WiT Programme

Women sitting outside a small building in a rural area. A colourful fabric hangs nearby, and a large tree is in the foreground.
Application

The Aalto WiT Programme is an intensive, 3.5-month interdisciplinary post-master’s programme, developed in collaboration with our partner organisations and hosted by the World in Transition Research LAB (WiTLAB) at Aalto University. 

The programme is aimed for professionals who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field of humanitarian architecture and development. With a strong focus on enhancing the resilience of human settlements in low- and middle-income countries, this programme equips participants with the critical skills and insights needed to drive positive change.

By participating, you will gain a unique combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing you to work within the humanitarian sector. The programme empowers you to identify and innovate sustainable strategies for vulnerable communities, collaborate with international organisations and NGOs, and contribute to global efforts in disaster response, post-conflict reconstruction, and sustainable development.

Bringing together the capacities of universities, humanitarian organisations, and committed professionals, the programme fosters action towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Are you ready to apply your expertise in humanitarian architecture and global development? Join the Aalto WiT Programme and be part of a global movement dedicated to building a better future for communities in need! 

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Course publications

Publications from WiT Programme.

WiT Programme
WiT Programme cases

Case studies

Learn more about the provisional case studies for the WiT Programme 2026!

WiT Programme
WiTLAB logo

WiTLAB

An interdisciplinary cross-school research and education unit hosting collaborative initiatives across Aalto University

Humanitarian architecture

Humanitarian architecture engages in designing and planning of human settlements in vulnerable conditions. It concentrates on processes rather than products, ranging from short term emergency situations to long term poverty alleviation.

WiT Programme
WiT Programme quote

News

Brown-toned display of wood, pulp, fibre, thread cone and knitted fabric, showing stages from log to textile.
Research & Art Published:

The journey of a 17th-century shipwreck continues as a unique knitted dress

Researchers at Aalto University transformed surplus wood from the Hahtiperä shipwreck into textile fibre, spun it into yarn, and knitted it into a dress using new AI-assisted technology.
Small winding stream with rocks and tall grass in a sunny green park, trees and lawn in the background
Cooperation, Press releases, Research & Art Published:

The potential of urban greenery as a climate solution is not being fully utilized – a new handbook offers means to address this

The Handbook for carbon-smart urban green provides concrete tools for leveraging urban green spaces more effectively in climate and nature conservation efforts.
Saija Simola
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

1 in 4 mental health patients hurt by wording in electronic health records, finds study

Errors, disrespectful language and information perceived as unnecessary in electronic health records can feel offensive to patients
Blue e-scooter parked in marked bay on paved path
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

E-scooters are here to stay – first global study maps the state of shared micromobility

Shared e-scooters, city bikes and other small vehicles have evolved from niche experiments into a standard part of urban transport worldwide. Rather than treating micromobility as a passing trend, public authorities should take an active role in shaping its development, researchers say.

Events

Person in a fruit-print conical hat paddling a small boat through a narrow palm-lined river. Photo by Liisa Perälä, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, 2026
Academic events, Networking, Students

SGT Studio'26 Final Event: Stories from...

The SGT Studio'26 Final Event is a showcase of the students work for the Sustainable Global Technologies (SGT) studio course through interactive presentations, followed by a meet-and-greet.

WiTLAB alumni stories

Meet the professionals who have participated in WiTLAB's courses and collaborative projects through time! Here you find interviews where the alumni share their learning experiences and career journeys after graduating from Aalto University.

Image of Niina Rinne
WiTLAB

Niina Rinne - WiTLAB collaborator

Niina is an alumna of the Creative Sustainability programme, currently working at UN-Habitat in Nairobi as a Programme Management Officer
Image of Milja Lindberg
WiTLAB

Milja Lindberg - WiTLAB research alumna

Milja is a Finnish-Canadian architect and independent researcher from the early years of WiTLAB’s research group
Image of Maria Hedengren
WiTLAB

Maria Hedengren - Cities in Transition alumna

Maria is an architect currently working as a creative director, marketing strategist and planner
Image of Emma Lappalainen
WiTLAB

Emma Lappalainen - City in Crisis alumna

Emma is an architect and alumna of the ‘City in Crisis’ studio 2010, currently working as the CEO and lead consultant at Finngroup Consultants
WiTLAB alumni stories
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