Located on the Hervanta campus of Tampere University, the newly renovated TEK Lounge is a welcoming hub for technology students. We spoke with designer Ilkka Palinperä about the redesign of this popular space and the seamless collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales team, who supplied nearly all of the lounge’s furniture.
THE TEK LOUNGE is centrally located on the Hervanta campus of Tampere University, just steps away from lecture halls and student restaurants. For many technology students, it serves as a go-to spot for everyday life or simply as a relaxed living room on campus. The public multipurpose space also serves TEK members already in working life, offering a place to work or hold meetings. Opened in November 2024, the new TEK Lounge replaces a smaller space originally launched in 2017.
The updated lounge has quickly become a success. Designed by Studio Palinperä, the project included nearly all loose furniture supplied by Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales team. We spoke with interior architect Ilkka Palinperä about how the renovation came together and what it took to carry out such a comprehensive redesign.
Hi Ilkka! How did the redesign of the TEK Lounge in Tampere get started?
“The TEK Lounge concept has been both a joy and an honor to design. This was actually my fifth project for TEK. My goal was to create an interior that feels memorable, grounded, cozy, and safe — a calm counterbalance to the fast-paced, digital modern world. Key themes included sustainability, technology, wellbeing, and a welcoming, communal living room atmosphere.
The functional goals were shaped by user feedback and insights from Jussi Nousiainen, TEK’s senior advisor. Students wished for a central and visible location, remote work possibilities, quiet study areas, and more seating.”
“My goal was to create an interior that feels memorable, grounded, cozy, and safe.”
What aspects of the project did you get to influence as the designer?
“TEK Lounge projects are always diverse and creatively rewarding interior commissions. As the lead designer, I had the freedom to focus on both functionality and aesthetics.
I designed the spatial layout, lighting, surface materials, and over 20 fixed furniture elements, including the terraced bench seating, kitchen area, workstations, storage solutions, and two custom light fixtures. I also selected all the loose furniture, decorative accessories, and graphic decals.”
How did you choose the furniture and lighting?
“The furniture was selected to support a variety of uses and flexible spatial arrangements. Deep sofas and laid-back armchairs encourage relaxation and conversation, while Magis’s Tibu stools around the bar counter and group workstations are perfect for shorter meetings and coffee breaks. The stepped seating with upholstered benches adds versatility for group gatherings, informal presentations, or simply hanging out.
Soft shapes and calming lighting help make the lounge a place where students can pause and unwind from the pressures of academic life. Rounded forms appear in both seating and tables, softening the overall look and creating visual harmony. The circular Mix ottomans by .mdd, the sculptural Pinto concrete tables by Miniforms, and the curved silhouette of the Artiko sofa ensemble all reflect this design language.
Bold yet warm tones [Ed. note: Think of deep blue, soft pink, and burnt orange] create an inviting and inspiring atmosphere. Together, these elements make the lounge a cohesive, comfortable, and visually appealing space that supports its role as a multifunctional meeting place.”
How did the collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales team go?
“Reliable and professional, as always. Although the project itself was delayed for various reasons, all the furniture ordered through the Contract Sales team was ready for delivery right on schedule. A big thank you to Finnish Design Shop for their patience and flexible approach throughout the process.”
“Soft seating makes the space comfortable and inviting, while metal details add a modern touch and create contrast between the materials.”
What kind of feedback have you received – and were your goals met?
“According to user feedback, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The TEK Lounge in Tampere has been extremely popular, with steady demand for bookings. The visual identity of the space has also received praise.
In addition to its primary functions – studying, working, and hosting events – the lounge has supported a surprising range of uses, from graduation parties and confirmations to more informal gatherings. It has even hosted a baby naming ceremony!”
See also:
• Finnish Design Shop's Trade & Contract Sales >
Text: Mikko Vaija Images: Wille Nyyssönen