular opening hours, the dining areas of TUAS and A Bloc restaurants transform into Learning Lounge spaces. Here, visitors can study, work, or enjoy a light snack in a relaxed atmosphere.
At TUAS, the Learning Lounge is open to all campus users on weekdays from 14:00 to 19:30, except when reserved for private events. At A Bloc, the restaurant hall is open as the Learning Lounge on weekday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00, also subject to possible private reservations.
Regular lunch service continues as usual: TUAS on weekdays from 10:30 to 14:00 (Fridays until 13:30) and A Bloc on weekdays from 11:00 to 18:00, and on weekends from 11:00 to 16:00.
Both restaurants have been equipped with additional power outlets to make studying and working more convenient. In each Learning Lounge, light snacks and coffee are also available on a self-service basis.
Flexibility for studying and working
The Learning Lounge offers flexible alternatives to traditional study and work environments. At the same time, it strengthens the campus community by providing students with more places to work on group projects, study independently, and grab a snack. By opening up the restaurant halls more widely for community use, the concept encourages interaction between students and staff across different disciplines and supports sustainable development by making better use of existing spaces.
The Learning Lounge has been implemented as part of the Wisdom through Sharing (Jakamisella viisautta, JAVIST) project. Shared economy principles and smart use of resources support the goals of responsibility and sustainable development. The JAVIST project is creating significant future learning environments and developing the Helsinki metropolitan area ecosystem. The project is co-funded by the EU. More information:
Collaborative workshop on innovation for a more versatile use of space
ACRE and Aalto University are participating in the EU co-funded JAVIST project, which is developing and innovating shared spaces on campus.
Self-study spaces
Spaces designed for self-study are found in many places around campus, and access rights let you work in them at the times that suit you.
Maarintie 8
Maarintie 8 houses units of the School of Science and the School of Electrical Engineering. There are five auditoriums, laboratories, a library, and a restaurant. The building uses district heating and solar power as energy sources.
A Bloc
Otaniementie 12
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