Designs for a Cooler Planet

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 archive

Discover the 2025 Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition and programme of events.

People view natural material samples on white tables, with text reading “Designs for a cooler planet”. — Picture: Kalle Kataila

Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases acts of change

The world doesn’t become better on its own — it’s made better. The future is built on multidisciplinary collaboration where science, art, technology and business intersect. At Aalto University, this means new kinds of research and experimentation where small acts spark meaningful change. Designs for a Cooler Planet presents dozens of new solutions, experiments and ideas shaping the future, all developed by students and researchers.

The 2025 exhibition was organised 5 Sept – 28 Oct. It reached over 15 000 visitors, showcasing nearly 20 exhibitions and 20 events.

Read our news articles:

→Designs for a Cooler Planet awarded with a Helsinki Design Award

→Bold solutions from fungal architecture to carbon sinks

Miniature bathroom set with a small brown seal on a white surface. Pink fabric is draped in the background.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Scientific study setup: Petri dishes with samples, shells.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Two stacked stone blocks surrounded by small grey pebbles, a glass dish filled with pebbles on the right.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

View looking up at tree branches with fresh green leaves against a bright blue sky.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Five vintage Nokia mobile phones on white pedestals with a yellow background and geometric light patterns.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

A hand holding a beige slip-on shoe, removing the insole from the inside. The background is plain white.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Modern atrium in an office building with two dark metal diagonal beams, large windows, and people wearing safety gear.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

A modern wooden building with large windows is nestled among tall pine trees in a rocky landscape.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

In a park-like setting, a researcher helps a participant put on a mobile imaging device. The device captures data such as eye movements and pupil reactions to assess risks related to memory functions.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Modern black wooden house with a single narrow window, surrounded by rocks and plants, nestled in a leafy forest area.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

An art installation featuring two discarded doors, one orange with 'ULOS' sign, the other blue with a glass panel.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

A sculptural structure made of brown cardboard tubes stands against a light background. Around it are circular, light and brownish discs grown from mycelium.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

A technical drawing of a four-storey building with sectional view on the left and elevation view on the right.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Person lying on grass wearing yellow shirt with white text and black-and-white checked jacket.

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Aalto University: Slush 2024 Photo by Kristian Presnal

5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition

Poster for Aalto ARTS Grad Show 2026, abstract orange circles, dates 3.9–7.10 on warm background

3 Sept – 7 Oct at Väre building on Aalto campus, Espoo. Explore the inspiring work of our graduating students in architecture, design, film, art and media!

In the center, a wooden green chair with a person standing on it, only their legs visible. They are wearing worn, brownish wool socks with orange toes. The text "Love letters to our clothes" appears in white at the center of the image, the exhibition location "Beta Space Gallery" on the left, and the dates "1.9.–18.9." on the right.

At Beta SPACE Gallery, 1–18 Sept, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their emotional connection to clothing.

The exhibition, held 5 Sept – 24 Oct at Ventura Studio, Espoo, presents poetic, practical, and regenerative art and design.

Floating Reverlast dock and barrel sauna by the waterfront, with rocky shoreline and pathway in the foreground, trees on the right, and clouds in a blue sky.

See the Reverlast dock and rent the student-maintained floating sauna at Otaranta 9, Espoo.

BioMakerStudio course outcome, Advanced Architecture Group IAAC

11–12 Sept at Aalto University Väre building, the exhibition showcases materials and solutions that reimagine our relationship with nature.

6 Sept at 15:00–16:00 | Workshop & Exhibition visit at Venturo Studio, Tapionpuisto, Espoo

Poster for Artpreneurship – Reimagining the Role of Artistic Creativity in Business event

11 Sept at 13:00–17:00  | Keynote & Panel

The event name "Warmer Designs for a Cooler Planet" and event details in black text on a pink background.

11 Sept at 17:00–19:00 | Workshop at Studio Falda, Hämeentie 2, Helsinki

16 Sept at 17:00–18:35 | EVENT IN FINNISH | Hybrid lecture: Sipi Seisko, Kirsi Niinimäki & Katri Kauppi, hosted by Anniina Valtonen.

Abstract gradient with smooth transitions between red, blue, green, and yellow.

22 Sept at 16:30–18:30 | Talks: Frank Martela, Marjo-Riitta Diehl, Niina Nurmi and Satu Rekonen. Moderated by Anna Kevätsalo.

Interior of a wooden barn with open doors, showing a green tractor parked inside, and a snowy landscape outside.

23 Sept at 10:00–15:00 | IN FINNISH | Seminar & Site tour at Kaupunkiympäristötalon Auditorio, Työpajankatu 8, Helsinki.

25 Sept at 13:00–16:00 | Hybrid seminar

Geometric pattern in blue and orange with 'IHMEMATERIAALIT' in blue and yellow text on a light beige background.

26 Sept at 15:30–17:00 | EVENT IN FINNISH | Talk & Workshop for 9 to 12-year-olds

The famous Yick Cheong building complex of Hong Kong, image showcasing the building density in the city.

2 Oct at 13:00–18:00 | Seminar

A person in red and white attire swimming underwater. Text: Radical Creatives in bright orange letters.

2 Oct at 16:45–17:45 | A document directed by Emilia Hernesniemi

Shaping Tomorrow with Smart and Living Materials

3 Oct at 14:00–17:00 | Talk & Workshop at Väre, F102, Otaniementie 14, Espoo

7 Oct at 17:00–19:00 | EVENT IN FINNISH | Talk

Text 'SUSTAINABILITY ACTION EXPO' with date '7.10.' on a background with blurry pink, orange, and yellow shapes.

7 Oct at 18:15–21:15  | Networking for students at Design Factory Stage

Uudistajat live podcast, guests Annu Nieminen, Tuomas Syrjänen, and Charlotte Guillou

10 Oct at 14:00–16:00 | Event in Finnish | Live podcast

Text 'Tutkimuksen matka arkeen' in white on blue background with white clouds, repeated in perspective.

14 Oct at 17:00–18:35 | EVENT IN FINNISH | Hybrid lecture

Close-up of a quantum computer with multiple gold-coloured circular components and vertical rods.

15 Oct at 16:00–17:00 | Talks

Better Business – Better Society: Markkinointi tänään

21 Oct at 17:00–18:30 | EVENT IN FINNISH | Hybrid seminar

A man sits at the desk of a Tiny House, writing notes, surrounded by a kitchen counter, dishes, and glass shelves. Photo: Nina Kellokoski.

This podcast explores recent sustainability trends and developments in architecture and living.

Underwater scene with a diver and the text 'Diving into radical creativity'.

In this course, you will learn what radical creativity is and how to apply it at both individual and organizational levels.

Immerse yourself in organisational renewal, listen to experts’ insights, and discover ideas that drive change.

Updated: 7.8.2026
Published: 21.5.2026

Designs for a Cooler Planet

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 archive

Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases acts of change

2025 exhibition

Satellite exhibitions

Events programme

Keep learning

Satellite exhibitions 

Events programme 