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Hella Hernberg

Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher
A803 Dept. Design

Hella Hernberg is an architect and postdoctoral researcher whose work advances the care and revitalization of existing spaces and properties, striving for resource wisdom and socio-ecological sustainability in built environments. In this context, she focuses on sociopolitically and materially engaged intermediation of complex multi-stakeholder processes in urban sustainability transformations. Her research approach intersects with sustainability transitions, architecture, planning, urban studies, and participatory design. Her current research is funded by the Kone Foundation. Hella holds a Doctor of Arts degree in Design (Aalto University, 2022) and an Architect (MSc) degree (Helsinki University of Technology, 2008). Her doctoral thesis, titled , won the Aalto ARTS Dissertation Award 2022. Hella’s research also builds on her professional expertise as an architect working with the participatory revitalization of vacant spaces since 2008. Previously, she ran her own company, , and in 2012-13, she worked as a strategic designer at the Ministry of the Environment.

Full researcher profile

Areas of expertise

mediation, intermediation, urban sustainability transformations, architecture, participatory design, care, urban development

Honors and awards

ARTS Act of the year 2026: The ARTS Summer School 2025: Spatial Practices beyond New Construction

The Aalto ARTS Act of the year award 2026 was given to the ARTS Summer School program 2022-2025. Hella Hernberg and Panu Savolainen were awarded for the ARTS Summer School 2025, Spatial Practices beyond New Construction. <br/><br/>Funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, the ARTS Summer Schools provided a unique environment where students of architecture, design, film and media came together to learn, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their creativity. Across four summer school courses, students engaged with a wide range of ideas, concepts, and methods – from hands-on making to cutting-edge digital design and sustainable architecture and design practices. <br/><br/>Faculty from 15 partner universities co-created the inspiring curriculums, and 69 teachers and 166 students from around the world brought their perspectives, skills, and passion to the summer schools, resulting in a dynamic and diverse showcase of projects.<br/><br/>The ARTS Act of the Year goes to each of the ARTS Summer Schools of 2022-2025.
Award or honor granted for a specific work Department of Design Mar 2026

Aalto ARTS Dissertation Award 2022

Award for doctoral theses which are among the most meritorious top ten percent of the doctoral theses of the school. The core criteria for the award are academic quality, impact and originality. <br/>
Award or honor granted for a specific work Department of Design Mar 2023

Grant for post-doctoral research

Award or honor granted for academic or artistic career Department of Design Dec 2022

Research grant

3,5 year working grant for doctoral studies
Award or honor granted for academic or artistic career Department of Design Dec 2016

Publications

Hella Hernberg, İdil Gaziulusoy, Viola Schulman 2025

Hella Hernberg 2025

Hella Hernberg, Kirsi Niinimäki 2025 Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

Hella Hernberg, Panu Savolainen, Matti Jänkälä, Ella Kaira, Viola Schulman 2025

Hella Hernberg, Kirsi Niinimäki 2024 Zero Waste Sustainable Apparel Industry

Hella Hernberg, İdil Gaziulusoy 2024

Hella Hernberg, Sampsa Hyysalo 2024 Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

Kirsi Niinimäki, Hella Hernberg, Anubhuti Bhatnagar, Malahat Ghoreishi 2024

Hella Hernberg 2022

Hella Hernberg 2022 Arkkitehti