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
Representing Prehistoric Gender in Finnish and Scandinavian Textbooks
Sheltering in crisis - Towards socio-cultural sustainability in humanitarian shelter responses
Towards an architecture of shifting boundaries : A hydrodynamic design approach for coastal adaptation in Singapore
Zhenru, Shanghai: Transit-Oriented Development (urban design)
Understanding value diversity in Finnish urban green spaces through IPBES life frames
Preserving Built Heritage, Empowering Cultural Life: Restoration Practices in Stone Town, Zanzibar
The Anatomy of Safety : Architecture at the Intersection of Securitisation and Safe Space
Tuntematon lähiö
The Intimate Green Box : A quiet witness of unspoken artistic research as architectural practice
Healing Environments
News
Funding available for collaboration with the USA
Aalto University and the University of Washington are welcoming joint proposals for ambitious and impactful initiatives strengthening collaboration between researchers based at Aalto University and UW. Funding call is open until November 9th.
Tuulia Nikula is the Young Landscape Architect of the Year
Nikula is being honored as an open-minded trailblazer who is taking landscape architecture into areas where the field is still limited but the need is great.
Phenomena symposium: Juhani Pallasmaa's philosophy lives on and has a lasting impact on architecture
A symposium celebrating architect Juhani Pallasmaa’s 90th birthday brought together internationally renowned architects at Aalto University to discuss his influence and legacy on contemporary architecture.
Funding for impact assessment research concerning the Helsinki Capital region available
Funding call of the Urban Impact project (Kaupunkivaikutus) is open until 11. October 2026.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.