Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Humanitarian crises call for our action
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
What is the role of architecture in the globalizing world?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Can architecture be a component in capacity building?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
An interdisciplinary network of education and research
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Aiming for global real-life impact on the built environment
Aalto WiT (World in Transition) LAB is an interdisciplinary cross-school research and education unit hosting collaborative initiatives across Aalto University. It is rooted in sustainable development of the built environment in vulnerable communities and fragile environments globally. WiTLAB serves as a platform for researchers and projects focusing on resilient human settlements, humanitarian architecture, community engagement and grass roots action. It furthers the Aalto University’s strategy on sustainability, transdisciplinary collaboration and Life-Wide-Learning.
Aalto WiTLAB provides a flexible and horizontal network for units and individuals within and outside Aalto University, with a variety of interests and professional experience on related topics. The international experience of the members creates a vast global network of experts, institutes, programs and universities. It is a forum for discussion and action for people within the academia, who are passionate about changing the world for the better.
Aalto WiTLAB coordinates and carries out basic and applied research, publication of topical literature and expert assignments on the above-mentioned themes. Under the Aalto WiTLAB umbrella, It supports two distinct educational pathways: master’s level studies and the WiTProgramme, a professional diploma course. For more information about these opportunities, visit the Education tab.
Aalto WiT Programme
Aalto WiTÂ Programme is a 3,5-month transdisciplinary professional diploma programme under the Aalto University World in Transition Research LAB (WiTLAB). The programme focuses on the resilience of human settlements in low and middle-income countries.
People
Aalto WiTLAB consists of a team of researchers and educators, constantly looking for new collaborations and transdisciplinary partnerships worldwide. Image: Lauri Nykopp
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.
Case 5 - Kigali, Rwanda
Bringing attention to the Effective Healing Environment in sub-Saharan Africa’s Health Facilities.
Case 4 - Nairobi Rivers, Kenya
Addressing the severe environmental degradation and climate vulnerabilities affecting the Nairobi River basin.
Case 3 - Iringa, Tanzania
Sanitation and waste management for Lyra Hostels for girls in secondary schools.
Case 1 - Madesh and Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal
Addressing Disproportionate Impacts of Disasters on Women and Children's livelihood in Madhesh and Sudurpaschim Provinces.Background
Aalto WiTLAB was founded in 2014 to adress challenges in the Global Majority context. It connects to the larger strategies and frameworks of the UN Agenda 2030.
News
Current news related to WiTLAB
Apply now: Bioengineering human tissue: Design, fabrication, analysis
Unite!’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on bioengineering human tissue combines online learning with hands-on training in Germany.
Learning Environments Research Group — 2025 in Review
2025 recap: three doctoral theses on context-aware interaction design, AI as creative learning partner, and telerobotic puppetry for peacebuilding.
Students analysed AI capabilities in modern finance systems for PwC Finland
The aim was to provide PwC Finland with structured insights to better advise and support its clients in developing AI strategies within finance operations
Free of charge article copies for Aalto students (pilot)
Aalto University’s interlibrary loan service is running a pilot that allows Aalto students to order article copies free of charge for their own study or research use. The pilot runs from 1 March to 1 September 2026.Saija Hollmén, Professor of Practice in Humanitarian Architecture at Aalto UniversityOur globe is a closed system, and in the end, we all share the same resources. The fact that these now are unequally distributed should be the concern of us all.
Events
Events related to WiTLAB's interests
Impactful research: Introducing the new research projects funded by the Helsinki Capital Region Research Collaboration
Welcome to learn about new research projects funded by cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. The event is organised in Finnish with one project introduction in English.
Many Faces of Well-being Research at Aalto
Exploring the many approaches of well-being research at Aalto across disciplines and schools.