Defence of doctoral thesis in the field of design, Architect M.Sc. Helena Sandman

Architect M.Sc. Helena Sandman will defend the thesis "Empathy Matters: Architecture for the world's majority" on 17 June 2021 at 12:00 in Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design.

Opponent: Prof Jörn Christiansson, Malmö University, Sweden
Supervisor: Prof. Sampsa Hyysalo, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design

The public defense will be organized via remote technology. Follow defence: https://aalto.zoom.us/j/62215487598
Zoom Quick Guide: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/zoom-quick-guide

Thesis available for public display at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/
Doctoral theses in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/54

Press release:

Empathy Matters: Architecture for the world's majority

The world is urbanising rapidly, particularly in those regions where most people live. This results in sprawling, informal settlements and expansion of the built environment. To respond to these challenges sustainably, architects and designers have an important role to play. The environments and spaces that they create also shape the people who inhabit them.

This thesis builds on findings from two architectural design projects conducted in Tanzania and India. It suggests ways for practitioners to bring actors in a design project closer to each other with the help of empathic engagement. The main conclusion is that applying a broad spectrum of empathy as a mindful attitude to the design process enhances horizontal collaboration. The findings support the argument that empathy matters in design — it is a profound ability that we need to cherish and develop.

Through designing with empathy and awareness, the spaces we create will support quality encounters between people.

Contact information of doctoral candidate: