Designs for a Cooler Planet
Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases interdisciplinary experiments at Marsio, Otakaari 2. Open 5 Sept – 28 Oct 2025.
Broaden your perspective with the latest research at the Marsio exhibitions
Research constantly expands our understanding of what is possible. The Makers of the Impossible exhibitions, opening on September 6, offer an interesting cross-section of Aalto University's research and innovations at the campus's new meeting place Marsio, in Otaniemi, Espoo.
The exhibitions and events of the Designs for a Cooler Planet festival on the Aalto University campus are open to everyone from 6 September to 3 October 2024. The theme of the festival, Makers of the Impossible, presents how seemingly impossible challenges are solved using scientific methods. You can explore the free exhibitions independently or sign up for guided tours.
Fascinating prototypes and scale models of research projects at the Marsio main exhibition offer a peek into the future. For example,
- Functional textiles that change shape and react to light and temperature
- Sofia Ilmonen's modular and adjustable outfits that are dyed with natural colors
- 3D printed algae
- A strong wooden structure, which the architect of Pikku-Finlandia, Jaakko Torvinen, has constructed of large tree branches
- Metsähovi space telescope scale model
- Magnificent materials (Mainiot materiaalit) book that teaches biomaterial-based crafts for children
- New discoveries in wood: shimmer, foam, super-black, bubble wrap, optical fibre out of wood
- Future visions in Fashion: garments by Aalto fashion students from Näytös24
The exhibitions are designed to attract individuals interested in research and development, university studies, design and creativity. Visitors of all ages, including school children, are welcome. The exhibition texts are in both Finnish and English.
A pick of a few free events on campus
- Free Radical Creatives documentary movie screenings at Marsio cinema on Thursday, September 12th, at 17:00. and Tuesday, September 24th, at 17:00, with Finnish and English subtitles.
- Multi-species and biodiversity-respecting approaches in leadership and business practice: A Responsible Multispecies Leadership Agenda seminar, Bachelor Centre Wednesday 18th at 14.15 (in English, register in advance)
- Artificial Creativity –– LaserTalks afterwork: Psychology, creativity, artificial intelligence researchers and a screenwriter will be discussing the creativity of artificial intelligence on Thursday, October 3rd at 16:00 (in English, register in advance)
- LuovaLoikka research network seminar, Väre on Monday September 30 at 16:00 (in English, register in advance)
- Guided tours to the Makers of the Impossible exhibitions and Marsio building's public art collections (in Finnish and English, register in advance)
- In addition, take at look at over 20 other events here
Designs for a Cooler Planet is part of the Helsinki Design Week programme and the New European Bauhaus initiative by the EU Commission.
About the Marsio building
Marsio is Aalto University's new open-to-all meeting place, where everyone is welcome to events, restaurants, exhibitions and open lectures. The newly opened building, located in the heart of Otaniemi campus, near the metro station and tram stop at Otakaari 2, aims to make Aalto University's research and activities widely visible and accessible.
The building's name is a tribute to Aino Marsio-Aalto (1894–1949), a creative pioneer, architect, designer, entrepreneur and also an Aalto University alum. The name was chosen through an open naming competition, and the rationale for the proposal was to highlight the story and role of Aino Marsio-Aalto, as well as the life and collaboration of Aino and Alvar Aalto as a couple.
In Espoo, 107 places have been named after individual persons. Of these individuals, 29 are women and 78 are men.
Additional information
- Address: Marsio, Aalto University campus, Otakaari 2, 02150 Espoo. Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8:00-21:00 and Fri 08:00-20:00. Closed on weekends.
- The venue is accessible and close to the metro station and the tram stop.
- Public transport: Metro, tram 15 and buses 510, 111 and 52.
- All events and exhibition: /en/designs-for-a-cooler-planet
- About Marsio and its events: /en/marsio
Contact
Tiina Toivola
Communications manager, Radical Creativity, Aalto University
p. 050 326 0300
tiina.toivola@aalto.fi
Click to enlarge the images.
Marsio
The new meeting place on Aalto University campus. Experience tomorrow!
Radical Creativity
There is no set recipe for changing the world. It takes courage and grit to boldly create something new without fearing failure.
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