Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Humanitarian crises call for our action
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
What is the role of architecture in the globalizing world?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Can architecture be a component in capacity building?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
An interdisciplinary network of education and research
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Aiming for global real-life impact on the built environment
Aalto WiT (World in Transition) LAB is an interdisciplinary cross-school research and education unit hosting collaborative initiatives across Aalto University. It is rooted in sustainable development of the built environment in vulnerable communities and fragile environments globally. WiTLAB serves as a platform for researchers and projects focusing on resilient human settlements, humanitarian architecture, community engagement and grass roots action. It furthers the Aalto University’s strategy on sustainability, transdisciplinary collaboration and Life-Wide-Learning.
Aalto WiTLAB provides a flexible and horizontal network for units and individuals within and outside Aalto University, with a variety of interests and professional experience on related topics. The international experience of the members creates a vast global network of experts, institutes, programs and universities. It is a forum for discussion and action for people within the academia, who are passionate about changing the world for the better.
Aalto WiTLAB coordinates and carries out basic and applied research, publication of topical literature and expert assignments on the above-mentioned themes. Under the Aalto WiTLAB umbrella, It supports two distinct educational pathways: master’s level studies and the WiTProgramme, a professional diploma course. For more information about these opportunities, visit the Education tab.
Aalto WiT Programme
Aalto WiT Programme is a 3,5-month transdisciplinary professional diploma programme under the Aalto University World in Transition Research LAB (WiTLAB). The programme focuses on the resilience of human settlements in low and middle-income countries.
People
Aalto WiTLAB consists of a team of researchers and educators, constantly looking for new collaborations and transdisciplinary partnerships worldwide. Image: Lauri Nykopp
WiTLAB alumni stories
Meet the professionals who have participated in WiTLAB's courses and collaborative projects through time! Here you find interviews where the alumni share their learning experiences and career journeys after graduating from Aalto University.
Indigenous Building Materials, Rwanda
Revitalising tangible and intangible cultural heritage through indigenous building materials and techniques in Rwanda
Biodiversity, Rwanda
Balancing Biodiversity Conservation and Community Livelihoods in Rwanda’s UNESCO Biosphere Landscapes.
Ondiri Wetland, Kenya
Safeguarding Ondiri Wetland: Integrating Community Stewardship, Spatial Planning, and Ecological Restoration.
Inclusive Play, Kenya
Play for all: Architectural design principles and community co-creation for accessible, disability-inclusive playgrounds in coastal Kenya.Background
Aalto WiTLAB was founded in 2014 to adress challenges in the Global Majority context. It connects to the larger strategies and frameworks of the UN Agenda 2030.
News
Current news related to WiTLAB
New research ethics recommendations for AI and nature and environment
Researchers: stay informed of the new recommendations and other research integrity guidance
Explore the library’s themed collections
A new service in Aalto-Primo
Excellent results for Aalto University in national Open Science monitoring
Aalto University achieved the highest level 5 in the national Open Science monitoring. The overall result was buoyed by the developments in open learning.
A case for Finland’s quantum sovereignty
Finland’s early investment into fundamental research in quantum science and technology has resulted in the creation of an entirely new domestic industry. Now the country is charting a path forward for full value-chain ownership.Saija Hollmén, Professor of Practice in Humanitarian Architecture at Aalto UniversityOur globe is a closed system, and in the end, we all share the same resources. The fact that these now are unequally distributed should be the concern of us all.
Events
Events related to WiTLAB's interests
Doing qualitative research in conversation with AI, Nov 10, 2026
How to responsibly do qualitative research with AI tools? With Dr. Emrecan Gulay
BITE: Future Foods Conference (external link)
Come and learn about the present and future of food systems!
Aalto Founder Talks #11: Saara Kujala, Co-Founder and CEO of Ren-Gas Oy
Tuomas Rasila is the founder and CEO of Sensofusion, a Finnish defense-tech company developing technology to detect and counter drone threats.