Designs for the Material Future

Towards a positive change

Do you know where your materials come from? Are you aware of their afterlife?  

Global material consumption is unsustainable and requires immediate change. Innovative solutions are essential, and bio-based materials sourced from renewable resources, waste streams, and by-products offer a promising approach. 
Creative experimentation, collaboration, and maintaining a proactive mindset will drive a positive change. Everyone can contribute, no matter how small their actions seem. We can - and should - engage everyone in this change. 
This exhibition brings together diverse generations, ideas, and innovations, united in the pursuit of a more sustainable and creative material future, with an educational focus that highlights the research and learning from Aalto University Bioinnovation Center and CHEMARTS.

Children and youth

A newly published bio-based material cookbook is featured, aiming to make Aalto University’s research more accessible to younger generations. Aalto University has collaborated with two Finnish arts schools, Espoo School of Art and Forssa Art School. The Marvelous Materials Installation showcases miniature buildings filled with bio-based objects made by children, highlighting their creativity. Visitors can walk through these mini structures designed by Aalto University architecture students, and a video of kids making materials will be displayed. 

Student projects

Besides the Marvelous Materials Installation there will be works on display from CHEMARTS and Bioinnovation Center students. Bachelor’s and Master’s students take an explorative and playful approach to early-stage materials research in CHEMARTS. Experimentation and collaboration encourage new perspectives, with promising results evolving into research projects or business ideas.  
Aalto University Bioinnovation Center’s interdisciplinary research accelerates the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. Addressing challenges from technology, design, and business perspectives, the center creates opportunities for sustainable growth in Finland.