Key Research Area: Living environments

In this key research area, we are developing interdisciplinary research to enhance planning and engineering, architecture and design for better living environments. The focus of the research is on the built environment, emphasizing the balance between the built and natural environment, the well-being of humans and other species, and the sustainable use of resources.

In the ongoing green transition, cities and urban environments play a pivotal role. While they occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land, they account for 60-80% of energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. Urbanisation is also a key force in driving the global and national economies. More than half of the world population lives in cities (75% by 2050) where they generate >80% of global GDP, making cities a hotspot for innovation but also for safeguarding democratic and environmental rights. 

For shaping sustainable futures, Aalto research on living environments is widely and continuously collaborating with public and private actors, especially with cities and companies in growing urban areas. This demands research at the intersection of human behavioural changes, urban structures and processes, and systems-driven policies. It also requires the integration of technological and social innovations in urban planning and infrastructure development in cities.

The Aalto Networking Platform brings together our researchers and external parties for multidisciplinary collaboration in the area of living environments. With our Living+ Hub, we offer these actors a place to meet, exchange ideas and collaborate. In addition to events focusing on networking and collaboration, we organize educational lectures and seminars for students, Aalto staff and the public, and thus increase awareness of the topics, research and current challenges related to living environments.