Designs for a Cooler Planet 2026 exhibition
In this event, we are committed to Aalto University’s principles for a safer space.
Designs for a Cooler Planet returns for the eighth time this year.
This autumn’s exhibition features more than 20 inspiring, ambitious and creative solutions spanning sustainable architecture, the energy transition, and the circular use of materials, among others:
- Energy Cconsumption of European data centres
- Designing better pathways to employment for immigrants
- How data and economic research shape better decisions
- Giving new life to historic public buildings
- The future of prosthetics
- Hydrogen fuel cells driving the electrification of transport
- Creating room-temperature superconductors with AI
- A small satellite designed for changing needs
- Rethinking wood: new uses and future forms of architecture
- Insulation materials inspired by sustainability
- Materials that bend the rules
- Exploring the potential of bio-based materials
- Replacing plastic with seaweed
- Discovering nature’s superblack
- Redefining the aesthetics of sustainable fashion
- New textiles from recycled fibres
- Turning agricultural waste into colour
Designs for a Cooler Planet is one of the key venues of Helsinki Design Week. Since 2018, the collaboration has worked to showcase the impact and importance of design and multidisciplinary research. The exhibition is also a partner of the EU’s New European Bauhaus initiative.
Alongside the main exhibition at the Marsio building, the programme features a range of events and satellite exhibitions.
Designs for a Cooler Planet
Discover tomorrow at Aalto University's biggest exhibition! Open 1 September – 30 October 2026.
