International educational project at Aalto University funded by the TFK Programme

In February 2026, the Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) Program approved funding for the production and distribution of learning materials as part of an open course.

The Bio-Design for Low Carbon Architecture (Bio-LCArch) project is a collaborative programme between Aalto University, Finland, and Beijing Jiaotong University in China. The goal of the project is to present how bio-based materials can ease the transition to net-zero emissions within the global construction industry.

The course will consist of 4 modules, including theory, lab practicals, calculation exercises, and real-life case studies, presented as video lectures and downloadable materials. The aim for the twin courses is to be released on an open-access platform where both students and experts interested in the topic can enhance their knowledge. Either of the twin courses is meant to be between 2-5 ECTS, which is ideal, for instance, for an elective study or cross-school course at Aalto University.

Additionally, the funding from the TFK programme fosters international cooperation between the 2 universities, therefore encouraging the research groups involved in the Bio-LCArch Programme to visit the host university and promoting cross-cultural dialogue. Since the beginning of 2026, Aalto Building Physics has already hosted students Qian Yu and Cui Jiaming, and will later host Prof. Junjie Li in August. Asst. Prof. Magda Posani, joined by Arch. Jingyi Deng and Eng. Tayma Dadssi, will also have the opportunity to visit Beijing Jiaotong University in spring 2027, where they will be hosted by Prof. Li’s research group.

Check out the course here!