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Department of Architecture

Research at the Department of Architecture

The research at the Department of Architecture covers urban studies, history of architecture, heritage studies, landscape and regenerative design, housing studies as well as reuse, circular economy and architectural conservation.

Research in a nutshell

Finnish Pavilion in Venice 2018 by Tuomas Siitonen, photo by Alexander Mayes
Karjaan kirkon ullakko
Sienikasvustoa ja muita materiaaleja puukehikossa.
Karjaan kirkon ullakko
Sienikasvustoa ja muita materiaaleja puukehikossa.
Lähiömaisema Aada Taipale
Sienikasvustoa ja muita materiaaleja puukehikossa.
Lähiömaisema Aada Taipale
Paimio sanatorium exterior
Lähiömaisema Aada Taipale
Paimio sanatorium exterior
Finnish Pavilion in Venice 2018 by Tuomas Siitonen, photo by Alexander Mayes
Paimio sanatorium exterior
Finnish Pavilion in Venice 2018 by Tuomas Siitonen, photo by Alexander Mayes
Karjaan kirkon ullakko

The Research at the Department of Architecture is focused on architecture, living and housing studies, urban studies and planning, design practice, architectural conservation, the role of architecture in society and the history and future of architecture. 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 is is closely connected to society and ongoing planetary crises and sustainability. The research profile of the Department of Architecture covers also applied research commissioned by public sector and industry.

Heads of Research

Panu Savolainen

Panu Savolainen

Professor (Associate Professor)
Department of Architecture

Latest Publications

Ilari Aalto, Lauri Kemppinen 2026 Teaching the Past : Prehistory and Archaeology in European Schools and National Curricula

Kristjana Adalgeirsdóttir 2026

Agnesa Ademi, Prof. Dr. Pia Fricker 2026 Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture

Antti Ahlava 2026

Miracle Akangbe, Wilda Birago Amoah, Jonathan Graham, David Nkusi, Irina Väisänen 2026

Laura Berger, Panu Savolainen 2026

Viktorija Bogdanova, Iris Andersson 2026

Tamara Cindric, Isabelle Middleton, Fanny Musabwa, Jovanis Uwirinze 2026

Franziska Dalheimer 2026

Dennis Häusler, Matthias Vollmer, Martina Voser, Prof. Dr. Pia Fricker 2026 Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture
More information on our research in the Aalto research portal.

News

Aerial view of a green rooftop garden next to a parking lot with several cars and surrounding buildings.
Research & Art Published:

Funding for impact assessment research concerning the Helsinki Capital region available

Funding call of the Urban Impact project (Kaupunkivaikutus) is open until 11. October 2026.
Two people with backpacks stand among sunflowers and greenery in an urban area with buildings in the background.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

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.
Small winding stream with rocks and tall grass in a sunny green park, trees and lawn in the background
Cooperation, Press releases, Research & Art Published:

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.
Ikääntyneitä asukkaita katsomassa kasvatuslaatikoita kirjaston edessä
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

A sustainable city is also age-friendly

Cities must involve older adults more strongly in the planning of the urban environment.

Events

Workshop invitation
Other, Workshops
Doctor's hat

Apply to do doctoral research at the department 

The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture admission period is in early spring each year. Please read the instructions and contact a potential supervising professor at the department before applying. 

Please read the instructions carefully here

Three people working on laptops at a round table in a library, seen through glass walls.

Visit the Department

If you wish to apply for a visiting researcher position at the department, please contact head of research Johanna Lilius (johanna.lilius@aalto.fi)a. You can read more about the application process .

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