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Aalto University’s largest annual exhibition returns—showcasing bold solutions from fungal architecture to carbon sinks

Designs for a Cooler Planet takes over Otaniemi starting 5 September. By popular demand, this year’s exhibition will be open for nearly two months!
Two stacked stone blocks surrounded by small grey pebbles, a glass dish filled with pebbles on the right.
Researchers in the BEACON project replaced cement with biochar, significantly reducing construction emissions and turning structures into carbon sinks. Photo: Esa Kapila / Aalto University

Now in its seventh year, Designs for a Cooler Planet is Aalto University’s largest exhibition.
The theme for 2025 is Acts of Change—because the world won’t change for the better on its own; we have to make it happen. Multidisciplinary teams of students and researchers have developed bold, creative solutions to global challenges like aging, material scarcity, and the climate crisis.

Featured projects include:

  • A tool for early detection of dementia risk
  • Gems from the Nokia Design Archive
  • A tiny house made from recycled materials
  • Protein-based glue inspired by mussels
  • Composite material formed by fungal mycelium, which can be used to build, for example, wall elements
  • Waste clay turned into carbon sink
  • Everyday biomaterials
  • Children’s material experiments
  • A floating sauna built from recycled wind turbine blades

In past years, the exhibition has attracted over 10,000 visitors. Many have hoped for a longer run—so this year, it will be open from 5 September to 28 October. The main exhibition takes place in the university’s newest meeting place, Marsio, with additional satellite exhibitions, events, film screenings, and workshops across the campus.

External funding plays an increasingly vital role in supporting the work of the Aalto community, and many of the projects on display have been made possible by donations, big and small.
Could making a donation be your act of change?

Support our work at the exhibition or at /en/a-sign-of-change 

Visitors at an exhibition exploring sustainable materials. Displays include furniture, small plants, and design elements.

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 exhibition

Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition presents visionary cross-disciplinary work. Come explore prototypes, experiments and solutions.

Events
Three-part image: yellow flower and text Marsio on the left, image of Aino-Marsio-Aalto in the middle, Aalto logo on the right

Marsio

The meeting place on Aalto University campus. Experience tomorrow!

A Sign of Change: Aalto University impacting and changing the world for the better

A! Sign of Change

University's government funding has decreased. We need your support. Make a donation for a more hopeful future!

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