ɫɫÀ²

News

The latest Aalto University Magazine delves into the invisible

The September issue asks if we would make different decisions if we could see beneath the surface and know better.
Stacks of Aalto University Magazine with water-themed covers lying on green grass in sunlight
Photo: Anni Kääriä

The theme of this issue echoes the main theme of this year’s Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition, invisibility.

In the Openings section, Riikka Mäkikoskela, a visual arts teacher and researcher, describes invisibility as a challenging, even frightening concept for her. Mäkikoskela is Head of Radical Creativity at Aalto. ‘At the university, we are constantly at the edge of invisible. - - Relating to the invisible and the unknown in new ways requires courage – and even silly or dumb ideas – and a beginner’s approach. Creativity requires letting go in order to birth something new.’

The main article explores interaction and power dynamics. Three researchers from different fields – Einat Amir, Astrid Huopalainen, and Matti Nelimarkka – discuss the ways in which power can be wielded invisibly. 

In the Who section we meet Alma Muukka-Marjovuo, a Doctor of Arts and alumna whose diverse career in the arts has led to a position as Counsellor of Education at the Finnish National Agency for Education.

The On the go feature story takes us to the sources of creativity, through an upcoming documentary film on the concept of radical creativity practiced at Aalto University.

In the Dialogue section, researcher Maria Joutsenvirta and Professor Jani Romanoff examine the concept of resilience in the workplace, which seems to have become more of an obligation than a source of well-being.

The science articles delve into various topics, including the potential of Finnish clay to reduce the environmental impact of concrete and the tiny sensors that could assist farmers and forestry.

The digital version can be read on the issuu.com website. 

Some articles are also published at aalto.fi/magazine.

Print copies are available throughout the Otaniemi campus. 

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Smiling person wearing glasses, green shirt and cap, standing against a red brick wall
Appointments, University Published:

Anssi Perttala to strengthen the Centre for Radical Creativity

Anssi Perttala has been appointed to the position of expert at Aalto University’s Centre for Radical Creativity from 1 October, 2026 on.
Black and white double exposure of a bearded man in a suit and tie, looking serious at the camera
Aalto Magazine, Research & Art Published:

Everyday choices: Ghassem Gozaliasl, how do galaxy groups reflect the need for human connection?

An astrophysicist with the Aalto High-Performance Computing Lab (HPCLab), Gozaliasl uses the James Webb Telescope to study how galaxies have formed over the last 12 billion years.
Three young people on stools in a wooden room, holding microphones and posing playfully
Aalto Magazine Published:

A student idea brought a karaoke booth to campus

MA student Heya Kwon wants to bring more singing to campus. At the karaoke booth, anyone can sing without feeling self-conscious.
Abstract person juggling shapes and charts in blue, teal and red, suggesting multitasking and data analysis
Aalto Magazine, Cooperation Published:

Saab partnership: Building expertise that lasts

The partnership between Saab and Aalto University combines cutting-edge research with real-world needs while training the next generation of experts.