Changing the world through crafting

By September 14, 2025Events
Hand throwing toilet paper foam samples in the air on a green background.

When:

Where: Marsio, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland

What: Exhibition

The Marvelous Materials book encourages children and young people to experiment creatively using nothing more than nature’s resources and household biowaste.

See this and other fascinating projects on display in the Designs for a Cooler Planet on 5 Sept – 28 Oct 2025.

How can we teach material wisdom in an inspiring way?

By combining chemistry, materials science, art, and design into hands-on recipes that unleash creativity at home and in school—without harming the environment.

The book features 17 DIY projects made from natural and biodegradable materials.

The exhibition’s miniature house’s interior, decorated with egg-shell ceramics and toilet paper foam, was crafted by Aalto University Junior summer camp participants.

“The creativity and fearless experimentation of children and young people is always inspiring—we adults could learn a lot from them,” says artist and art educator Greta Isola.

Collaborators

Aalto University Junior

 

Photo: Esa Kapila / Aalto University

Team

Greta Isola Master of Arts, Art Educator, Bioinnovation Center
Susanna Ahola Doctor of Science (tech.), Academic Coordinator, Bioinnovation Center
Pirjo Kääriäinen Professor of Design and Materialities, Aalto University School of Art, Design and Architecture
Tapani Vuorinen Professor of Wood Chemistry, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering
Heidi Simppala Coordinator of Arts and Design, Aalto University Junior
Cyrienne Buffet Interior Architecture Student, Spatial and Industrial designer, the school of Arts, Design and Architecture
Jack Kirk Interior Architecture Student, Spatial and Industrial designer, the school of Arts, Design and Architecture

Additional information:

Coordinator