A! Walks is a transdisciplinary summer course designed for curious minds who believe that learning can happen beyond classrooms—by walking, sensing, and being present. Centered around the Otaniemi campus and its surrounding natural and urban landscapes, the course invites students to explore pressing ecological, social, and design topics through themed walking sessions.
Each WALK is not just a trip, but a co-created, reflective path toward science, technology, business, awareness, action, and futures.
We will walk every week from July to August, covering topics from water systems to forests, birds, berries, and mushrooms.
Each walk includes:
All walks are accessible on foot or by public transport. Most sessions are held around Otaniemi, with occasional outings to other location in surrounding Helsinki and Espoo.
Audio Diaries – Listen & Record the World Around You
Every participant becomes a documentarian. Each WALK includes an audio task—a small recording that captures your perceptions, reflections, or micro-stories. At the end of the course, these will form a collective podcast and digital memory archive.
From whispering trees to imagined bird dialogues—your voice matters.
How to Join
Open to all Aalto students (BA/MA/Doctoral/Staff), especially those interested in:
Working language: English
No prior audio experience required—just bring your phone and curiosity!
Meeting point: Oak in front of Väre building
Date: Postponed
Destination: Scheduling
Maximum number of participants: 30
Content:
In mid-July, after a period of warmth and rain, the first harvest of delicious mushrooms like Chantarelle and Porchini pop up.
Join our walk to discover these fascinating mushrooms and immerse yourself in the refreshing charm of the Finnish forest.
Meeting point: Oak in front of Väre building
Date: 12th September 13:00~14:00
Destination: Campus
Maximum number of participants: 30
Content:
Join us this Thursday for a guided walk through Aalto's local ecosystem, led by our artist-researcher Christina Stadlbauer. We will explore the environment and engage in various interactive activities.
More about Christina:
Contact:
Janne Halme, janne.halme@aalto.fi, +358503441695
Zhuoyan Xu, emma.xu@aalto.fi, +32-492937297
To see what happened during our walk:
It is said that the best way to experience Finland is by hiking.
Our participants spent an afternoon immersed in the lush greenery of Nuuksio National Park, enjoying the serene beauty of the Nordic landscape.
What does modern art mean to you?
Our participants enjoyed a feast of art at EMMA while sharing their thoughts...
The afternoon adventure on Lehtisaari offered more than just a walk in the forest; it sparked conversations about renewed appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of the Finnish wilderness...
The Geo Exhibition at GTK in Espoo provided more than just geological information; it started discussions about time, people, our planet, and, more importantly, a new perspective on sustainability...
It's summer in Finland and the forests are full of life and colour. The trip to the Birdwatching Tower was not only a birdwatching trip, but also a conversation about culture and nature...
Finland is entering the golden time of the year, and our second walk was a journey across time to explore the brushstrokes of Finnish Golden Age painters...
Spring is here, plants are starting to grow and bloom. The first walk of 'A! walk' series started with meeting those newborn plants...
