About
To celebrate the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012,
Aalto University is undertaking an extensive programme to create better, more sustainable living environments.
We believe that creative collisions between art, technology and business lead to life-improving design. Design that helps more people live a better life.
Helping people live a better life
Dean Helena Hyvönen, why does Aalto University participate in the WDC 2012 year?
– We want to highlight the expertise of people working at Aalto University developing better living environments. We also want to inspire young people and draw the attention of employers and decision-makers to see the vital role the university plays in designing living environments.
What does Aalto University’s programme look like?
– The main theme of our programme is the design of living environments. We have gathered together more than 30 different projects, all of which examine what living environments are better for both people and nature.
– Hundreds of people from Aalto are involved, including students, teachers, researchers, alumni and other personnel. Together with our partners, we will focus on making the world a better place to live.
What is good design?
– Good design is based on user-oriented thinking and respect for the principles of sustainable development.
– Scientific inventions are increasingly the result of multidisciplinary research cooperation. By combining the expertise of different fields, we believe that we can develop groundbreaking solutions for global problems.
Helena, what makes your life better?
– Normal everyday life at home offers a nice balance to my challenging job. I enjoy open space and moments when my family members are each doing their own thing. I value functional and beautiful tools.
Studying and working at Aalto University
World-class education and student-centered culture
At Aalto University you will receive a world-class education in science, technology, business and industrial arts or a combination of these. As the boundaries of these disciplines blur, we look to the future to see where technology, business and design will take us and our students.
By becoming a student in this newly formed, forward-thinking university, you will be expected to challenge the rigidity of traditional disciplines and be required to think outside the box!
We encourage our students to look at their subjects and explore where collaborations can be made. We aren’t only interested in how your studies will shape you but how you can shape your discipline?
World-class multidisciplinary research
The strength of Aalto University research is based on the collaboration and individual areas of expertise of the six leading schools in their respective fields, the School of Economics, the School of Art and Design, and the four Schools of Technology: School of Engineering, School of Chemical Technology, School of Science, School of Electrical Engineering.
A solid expertise in economics, arts and design and technology allows the University to carry out world-class multidisciplinary research in active cooperation with the surrounding society.The University wants to realize the full potential of its multidisciplinary profile and to tackle pressing global issues through fresh ways of cooperation.
The University activities are based on long-term basic research and artistic activities as well as on high-quality teaching. Aalto University wants to enhance its expertise in all its areas of specialization and eventually rank among the top universities in the world.
Bridging disciplines and adding depth to design
Aalto University is an international university where science and art meet technology and business.
The university promotes the welfare of both humankind and the environment through top-quality research and education. It works in close cooperation with businesses and public organisations to transfer its expertise.
Aalto University’s programme for the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 raises awareness of research and education related to the design of living environments. The programme is called Living+.
Steering group
Aalto University has established a steering group responsible for the co-operation with WDC Helsinki 2012.
Members of the steering group are:
Helena Hyvönen, chairman
Kalevi Ekman
Pirjo Hirvonen
Kaisa Kivelä
Teija Lehtonen
Pekka Saarela
Jessica Sinikoski
Anna Varakas