The Student Center Project is Progressing
History of the Student Center project
In 2011, Teknologföreningen (TF) knew that their current building either needed renovation in the near future or that new facilities for the organization needed to be built. Aalto University Business Students (KY) faced the same issue with its current KY building. TF also wanted to create a central meeting place in Otaniemi for Aalto students. Because KY was going to move to Otaniemi, TF and KY started investigating if their facility updates could be a joint project. After several case-studies, it was determined that the Kemisti block near the metro and center of Otaniemi would be the best location for the organizations’ facilities.
Meanwhile, the Aalto University Student Union (AYY) dreamt that all Aalto people could find their place in the community, encounter one another, and build the Aalto spirit. AYY joined the project in 2016, embarking on their biggest and most concrete step towards this dream. In 2017, AYY, KY and TF developed and approved of common pre-conditions for the project.
The Student Center will be a place where all three organizations can thrive and maintain their own unique identities. It will have convenient services, spaces to chill with friends, and opportunities to encounter new people and ideas. All Aalto people will have a reason to visit the Student Center.
Latest news: Spatial program and architectural selection
This year the project has built on the work done by previous years. Each organization has determined what their own spatial needs are, so the focus this spring has been on the shared common spaces and preparing to begin conceptual design. As a working group, we have prepared a unified spatial program which describes all the spaces in the building. This will work as our starting point for working with the architects.
After an architectural tender, Antti Oiva Arkkitehdit (AOA) was chosen as the architects for the conceptual design and coordination with the city planners. AOA has started designing the Student Center based on the needs and requirements of all three organizations.
Next up: Conceptual design and project plan
Conceptual design will continue throughout the summer so that it satisfies all of our needs. The conceptual design should be completed this fall, along with a target budget, sustainability goals and schedule - collectively known as the project plan. Once each party's decision-making body approves of the project plan, we can begin master planning, which will continue into the following year.
Rasmus Ylinen / KY
Emily Johnson / AYY
Alexander Björklund / TF
Read more news
Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.
Good news for residents in shared apartments: Here’s how you can receive your own housing allowance while living in a friends’ apartment!
A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.