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Otaniementie 14
School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Department of Architecture
Department of Architecture
The Department of Architecture at Aalto University is an internationally renowned education and research unit. With respect to Finland’s esteemed architectural heritage, we find solutions to the future challenges of construction. For decades, our teaching has maintained strong ties to the practical work undertaken at architecture firms.
To us, architecture is an art form that require practical knowledge, individual artistic development, as well as technical and economical knowledge regarding construction. We educate critical thinkers who accept their responsibility to research and design a socially, culturally and ecologically sustainable built environment.
Professional Studies
Aalto WiT Programme is a 5-month transdisciplinary professional diploma programme under the Aalto University World in Transistion LAB (WiTLAB). The Programme focuses on the resilience of human settlements in the Global Majority context.
Department Leadership
Department of Architecture Personnel
Faculty
Architectural Principles and Theory
- Professor Jenni Reuter
- Senior University Lecturer Anni Vartola
- University Teacher Iris Andersson
- Lecturer Tuomas Siitonen
Building Design
- Associate Professor Pirjo Sanaksenaho
- Lecture Esa Ruskeepää
Computational Design
- Associate Professor Pia Fricker
- University teacher Zubin Tan
Design of Structures
- Associate Professor Toni Kotnik
- University teacher Zubin Tan
Emergent Design Methodologies
- Professor Antti Ahlava
Health and Wellbeing Architecture
- Professor of Practice Laura Arpiainen
- Senior Scientist Ira Verma
History of Architecture
- Associate Professor (tenured) Panu Savolainen
- Senior University Lecturer Özlem Özer-Kemppainen
Housing Design
- Assistant Professor Antti Lehto
- Senior University Lecturer Anne Tervo
Humanitarian Architecture
- Senior Scientist Saija Hollmén
Sustainable building construction
- Associate Professor Matti Kuittinen
- University Teacher Simon Mahringer
Urban Design
- Associate Professor Karin Krokfors
- Lecturer Tommy Lindgren
Urban and Regional Planning
- Associate Professor Gianni Talamini
- Senior University Lecturer Hossam Hewidy
- Senior Scientist Johanna Lilius
Wood Architecture
- Professor of Practice Pekka Heikkinen
- University Teacher Laura Zubillaga
Landscape Design and Construction
- Professor Jyrki Sinkkilä
Landscape planning
- Associate Professor Ranja Hautamäki
Landscape planning and Ecology
- Assistant Professor Elisa Lähde
Lecturers
- Lecturer Meri Mannerla-Magnusson
- Lecturer Emilia Weckman
- Lecturer Matleena Muhonen
- University teacher Aada Taipale
Spatial design
- Assistant Professor Katrin Greiling
- University Lecturer Esa Vesmanen
Furniture Design
- Associate Professor Tomek Rygalik
- Lecturer Mikko Paakkanen
Spatial and Service Design
- Senior University Lecturer Antti Pirinen
Wood design
- Lecturer Karola Sahi
- Associate Professor Pia Fricker
- Associate Professor Gianni Talamini
- Senior University Lecturer Christine Mady
Research
The research done at the Department of Architecture produces knowledge about architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies and planning, design practice, the role of architecture in society and the future of construction. We also study architectural history and conservation. Furthermore, our focus areas include construction in the social and health sector, construction for a sustainable future, computer-assisted design methods, and humanitarian architecture. Our research profile covers both basic research in architecture and applied research answering the needs of the industry and public sector.
The research relates to multidisciplinary research areas at Aalto University, especially the human-centred living environments, supported by the Living+ Platform.
Student Works
A collection of Department’s student works
Aalto University Department of Architecture Yearbook 2020-2022
Writing the yearbook 2020-2022 of the Department of Architecture at Aalto University was inspired by the Department's 150th anniversary.
Aalto ARTS' Communications Guide
Easy access communication tools and help for everyone! This guide is updated according to the needs of ARTS members. Login (top right) to view all content. Some pages are internal, so they are only visible to logged-in ARTS members.
Where to find us
Undergraduate Centre
Otakaari 1
News
From waste-wood to load-bearing feature, a simple calculation could change the way we use misfit wood
Urging industry to make better use of wood that is wasted or burned for energy, researchers have released the first structural tests of non-straight, forked, and double-curved roundwood logs used as columns.
In search of carbon wisdom – scavenger hunts help you get to know urban nature better
CO-CARBON researchers have designed four themed scavenger hunt routes for the Helsinki metropolitan area that take seekers on a hunt for carbon-smart treasures.
The potential of urban greenery as a climate solution is not being fully utilized – a new handbook offers means to address this
The Handbook for carbon-smart urban green provides concrete tools for leveraging urban green spaces more effectively in climate and nature conservation efforts.
Aalto University presents circular economy solutions at the New European Bauhaus festival
The European Commission’s New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative will bring together leading experts and changemakers from across Europe in Brussels this June to shape a more sustainable future.Events
How Heat Got Out of Hand – The Architecture of Thermocultures, Helsinki Case Studies 1870s-1970s
World Planning Schools Congress 2026 - Peripheral Visions, Rethinking Planning
The 6th World Planning School Congress will be held at Aalto University, Helsinki University and Tampere University 29.6.-3.7.2026. The Congress welcomes more than 1500 participants onsite and online.
Aalto ARTS Grad Show 2026 exhibition grand opening
Join us in celebrating our graduates from the School of Arts, Design and Architecture! Let's meet in Kipsari on 3 September 2026 at 3 p.m.The IX Art of Research Conference advances the development of artistic research.
Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Information for visitors and guests