Designs for a Cooler Planet
Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases interdisciplinary experiments from our researchers and students. Designs for a Cooler Planet open 1 September - 30 October 2026.
From space technology and shimmering wood to shapeshifting textiles – explore world-changing research in the brand new Marsio building
The Makers of the Impossible exhibition and the Designs for a Cooler Planet festival will kick off the autumn season at Marsio – Aalto University’s brand new, open-to-all campus venue.
Designs for a Cooler Planet gathers innovative, experimental and creative concepts rooted in Aalto University's research, showcasing ideas aimed at transformative change.
Seemingly impossible challenges are addressed with multidisciplinarity, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. The projects on display encompass a range of developmental stages, from speculative concepts and prototypes to pilots and commercially viable solutions.
Experience eye-opening research projects that answer these questions:
- Can a textile change its shape or self-clean?
- What kind of health technology and services can be created by utilising design processes in a healthcare environment?
- How we replace synthetic pigments with non-toxic colours?
- Can we create biodegradable optical fibre from wood?
- How can we transform hard-to-utilise roots, trunks or branches into usable materials?
- Can we replicate indoors, where we spend the majority of our time, the outdoor nature experience that’s known to enhance well-being?
- How can we embrace and preserve nature's biodiversity while considering the welfare of other living beings?
- What methods are used to study the sun?
The sixth annual Designs for a Cooler Planet festival showcases the potential for a sustainable future when research, arts and design join forces.
Experience tomorrow – Welcome to Marsio!
The Designs for a Cooler Planet festival is one of the three main events of Helsinki Design Week. The festival's exhibitions will be showcased on campus and in the new Marsio building from 6 September to 3 October, 2024. Information about open events and guided tours will be available at the beginning of August on Cooler Planet's main page.
The Marsio building, set to open in the heart of the Otaniemi campus in September, is a tribute to the creative pioneer, architect, designer, entrepreneur and Aalto alumna Aino Marsio-Aalto. Aino and Alvar Aalto's architectural firm triumphed in the Otaniemi site plan design competition in 1949.
The new building not only offers exceptional facilities for teaching and research but also for hosting events.
In September at Marsio, visitors can explore seven groundbreaking examples from the first 15 years of Aalto University under the same theme "Makers of the Impossible." How does one build a quantum revolution, sustain a growing population within planetary boundaries and provide access to university education for all Finnish children — making what may seem impossible possible? After encountering the quantum garden and witnessing Finland's first satellite, guests can relax in a cozy cafe or drop by the Aalto Shop.
See this in the Designs for a Cooler Planet
These are just a few examples of what you can see in September!
Biomaterials and 3D-printing conjure a sparkle out of wood without harming people or the environment
Assistant Professor Luana Dessbesell explains what makes bioinnovation truly sustainable and how to avoid challenges that stalk growth entrepreneurs.
Alusta, built from clay and populated by plants, is a sanctuary for pollinators and a meeting place for all living things
Aalto University’s Metsähovi Radio Observatory has played an important role in the development of Finnish radio astronomy.
Read more
Radical Creativity
There is no set recipe for changing the world. It takes courage and grit to boldly create something new without fearing failure.
Marsio
The new meeting place on Aalto University campus. Experience tomorrow!
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Positive communication and improvisation help build students’ communication skills to meet employer needs
The School of Business redesigned its mandatory first-year communication course
Learning Environments Research Group — 2025 in Review
2025 recap: three doctoral theses on context-aware interaction design, AI as creative learning partner, and telerobotic puppetry for peacebuilding.
Juha Gogulski develops personalized brain stimulation therapy for depression
Aalto University postdoctoral researcher and Instrufoundation Fellow grant recipient Juha Gogulski is developing individualized brain stimulation treatments for patients with depression.