Surprising bio-based experiments.
When: 6 Sept–3 Oct 2024
Where: Marsio, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
The potential of bio-based materials is often overlooked, as synthetic and non-renewable options are more familiar and set high expectations for functionality for bio-based alternatives.
Only by allowing certain imperfection we can recognise the possibilities, imagining a future where futile plants, industry side streams and agricultural waste are used as valuable resources for fabrics, packaging and even furniture production.
Materials for change invites us to rethink our approach to materials by showcasing surprising bio-based material samples that demonstrate alternative pathways towards a sustainable material future.
Read what interior, architecture and design magazine Dezeen wrote after visiting our exhibition.
Read more about the Designs for a Cooler Planet programme.
Image: Iines Jakovlev won the Ornamo Award 2024 for a thesis in the field of design. In her thesis, Jakovlev explores the dimensions of biomimetic design while investigating new fiber plants from local nature and roadside environments.
Welcome to see Aalto University’s latest material prototypes by researchers and students.
Projects on Display
Nine featured projects and perspectives on the development and design of bio-based materials:
1. MAKING USE OF SIDESTREAMS
Saskia Helinska, Aalto ARTS / New Media
Marja-Inkeri Murphy, Aalto CHEM
Ilona Valovirta, Aalto CHEM
Krista Virtanen, Aalto ARTS/ Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design
2. RECYCLING WASTE
Inge Schlapp-Hackl, Herbert Sixta and Michael Hummel, Aalto CHEM
Matthias Selinger, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
Marja Rissanen, TAMK, Finland
3. DISCOVERING NEW SOURCES OF MATERIAL
Elizaveta Tapaila, Aalto CHEM
4. USING BIO-BASED AND BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING
Valentin Schwarz and Satu Paavonsalo, Aalto ARTS
Juha Lipponen, Marke Tyrväinen, Ziba Fathi and Jenni Roivas, Aalto CHEM
Lasse Pulkkinen and Tapio Tirri, XAMK
5. DEVELOPING MORE SUSTAINABLE SINGLE-USE PRODUCTS
Pegah Shamloo, Aalto ARTS
Pia Johansson, Aalto ARTS
Ali Tehrani and team, Aalto CHEM
Antti Oksanen and team, VTT
SUSTAFIT team of TAMK
6. GROWING NEW MATERIALS
Manuel Arias Barrantes, Aalto University / VTT
Géza Szilvay and Lauri Peuhkurinen, VTT
7. TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL MATERIALS
Iines Jakovlev, Aalto ARTS – winner of the Ornamo award 2024, for a thesis in the field of design.
8. CHERISING MULTISPECIES INTEGRATION
Tomek Rygalik, Aalto ARTS
9. FINDING NEW WAYS TO PRODUCE BIO-BASED MATERIALS
Matteo Anderle and Henrik Jansson, Aalto ARTS
RECYCLING WASTE: from banknotes to textiles, Inge Schlapp-Hackl, Herbert Sixta and Michael Hummel, Aalto CHEM Matthias Selinger, Vienna University of Technology, Austria Marja Rissanen, TAMK, Finland, photo Esa Kapila.
MAKING USE OF SIDESTREAMS: Wheatroot textile experiment by Saskia Helinska, Aalto ARTS / New Media Marja-Inkeri Murphy, Aalto CHEM Ilona Valovirta, Aalto CHEM Krista Virtanen, Aalto ARTS/ Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design, photo Bryan Saragosa.
DISCOVERING NEW SOURCES OF MATERIAL: Transparent-film by Elizaveta Tapaila, Aalto CHEM, photo Esa Kapila
USING BIO-BASED AND BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING Valentin Schwarz and Satu Paavonsalo, Aalto ARTS Juha Lipponen, Marke Tyrväinen, Ziba Fathi and Jenni Roivas, Aalto CHEM Lasse Pulkkinen and Tapio Tirri, XAMK, Photo Bryan Saragosa.
FINDING NEW WAYS TO PRODUCE BIO-BASED MATERIALS: 3D printed algae by Matteo Anderle and Henrik Jansson, Aalto ARTS, photo Bryan Saragosa.
Materials for change exhibition, photo Mikko Raskinen.
Exhibition team
Curatorial work and project lead: Senior specialist Enni Äijälä (Aalto), Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen (Aalto ARTS).
Design of the exhibition tables: Baldur Haraldsson (ARTS).
Graphic design: Sonja Dallyn (ARTS).
Additional information:
Pirjo Kääriäinen
Associate professor, Design and Materialities
pirjo.kaariainen@aalto.fi
Enni Äijälä
Senior specialist, partners and outreach
+358 50 359 4810
enni.aijala@aalto.fi