Aalto staff and students can apply. Application period usually starts in October and lasts until January. Slight changes to this schedule are possible. During the application period we’ll publish more detailed instructions.

Generally applying is simple: you'll need to download and fill a registration form we'll publish during each application period, and send it to the event coordinators by email.

You need to have an inspiring idea that can be turned into an exhibition, lecture or spectacular visual material. Our primary target audience is non-academic, and our goal is to communicate the research or project as widely as possible.

The proposed project may be something that's already finished or something that will be produced before the next Designs for a Cooler Planet. You can also suggest a project that was previously featured in Cooler Planet if there are new materials and results.

You are responsible for the implementation of the exhibit or event, the exhibit structures and the costs, but it is possible to get help implementing them.

We organize:

• Gallery reservations
• Help with creating your project page at aalto.fi
• Studio photo shooting days
• Shared media bank for PR images
• Shared visibility on campus and online
• Some exhibition structures can be borrowed through Takeout

The exhibition aims to have a societal impact and increase visibility. We will invite a wide range of people to attend, including decision-makers, school pupils, international media, science foundations and business partners.

Designs for a Cooler Planet also introduces Aalto's work to our first-year students, and it is an excellent destination to visit during courses.

Building an exhibition is a good way to crystallise and concretise your own research topic for outsiders. Each year, there have been several research projects that haven't previously made an exhibition.

If you have no previous experience of putting up an exhibition, worry not - you don’t need to do it all alone. in addition to help we offer, we can recommend good design or visual design students that can help you.

Usually the main venue for the exhibitions is on the Otaniemi campus, though the specific building varies. You can also suggest satellite exhibits. Events, such as seminars, workshops or open studios, can be either physical or online. Designs for a Cooler Planet takes place in the autumn, usually somewhere around September and October and last 4-5 weeks.

In 2023 the main venue was in the Väre building. The event took place 6.9 – 6.10.2023.

Next time the Helsinki Design Week will take place 6 – 15 September 2024.

The event is organised in cooperation with Aalto Communication Services, Leadership Support Services, Advancement and Corporate Engagement  (ADCO), Aalto Networking Platform, as well as the cross-cutting approaches radical creativity, sustainable solutions and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The event is also part of the official program of Helsinki Design Week and the New European Bauhaus.

In case you need any additional information or have some more questions to ask, contact Enni Äijälä.

Enni Äijälä
Specialist, exhibitions with partners and outreach
+359 50 359 4810
[email protected]