New Aalto University initiative bridging two schools: Arts, Design, and Architecture, and Engineering. Focused on research within the Department of Design and Civil Engineering, we explore clay as a material for geopolymers and its potential in studio ceramics.
Radical ceramics: Rethinking geopolymers
A living laboratory, with local materials, experiments and haptic prototypes to uncover the potential of geopolymers.
When
–
Where
Väre, F Lobby, Ground Floor
Otaniementie 14, 02150 Espoo
In the transition towards a carbon-neutral society, the use of existing natural materials has a crucial role. However, natural materials, such as clay, have become waste at the expense of other productions.
This project investigates the potential of local clay as a material for geopolymers. The use of such geopolymers would reduce the ecological footprint of the construction sector. To expand the possibilities of geopolymers as a greener alternative, we also envision the possibilities of geopolymers within creative studio practices.
Cutting the carbon out of concrete
The Radical Ceramic Research Group is pioneering potentially transformative alternatives to traditional concrete, the world’s second largest source of emissions.
Our team
This research project is a collaboration between the Department of Design in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the Department of Civil Engineering in the School of Engineering at Aalto University. It is funded by the Radical Creativity program, 2022-2024.
Team
Maarit Mäkelä
Jussi Leveinen
Priska Falin
Riikka Latva-Somppi
Tomi Pelkonen
Johannes Kaarakainen
Amedeo Martines
Luis Huaman
Ville Repo
Lennart Engels
Nathalie Lautenbacher
Supporting members
Kaisaleena Halinen
Johanna Hyrkäs
Simo Puintila
Contact
Designs for a Cooler Planet
Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases interdisciplinary experiments at Marsio, Otakaari 2. Open 5 Sept – 28 Oct 2025.