Research at the Department of Architecture
The Research at the Department of Architecture is focused on architecture, living and housing studies, urban studies and planning, design practice, architectural conservation, the role of architecture in society and the history and future of architecture. Furthermore, our focus areas include construction in the social and health sector, construction for a sustainable future, computer-assisted design methods, and humanitarian architecture. Our research is is closely connected to society and ongoing planetary crises and sustainability. The research profile of the Department of Architecture covers also applied research commissioned by public sector and industry.
Heads of Research
On-going Research Projects
Latest Publications
Sheltering in crisis - Towards socio-cultural sustainability in humanitarian shelter responses
Ethnic Retail Clusters in Helsinki : From Ethnification of Poverty to Socio-Economic Resilience
The ‘so-called’ one-hour train : Media discourses and governance of the Helsinki–Turku Rail Project
Unlearning borders : A scenario-based approach in a multidisciplinary urban planning studio
Ultralight Earth : A Preliminary Look into Thermal Performance of Locally Sourced Fibre-Earth Composites
Nature-based solutions for coastal flood protection : potential for urban biodiversity and recreational ecosystem services in Helsinki
Luontopohjaisuus leikkiympäristöissä : Mahdollisuuksia ja esimerkkejä
Sharing space, time, and technology : the lived experience of smart home technologies in cohousing
House Hiltunen (renovation and interior design)
Puusauna in Wallpaper* 2/2026
News
A sustainable city is also age-friendly
Cities must involve older adults more strongly in the planning of the urban environment.
Environmental Structure of the Year 2025 Award goes to Kalasatama-Pasila tramway
The award is given in recognition of meritorious design and implementation of the built environment. Experts from Aalto University developed sustainability solutions for the project.
Landscape architect Sara Korkeamäki received the Lappset scholarship
In her thesis, Korkeamäki examines the multidimensional challenge of biodiversity loss and seeks solutions to it through landscape architecture.
Measuring urban nature: new habitat types and criteria support the prevention of biodiversity loss
A recent report introduces an anthropogenic habitat classification and assessment criteria that make it possible to visualize, measure, and compare nature in the built environment. These tools enable the assessment of ecological condition and support the development of green infrastructure and the prevention of biodiversity loss in cities.Events
Apply to do doctoral research at the department
The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture admission period is in early spring each year. Please read the instructions and contact a potential supervising professor at the department before applying.
Visit the Department
If you wish to apply for a visiting researcher position at the department, please contact head of research Johanna Lilius (johanna.lilius@aalto.fi)a. You can read more about the application process here.