Workshops at Aalto
Hey there! I’m Kata from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. Today I would like to introduce you to workshops at Aalto: how they operate and how you can use them.
Tiny history about the main ARTS building
Väre opened in 2018 and is the main building for the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture. It was designed specifically with art students in mind—that means no traditional lecture halls, just open and collaborative spaces that better support creative work. The ground floor is home to all the workshops, and they’re built with large glass windows, so you don’t feel cut off while working; At the same time, wooden structures create a sense of privacy. Väre only uses renewable energy and is 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling, and it has solar panels on its roof to generate electricity. Another cool thing is how there are a lot of exhibition spaces which are busting with student exhibits at the end of every period. It’s fun to check out what everyone’s been up to, and honestly, it’s also a nice boost knowing your own project will end up on display too. Here you can find more info about Väre!
Workshops
As I mentioned, most of the workshops are located on the ground floor of Väre. Aalto actually has over 30 workshops in total! While some are in other buildings, the main facilities are right here. Most of the larger workshops are open daily from 9 to 5, and on some days even until 8. The basic ones, like 3D printers, wood and metal machines, sewing machines, mechatronics and ceramics equipment can usually be used without booking. Some equipment—like the bigger machines, such as NC and laser cutters—does need to be booked in advance. But no stress, the booking process is simple, and things usually aren’t fully booked too far ahead, so it’s easy to find a slot when you need one.
Each workshop has a dedicated workshop master, who is basically the heart of space. They’re there to supervise the machines and help out—if you’re ever unsure about something, they’re the ones to ask. More details about the workshops: Here you can find more info about the workshops.
About the materials
For every course project that involves using a workshop, the school provides a budget that gets reimbursed after the project is done. Some materials can be ordered directly through the school, and for more specific items, they’ll point you to shops that have what you need. Most workshops also have a place where materials are disposed so you can take those for free – you can find real gems there sometimes.
Who can use the workshops?
All Aalto students can use the workshops, as long as it’s part of a course they are taking. Most of these courses are offered through the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Some courses are centered around specific workshops, while others have more open briefs that focus on concept development and design thinking, giving you the freedom to choose which facilities best suit your project.
Design Factory
If you don’t have any coursework that involves workshops but still want to work with your hands, the Design Factory is a great option. It’s just a few minutes away from Väre, in the K3 building, and works as a co-creation space with a variety of smaller-scale workshop facilities. You’ll find a lot of non-ARTS students working there, and several courses are also held in the space as well as thesis projects. You can find more information about Design Factory here!
All in all Aalto’s workshop ecosystem offers the tools, spaces, and support to bring your concepts to life. From Väre’s professional-level facilities to the more flexible setup at Design Factory, there’s something for everyone, no matter your background or experience.
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