In February, we at STOCKHOLM! project travelled to Helsinki to meet our partner Helsingin aikuisopisto for a study visit within our bilateral collaboration supported by Kulturfonden för Sverige och Finland.

At the centre of our exchange was the methodological framework Learning Through Space, learning through public space and the relationships that emerge within it. We understand the city not only as a backdrop, but as a pedagogical environment: space as medium, co-actor and catalyst for dialogue.

During the visit, we:

• shared participatory and spatial methods,
• explored how public space can support active adult learning,
• tested exercises based on observation, mapping and storytelling,
• reflected on how learning unfolds through relationships – to place, to others and to oneself.

Helsingin aikuisopisto brought a strong tradition of Nordic folkbildning and inclusive adult education practices. Together, we tested selected exercises in an internal pilot format, documented the process and structured our reflections.

The outcomes, including a draft methodological framework and a digital notebook, now form the foundation for a joint Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnership (KA210-ADU) application planned for 2026.

This visit confirmed for us that public space is not merely a setting, but a living environment where trust, dialogue and deeper forms of learning can emerge.

The project is realised with support from Kulturfonden för Sverige och Finland.