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School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Department of Architecture
Department of Architecture
The Department of Architecture at Aalto University is an internationally renowned education and research unit. With respect to Finland’s esteemed architectural heritage, we find solutions to the future challenges of construction. For decades, our teaching has maintained strong ties to the practical work undertaken at architecture firms.
To us, architecture is an art form that require practical knowledge, individual artistic development, as well as technical and economical knowledge regarding construction. We educate critical thinkers who accept their responsibility to research and design a socially, culturally and ecologically sustainable built environment.
Professional Studies
Aalto WiT Programme is a 5-month transdisciplinary professional diploma programme under the Aalto University World in Transistion LAB (WiTLAB). The Programme focuses on the resilience of human settlements in the Global Majority context.
Department Leadership
Department of Architecture Personnel
Faculty
Architectural Principles and Theory
- Professor Jenni Reuter
- Senior University Lecturer Anni Vartola
- University Teacher Iris Andersson
- Lecturer Tuomas Siitonen
Building Design
- Associate Professor Pirjo Sanaksenaho
- Lecture Esa Ruskeepää
Computational Methodologies in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism
- Associate Professor Pia Fricker
Design of Structures and computational design
- Associate Professor Toni Kotnik
- University teacher Zubin Tan
Emergent Design Methodologies
- Professor Antti Ahlava
Health and Wellbeing Architecture
- Professor of Practice Laura Arpiainen
- Senior Scientist Ira Verma
History of Architecture
- Associate Professor (tenured) Panu Savolainen
- Senior University Lecturer Özlem Özer-Kemppainen
Housing Design
- Assistant Professor Antti Lehto
- Senior University Lecturer Anne Tervo
Humanitarian Architecture
- Senior Scientist Saija Hollmén
Sustainable building construction
- Associate Professor Matti Kuittinen
- University Teacher Simon Mahringer
Urban Design
- Associate Professor Karin Krokfors
- Lecturer Tommy Lindgren
Urban and Regional Planning
- Senior University Lecturer Hossam Hewidy
- Senior Scientist Johanna Lilius
Wood Architecture
- Professor of Practice Pekka Heikkinen
- University Teacher Laura Zubillaga
Landscape Design and Construction
- Professor Jyrki Sinkkilä
Landscape planning
- Associate Professor Ranja Hautamäki
Landscape planning and Ecology
- Assistant Professor Elisa Lähde
Lecturers
- Lecturer Meri Mannerla-Magnusson
- Lecturer Emilia Weckman
- Lecturer Matleena Muhonen
- University teacher Aada Taipale
Spatial design
- Assistant Professor Katrin Greiling
- University Lecturer Esa Vesmanen
Furniture Design
- Associate Professor Tomek Rygalik
- Lecturer Mikko Paakkanen
Spatial and Service Design
- Senior University Lecturer Antti Pirinen
Wood design
- Lecturer Karola Sahi
- Associate Professor Pia Fricker
- Associate Professor Gianni Talamini
- Senior University Lecturer Christine Mady
Research
The research done at the Department of Architecture produces knowledge about architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies and planning, design practice, the role of architecture in society and the future of construction. We also study architectural history and conservation. Furthermore, our focus areas include construction in the social and health sector, construction for a sustainable future, computer-assisted design methods, and humanitarian architecture. Our research profile covers both basic research in architecture and applied research answering the needs of the industry and public sector.
The research relates to multidisciplinary research areas at Aalto University, especially the human-centred living environments, supported by the Living+ Platform.
Student Works
A collection of Department’s student works
Aalto University Department of Architecture Yearbook 2020-2022
Writing the yearbook 2020-2022 of the Department of Architecture at Aalto University was inspired by the Department's 150th anniversary.
Aalto ARTS' Communications Guide
Easy access communication tools and help for everyone! This guide is updated according to the needs of ARTS members. Login (top right) to view all content. Some pages are internal, so they are only visible to logged-in ARTS members.
Where to find us
Undergraduate Centre
Otakaari 1
News
Recent Advances and Research Trends in AI, Energy & Industry (Online Lecture Series)
Lecture series for doctoral students focusing on artificial intelligence, energy, and Industry 4.0. Register by 31 March.
A sustainable city is also age-friendly
Cities must involve older adults more strongly in the planning of the urban environment.
Join a Unite! matchmaking event on forging new consortia for Horizon Europe applications
Calling researchers and industry partners to connect at a virtual matchmaking session designed to spark project collaborations for Horizon Europe funding. Registration deadline, 12 March.
Environmental Structure of the Year 2025 Award goes to Kalasatama-Pasila tramway
The award is given in recognition of meritorious design and implementation of the built environment. Experts from Aalto University developed sustainability solutions for the project.Events
Qualitative methods and research ethics review, Apr 14, 2026 (external link)
Learn about ethical review at Aalto University.
Marsio Presents, 15 April 2026: Creative Teaching in the Age of AI
Marsio Presents: Creative Teaching in the Age of AI is a morning event for Aalto educators interested in how AI is reshaping pedagogy. Hear short, concrete cases from colleagues on using AI in teaching, assessment, and course design. Join to gain practical ideas, discuss ethical questions, and reflect together on what meaningful teaching looks like in the age of AI.
REDCap survey tool for Aalto researchers, Apr 21, 2026 (external link)
Learn about using REDCap at Aalto University.
Personal data in research, Apr 23, 2026 (external link)
Learn about handling personal data.Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
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