Changing the world through crafting
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Designs for a Cooler Planet
The call for applications for the Autumn 2026 exhibition is now open! We are looking for inspiring experiments, prototypes, inventions, and events created by our researchers and students.
Applications for our biggest exhibition of the year are now open: Apply to Designs for a Cooler Planet by 26.1.2026!
Thought-provoking experiments and perspectives that change the world
Designs for a Cooler Planet will next take place in September-October 2026. The exhibition showcases experimental and creative research-based solutions by students and researchers in support of a more sustainable future. We are looking for projects from all fields at Aalto University for the 2026 exhibition.
You can find more information about the application process and the application form here
The exhibition and its events are one of the most important windows to the world for the work carried out at the university. In 2025, the event attracted more than 15 000 visitors.
Get a taste of what was featured in 2025 exhibition
Browse the exhibition content below and get inspired by the bold ideas driving change.
Looking back to think ahead
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
A unique protein-based adhesive that works even underwater
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
From waste clay to carbon sink: building a greener future
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
AI accelerates seamless knitwear design
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Canopy cover map reveals whether your neighbourhood has enough trees
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Nature’s wonder materials are entering everyday life
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
The world's most common element is helping solve the climate crisis
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Waste-based eco-concrete saves energy and resources
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
A joint effort to bring sustainability and efficiency to Finnish construction
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
A gem of a building made from demolition waste
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Mobile imaging technology reveals dementia risk
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Tiny house Shadow: living within planetary boundaries
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Real stories reveal absurdities in construction and circular economy
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Fungal fibres feed on paper waste – and build the future
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Heartfelt Kasvu shows how a small space can hold a good life
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
A fusion of architecture, chemistry and biotechnology gives rise to ultra-ecological yeast construction
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
The Nordic ownership miracle
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Turning research into sustainable business
5 Sept – 28 Oct | Exhibition
Keep learning
Although the 2025 exhibition has already closed, these podcasts and open-access courses offer new ways to explore its themes and invite you to continue the journey beyond the exhibition spaces.
The sustainable building saga (external link)
This podcast explores recent sustainability trends and developments in architecture and living.
Diving into radical creativity (external link)
In this course, you will learn what radical creativity is and how to apply it at both individual and organizational levels.
Driving renewal podcast series
Immerse yourself in organisational renewal, listen to experts’ insights, and discover ideas that drive change.
The people behind the exhibition
Designs for a Cooler Planet wouldn’t be what it is without the people who have worked behind the scenes to bring it to life. From shaping the vision to selecting exhibition projects, communications and visual identity, the 2025 edition has been built through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Get to know the contributors below.
Enni Äijälä
Artistic lead and project management
Senior communications specialist, outreach and design
+358 50 359 4810
enni.aijala@aalto.fi
Katja Rönkkö
Communications lead
katja.ronkko@aalto.fi
Minna Hölttä
Lead text editor
minna.holtta@aalto.fi
Marianne Lenoir
Lead graphic designer
2025 project team:
Emilia Lonka, Exhibition designer
Diana Lisitsa, Graphic designer
Mari Ojala, Communications coordinator
The main responsibility for the exhibition lies with the Aalto University's communications services. Designs for a Cooler Planet is one of the annual flagship events organised by the Partnership and Corporate Relations team (ADCO) and the Aalto Networking Platform. Additionally, the event involves the Leadership Support Services, Innovation Ecosystem Services and Aalto Takeout.
Cooler Planet ambassador:
Jyri Hämäläinen, Vice president for Research
Jury:
Paula Haikarainen, Managing Editor, Aalto University Magazine, CoS
Minna Hölttä, Managing Editor, CoS
Jussi Impiö, Senior Specialist, Sustainable Solutions
Kate Jurva, Senior Manager, Content and Media, Cos
Katja Lahti, Senior Specialist, Impact communications, CoS
Pirita Posti, Manager, Corporate Relations, ARTS
Tiina Toivola, Senior Manager, Campus Experience , CoS
Salu Ylirisku, Senior University Lecturer, ELEC
Enni Äijälä, Senior Communications Specialist, Outreach and design, CoS
Partners
Designs for a Cooler Planet is also part of Helsinki Design Week and the European Commission’s New European Bauhaus initiative.
Helsinki Design Week is the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Held annually in September, the festival presents new designers and multidisciplinary phenomena, promotes design internationally in collaboration with various organisations, and provides a platform for citizens to participate in the development and discussion of the city through design. Collaboration with Aalto University brings the academic voice and multidisciplinary way of doing to that discussion.
New European Bauhaus is an initiative launched by the European Commission to develop new policies that reduce the carbon and material footprint of housing and construction and promote human and natural well-being. The aim is to create a new European way of life and attractive societies that work in harmony with nature, and to bring the European Green Deal into our living environments. Aalto University is a partner in the New European Bauhaus initiative.
More about New European Bauhaus in aalto.fi:
New European Bauhaus at Aalto University
Vibrant living environments are created through more inclusive, sustainable and aesthetic design
Could a donation be your act of change?
External funding plays an increasingly vital role in supporting the work of the Aalto community. The projects featured in the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition are one example of what both small and large donations can achieve. See how you can support the change.
A! Sign of Change
University's government funding has decreased. We need your support. Make a donation for a sustainable future!
Interested in shaping the future as an Aalto student?
Designs for a Cooler Planet offers a window into how interdisciplinary education and research at Aalto University generate solutions to society’s biggest challenges. See how you can apply to study at Aalto.
Study at Aalto
Study in Finland at Aalto University, where science and art meet technology and business. Join a top-ranked, multidisciplinary community!