DAMY recognition awards for Aalto graduates

The prize was awarded for the first time on 20 August 2024 to Jyri Fält, an architecture graduate from the University of Oulu. In his thesis on urban planning, Fält studied the infill development of Hakaniemenranta in Helsinki based on the concept of resilience. 

Two Aalto University students were awarded recognition prizes. Praejeen Kunawong, a graduate of the Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design programme, studied the use of waste food in dyeing textile fibres. The MA work involved dyeing experiments with food waste such as avocado seeds, used coffee grounds and onion skins, as well as developing different weaving techniques. The end result was a beautiful library of textile samples and innovative ways to use eco-friendly dyes.

The Damy Future Prize aims to strengthen the role of design and architecture in Finnish society. Nominations were invited from all Finnish higher education institutions whose degree programmes produce graduates in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture or design.

The winners were selected by the DAMY Board. The jury was composed of Professor Emeritus Yrjö Sotamaa, architect Pia Sarpaneva, designer Hannu Kähönen and architect Miina Jutila. Timo Heikka served as secretary of the jury.

DAMY is an active association of people interested in architecture and design

Founded in 1987 as the Friends of the Museum of Art and Design and the Friends of the Museum of Architecture Damy, the purpose of the association is not only to support the activities of museums, but also to promote Finnish architecture and design and to increase the sense of belonging among its members.