The first year was a resounding success, with the facilities hosting over 700 presentations and over 400 workshops on scholarly topics. The space, with its large windows, energised the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Fabianinkatu and drew 300 to 500 visitors daily. This favourable reception prompted the University to continue the activities even after the WDC project. However, as the University-owned property on Aleksanterinkatu had to be renovated, Think Corner moved to Porthania in June 2013. Upon completion of the renovation, Think Corner returned to Aleksanterinkatu in April 2015, becoming the venue for the University’s 375th anniversary events. During the anniversary year, the idea of expanding Think Corner arose, as the existing facilities proved too small.
Eventually, the University’s former administration building at Yliopistonkatu 4 was chosen as the site for the new, bigger Think Corner. The building was nearing the end of its technical lifespan and was due for renovation. The University took the opportunity to change the building’s function. The renovation was carried out using an alliance model, with JKMM Architects taking responsibility for the architectural design and SRV Rakennus Oy serving as the main contractor. The renovation began in February 2016 and was completed in autumn 2017.
Constructed in the 1970s, the former administration building was a typical example of the pragmatic, non-descript public office architecture of the era. It had originally been designed as an office building and retained many visual elements characteristic of its time. It moreover embodied the 1970s understanding of work requirements and the nature and hierarchy of academia. The facilities did not align with a modern university’s ethos of openness. The building and the units it housed had, as it were, walled themselves off. The new Think Corner design was rooted in the notion of using large windows to open up the street-level spaces, thus connecting them with the surrounding urban landscape. The windows provide passers-by with a view of Think Corner, encouraging them to step inside.
Think Corner’s service concept was crafted using service design techniques, as they offered systematic, inclusive, and agile tools and practices. The new concept was shaped through interactive engagement with the University community and numerous stakeholders, such as alumni, decision-makers and residents. This co-creation process required, above all, the courage to take on the perspectives of various users and bring them together at the same table. Among the key project goals was to understand user needs, requests and even dreams.
Explore the Think Corner facilities, operations and architecture on a self-guided tour. Access the materials available through your smartphone browser or similar device, or print them on paper. You can also discover Think Corner via a 360-degree virtual tour, no matter where you are.