On the waves of creativity exhibition at Heureka 26.9.–26.12.2024

Learn about the creativity, creative thinking, experimentation and collaboration required in research. At the same time, you will learn about Aalto University's research on drawing, static electricity and marine engineering, as well as explore your own creativity through each of them. Aalto University's research and teaching combines science and art, technology and economics. With radical creativity, which is a cross-cutting theme of Aalto University's strategy, we turn theories into practice and prototypes into breakthroughs. 

The exhibition offers creative experiences, encounters and experiments in research work for all ages. Creativity takes many forms. Everyone is creative, and we can all work on our creativity. The exhibition also encourages reflection on how research is done and the importance of creative work for an individual and society. Getting to know the creative nature, processes and solutions of research creates faith and hope for a sustainable future.

On the waves of creativity exhibition is on display 26.9.–26.12.2024. The exhibition was produced by Aalto University in collaboration with Heureka.

Exhibits and designers

Creative thinking through drawing 

Have you thought about when and how you think creatively? When you draw, what you have on your mind becomes visible to both yourself and other people. You can share your ideas with others without words. Drawing sparks new ideas and tells you things you didn't know before. With a pen in hand, you can explore the world in a new and creative way. 

When you start, you don't need to know what you're going to draw. Drawing will help you forward. This kind of not knowing is exciting because it creates something new. Also, try new ways of drawing: close your eyes and observe your environment with your other senses. For example, draw a sound you can hear or a smell you can smell. Things in a drawing may look one way to you and different to someone else. And you are both right, because there are no wrong answers. Drawing is a great way to unleash your creativity! 

Marika Tervahartiala is a visual art educator and researcher at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Tervahartiala explores knowing by drawing, knowing through drawing and how drawing contributes to the creation of new knowledge. In her doctoral dissertation On the lines of Drawing, Tervahartiala is joined by an abstract entity known as Drawing when she studies, knows and draws. This cartoon-like character appears to the reader in more than 400 line drawings. Now, Drawing is also having adventures at Heureka, and you too can try thinking by drawing!

Read more: https://research.aalto.fi/en/persons/marika-tervahartiala

Static electricity and creative experiments

Have you touched a material and received an electric shock? It's about static electricity. You can try generating electricity by rubbing the carpet with your hands or feet, and you can use this electricity to light a lamp, for example. Some materials conduct electricity well, while others insulate electricity. Using recycled materials is a good option because then the amount of waste is reduced.

New knowledge is often created through experimentation. Based on the previous research experiments, new experiments can be carried out, and thus even more precise information is created. Failed experiments are also useful. For example, materials that generate electricity poorly can be found, and this is also important new information.

So, a human being can generate electricity! Can you imagine a room where all electricity is produced by humans?

Ramyah Gowrishankar works as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University’s School of Electrical Engineering and in the Mobile Cloud Computing research group. Gowrishankar’s Engaging with e-static textiles research project investigates techniques for designing and manufacturing self-powered electrostatic textiles and how they could be used in a smart home. At Heureka, you can see Gowrishankar’s research experiments and try to generate electrical energy using your own body. Try out if you can turn on the light switch!

Read more: https://research.aalto.fi/en/persons/ramyah-gowrishankar

Creative co-operation in shipbuilding

Isn't it a little odd that ships float on water even though they are huge and very heavy? Cruise ships are the most complex of all ships. They are oases of experiences.  The cruise experience includes eating, sleeping, various shows and even swimming in a pool in the middle of an ocean.

Designing and building a ship takes a lot of imagination, different people and a wide range of expertise. In addition to technical know-how, skills such as research, problem-solving, innovation, creativity and the ability to dream are necessary. It is particularly important that making cruise ships environmentally friendly, safe and sustainable is approached from many perspectives. Each cruise ship is the result of creative collaboration. What would your role be in creative shipbuilding?

Aalto University and Meyer Turku Ltd cooperate in research and teaching of marine engineering. In engineering, research is often carried out in cooperation with companies. Aalto and Meyer are collaborating on research into the use of new, thinner and more environmentally friendly materials and structures, and their impact on ship performance. This exhibition lets you try your hand at designing and building a ship. Come and see how you would do as a naval architect!

Working group: 

Kimmo Hiukka, Meyer Turku Ltd 
Linn-Sophie Bodö, Meyer Turku Ltd 
Sami Mäkinen, Meyer Turku Ltd 
Marjo Keiramo, Meyer Turku Ltd and Aalto University
Jani Romanoff, Aalto University School of Engineering
Heikki Remes, Aalto University School of Engineering
Tommi Mikkola, Aalto University School of Engineering

Aalto University exhibition working group: 

Project and production
Riikka Mäkikoskela 

Jury
Riikka Mäkikoskela
Outi Turpeinen
Tiina Toivola
Milla Kokko 

Exhibition design
Saara Kantele

Graphic and video design
Merle Karp 

Exhibition building
Alex Suomi 

Communications
Nicole Grekov