柠檬导航

News

Smart fabrics to Brussels

Smart fabrics such as wearable electronics and e-textiles will be showcased at European Parliament in Brussels 17 -21 November.
 LeeLuu Nightlights Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture

The works, that are of Finnish Aalto University鈥檚 student projects are to be displayed at the Wearable Technology Design exhibition. They represent Aalto University's multidisciplinary approach in which technology, design and art are combined into new types of design concepts and prototypes. Included are, among other things, a shoe that monitors orthopaedic weight, a diving suit that can be heated under water, textile-based user interfaces for listening to music, and outfits that interact with the body and physiology of the wearer.

 "Persevering development work in research and teaching has made it possible for Aalto University to operate in the forefront of innovative textiles, says Professor Teemu Leinonen", Vice Dean of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture at Aalto University.

At best, new businesses will emerge from the synthesis of design and technology.

One example of this in the exhibition is LeeLuu Nightlights, a startup company utilising innovative textiles. The idea of a children's night light that reacts to touch emerged from a course on interactive prototyping at the Aalto University Department of Design.  The founders of LeeLuu, Emmi Pouta, Hanna Markgren, Lisa Gerkens and Sagnhyun Ryu developed their business idea at the Aalto Summer of Startups programme for growth companies, winning admission to the TechCrunch Disrupt event in London. The designers are now putting the finishing touches on the production prototype of the toy-like night light.

"The exhibition gives concrete meaning 柠檬导航 University's mission to bring together experts in different fields and to create new skill-based expertise for businesses and growth. Entrepreneurship and networking are increasingly important competitive advantages in international arenas 鈥 they support national competitiveness and make ground-breaking research possible."

The exhibition has been curated by laboratory engineer Jussi Mikkonen and researcher Salu Ylirisku from Aalto University鈥檚 Department of Design.

The Wearable Technology Design exhibition will take place in connection with the 6th European Innovation Summit at the Altiero Spinelli Building on 17鈥21 November. The invitation to the exhibition was extended and supported by MEP Henna Virkkunen. The exhibition is open to people working at the European Parliament and to visitors.

Photos: George Atanassov,  Kerttu Malinen

(materialbank.aalto.fi)

Further information:

Professor Teemu Leinonen
tel. +358 50 351 6796
teemu.leinonen@aalto.fi

Professor Pirjo Hirvonen (is present at the opening event in Brussels.)
Department of Design
tel. +358 50 363 6011
pirjo.hirvonen@aalto.fi

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Aerial view of a tram on a curved track surrounded by trees and buildings in a cityscape on a sunny day.
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

Environmental Structure of the Year 2025 Award goes to Kalasatama-Pasila tramway

The award is given in recognition of meritorious design and implementation of the built environment. Experts from Aalto University developed sustainability solutions for the project.
Cafetoria pop-up in A Bloc
Campus, Cooperation Published:

A Bloc becomes a 鈥渓iving lab鈥 for Aalto students: Entrepreneurial Futures course and Cafetoria join forces in pop-up collaboration

A Bloc鈥檚 pop-up space turned into a hands-on learning environment when Entrepreneurial Futures course and Cafetoria co-created a pop-up.
A workshop with two people working. One is at a table, and the other is organizing items in yellow and blue bins.
Press releases Published:

Research reveals the economic significance of family firms in Finland

The findings show that, on average, family firms are more profitable and financially resilient than other firms 鈥 and also invest more.
City street with benches, trees, and bushes. Cars parked along the road. Sunny day.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

Measuring urban nature: new habitat types and criteria support the prevention of biodiversity loss

A recent report introduces an anthropogenic habitat classification and assessment criteria that make it possible to visualize, measure, and compare nature in the built environment. These tools enable the assessment of ecological condition and support the development of green infrastructure and the prevention of biodiversity loss in cities.