Designs for a Cooler Planet
Discover tomorrow at Aalto University's biggest exhibition! Open 1 September – 30 October 2026.
Make your research or project visible to the public and decision-makers: Application for Designs for a Cooler Planet 2023 now open
Our theme is Invisible – what don't we see even though we should? We're bringing together the most radically creative projects and work from our Aalto community, so come along!
Molecular structures, brain function, emotions, space or systemic changes are invisible to the naked eye.
In our daily lives, we do not notice radiation, radio signals or energy consumption, nor the code, artificial intelligence or algorithms that are part of many technologies around us. Manufacturing processes and the resources used in them are hidden from end-users, as is waste or sidestreams generated by production.
Ideas, creative processes, culture, networks and management models are also invisible.
So, we cannot see all the consequences of our behaviour or our choices. Many important things are invisible, hidden or we only notice them with delay.
Let's make the desired future visible
Show the world how your research or project is making future better. The featured content can be part of a bigger research project or a course, or a single small project.
We can make abstract phenomena visible through different tools: models, prototypes, technological measuring devices, simulations, visualisations or art.
We are looking for cross-disciplinary research, experiments, solutions and prototypes that build a more sustainable future.
Apply by 9 January 2023: propose an exhibition or event, such as a seminar, workshop or guided tour. The projects to be presented will be selected in January-February 2023.
Designs for a Cooler Planet will take place in Otaniemi from 6 September to 6 October 2023 for the fifth time as part of the official Helsinki Design Week programme.
Log in to this page with your Aalto ID to see the detailed application instructions below.
For more information:
Enni Äijälä, specialist, outreach with partners, +358 50 359 4810
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We enable experimental activities that challenge the status quo.
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