Department of Built Environment
Department of Built Environment
The Department of Built Environment looks for practical solutions for a society whose functioning requires sustainable asset management, efficient water and waste management, sufficient water resources, reliable and safe transportation as well as valid geographic data. Intelligent spatial planning enables built environments that best serve the needs of habitation, business and mobility.
Research
The research and education of the Department of Built Environment focus on fields that are continuously growing in societal importance. Research problems involve the great challenges facing today’s society, including population growth, urbanisation, climate change, globalisation, digitalisation and the increasing use of natural resources.
The Department of Built Environment is home to four research groups – Geoinformatics, Real Estate Economics, Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering and Water and Environmental Engineering – and a partner in MeMo, the Research Institute of Measuring and Modelling for The Built Environment.
Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering
Urban realities are becoming increasingly dynamic, complex and fragmented while demands for their liveability, sustainability, competitiveness, and attractiveness increase. Our research connects spatial planning and transportation engineering for developing new scientific knowledge needed in systemic understanding, problem-solving, and integrative planning and policy-making beyond sectoral boundaries, aimed at achieving equitable, sustainable and attractive environments.
Water and Environmental Engineering
Water and Environmental Engineering research at Aalto University aims to find solutions to decrease resource scarcity and to support sustainability. Our research is divided into two strategic areas: global water issues and sustainable circular economy, which are further divided into four research entities.
Real Estate Economics
Real estate economics analyses the dynamics of real estate markets from the perspectives of e.g. business, planning, technology, value formation and law. The Real Estate Economics research group at Aalto University is the only university-level research unit in Finland focusing on the broad area of real estate.
Geoinformatics
Geoinformatics at Aalto University is a truly multidisciplinary field. Our research and its applications cover a wide range of themes from human-centred to natural environments.
MeMo - Research Institute of Measuring and Modeling for the Built Environment
The goal of the Institute is to produce world-class research and development of the measurement technology in the field of construction and environmental engineering.
DIWA – Digital Waters Flagship Programme
Promoting sustainable development by linking digital solutions to water resource management.
Education
The Department of Built Environment offers education on leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
See our study options and hear from some of our alumni below.
Fields of study:
- Sustainable Communities
- Real Estate Economics and Geoinformatics
The department's bachelor's-degree education is offered in Finnish and Swedish in the Bachelor's Programme in Engineering.
Master's-level education is available in Aalto University master's programmes as well as co-operative and international programmes.
Aalto University programmes:
- Geoinformatics
- Real Estate Economics
- Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering
- Water and Environmental Engineering
Co-operative and international programmes:
Doctoral studies at the Department of Built Environment are part of the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering.
News
School of Engineering Alum of the Year Mika Viljanmaa: There’s no point in developing something useless
Viljanmaa, an award-winning inventor, calls Otaniemi his professional and spiritual home.
Publishing Research Data Alongside Research Articles
Data availability statements are increasingly required by scientific journals. They include information on what data are available, where they can be found, and any applicable access terms
Introducing Journal Search Tool
Search for the journals included in open access agreements
Shaking up Tech encourages young women and minorities to explore technology
The Shaking up Tech event will take place on 22 January 2026. The Event is aimed at young women and gender minorities who are considering their future study and career paths.Events
Artificial intelligence and responsible conduct of research, Oct 29, 2025
Learn how to use AI in research ethically and responsibly.
Aalto Data Agents' weekly support hour on Zoom
Join and ask anything about research data management and open science.
Aalto University celebrates its tenured professors with popular talks by the new tenure track professors of Associate or Full level.
Aalto ENG Teaching Forum 3 November 2025: Building a strong foundation - Deep learning and broad-based engineering competencies
Join us at the Teaching Forum to discuss aligning deep learning with broad-based engineering competencies in engineering education. Teachers, students, and School of Engineering staff interested in educational development are warmly invited.Contact information: Department of Built Environment
Find contact details for the Department of Built Environment.
Where to find us
Otakaari 4
Mechanical engineering 1, K1
Datavägen 1 E
Vatten- och miljöteknik, Vattenbyggnaden, mån–fre 8.00–15.45
Tietotie 1
Marine Technology, Aalto Ice and Wave Tank
