Research at the Department of Architecture
The Research at the Department of Architecture is focused on architecture, living and housing studies, urban studies and planning, design practice, architectural conservation, the role of architecture in society and the history and future of architecture. 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 is is closely connected to society and ongoing planetary crises and sustainability. The research profile of the Department of Architecture covers also applied research commissioned by public sector and industry.
Heads of Research
Events
News
A dress that combines modular design and seaweed research was seen at the Independence Day Reception
Landscape architect Anni Järvitalo designed a festive outfit for the President's Independence Day reception that combines modular design and seaweed research in collaboration with designer Sofia Ilmonen and Professor Julia Lohmann.
Aalto's satellite team and research funding specialists awarded for their outstanding work
The Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award is given annually to selected teams for their work in advancing quality and excellence. In addition to main prizes, Closing Loops research pilot received an honourable mention.
What makes nature restorative? Aalto University researchers explore Finnish forests and Japanese gardens
Biodiversity is central to the restorative power of Finnish forests.
Vacant properties in Kouvola to be repurposed through circular economy
Aalto University students are seeking solutions to Kouvola city’s property challengesLatest Publications
Talo Nuorinko-Nikrus (sisustussuunnittelu)
Cultivating Wellbeing – Sheltering of the Global Displaced Population
Cham Relics Museum competition, Danang, Vietnam
Iin keskustan rannan alue
Lepuski 2.0: Leppävaara Centre
The Anatomy of Safe Space : From Conceptual Frameworks to Understanding the Role of Architecture
Espoon viherkerroin ja luontolaskuri (työkalu)
Iin keskustan rannan alue: Tukkilautat (kunniamaininta)
Kalasataman Nihdin aloituskortteli (valmistunut)
Luonnon monimuotoisuus pihasuunnittelussa, A-Kruunu Oy : Pihasuunnitteluohje
On-going Research Projects
La cathédrale engloutie. The medieval architecture, construction phases and artworks of Turku Cathedral interpreted with new methodologies.
Research Council of Finland Academy Project 362167
Duration 1.9.2024–31.8.2028
Principal Investigator: Panu Savolainen
Transdisciplinary strategy tools: Co-How research group's blog (external link)
This blog explores transdisciplinary strategy tools and experimental collaboration methods combining academic and practical activities. Co-How is one of the Aalto University-funded Radical Creativity research projects.
ARVO - Viherrakenteen arviointi ja vahvistaminen kaupunkien maankäytön suunnittelussa
Hankkeen päätavoitteena on säilyttää ja vahvistaa viherrakennetta tiiviisti rakennetuissa kaupungeissa ilmastonmuutokseen varautumiseksi ja sopeutumiseksi.
Saaren kartano - beyond sustainability
The goal of the project is to strengthen the multispecies cooperation in the Saaren kartano manor area and create impulses towards a regenerative relationship with nature.
Co-Carbon (external link)
The multidisciplinary project quantifies the carbon sequestration and storage potential of urban green and creates new carbon-smart planning solutions.
SMARTUP – Smart(ening up the modern) home: Redesigning power dynamics through domestic space digitalization
The SMARTUP project investigates how the home has been transformed by digitalisation.
Enhancing Community Engagement in Contaminated Land(scapes) Restoration
The primary goal of this research is to support citizen engagement in contaminated land remediation and restoration processes.
Zero-Energy Campuses
The ZEC project studies local, sustainable energy production and distribution for campus type urban areas, where new concepts of urban design will be designed to be scalable and replicated according to contextual needs.
Closing Loops
The Closing Loops project involves constructing a storage building in Helsinki's Mustikkamaa using reused materials.
KARMI Accommodating urban spaces to aging population
The project combines GIS-based data (Syke) with qualitative data and user involvement (Aalto University) in order to assess possibilities to enhance actions towards more user-friendly environment.
Laajasalo Nature Visions
This research engages with urban stakeholders and explores various future scenarios in which human-nature interactions in Helsinki urban area have transitioned towards sustainable, participatory, and resilient states.
Climate-resilient suburban areas (ILPI)
The ILPI project aims to create guidelines for climate-resilient densification in these areas, considering both planning measures and resident actions to enhance sustainability.
Access to affordable and quality housing for all people - HOUSE4ALL
The project aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative overview of how housing policies are delivered across the ESPON territory, and develop a comprehensive definition of housing affordability at the EU level taking into account a broad range of indicators and the diversity of European territories and their specificities.
Historic Timber Structures and Architectural Innovations in Late Medieval Northern Europe
Funded by Kone Foundation, Finnish Cultural Foundation and Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation
Duration 1.1.2020–31.5.2025
Principal Investigator: Panu Savolainen
ConWa: Contested Waterfront Transformation
This project investigates the outcomes of prevailing policy ideals of social inclusion in spatial development as they face variations of increasingly financialized urban growth machines.
Misfit Wood Architecture - the use of natural shaped wood in architecture and construction
The PhD research explores the potential of a new architectural style using "whole wood" or “misfit wood” a minimally processed or unprocessed natural wood that doesn’t fit the requirements of standard timber.
Research Groups
TIME – History of Architecture and Architectural Conservation
The research group concentrates on architectural-historical research, heritage and architectural conservation.
Landscape Research Laboratory
Landscape laboratory brings together landscape architecture research projects, collaboration networks, publication projects and dissertations
Sotera
SOTERA is the research group for Health and Wellbeing Architecture within the Department of Architecture at Aalto University. Our work supports Aalto University’s focus areas of Health and Wellbeing and Human-centred living environments.
WiTLAB
An interdisciplinary cross-school research and education unit hosting collaborative initiatives across Aalto University
Wood Program
The Wood Program is a one-year program of study that focuses on wood architecture and industrial building. The program is intended for architects, engineers and other students with a background in design and strong interest in timber construction.
Group X (external link)
A focus group at the department of architecture at Aalto University
Design of structures (external link)
Digital technologies as means of production in architectural practice enabling new methods of design and enlarged possibilities of architectural expression.
SPHERE
SPHERE Spatial Planning, Housing, and Environment Research
Apply to do doctoral research at the department
The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture admission period is in early spring each year. Please read the instructions and contact a potential supervising professor at the department before applying.
Visit the Department
If you wish to apply for a visiting researcher position at the department, please contact head of research Johanna Lilius ([email protected])a. You can read more about the application process here.
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