News

Design Factory turns shipping containers into art

Aalto Design Factory has transformed their old storage containers into captivating works of outdoor art titled ‘Bitti’ and ‘Atomi’, merging functionality with artistic vision to enhance the campus environment.
A red and black striped container with 'Aalto Design Factory' written on it, next to white birch trees.

The initiative was led by sculptor and Design Factory Printshop Master Erwin Laiho, who was in charge of both the artistic concept and project execution. 

“To bring more light and openness to the back alley, this artwork does not add, but subtracts. The mirror-polished steel panels appear almost as if they were cutouts of the containers, extending the natural scenery,” Laiho explains. "Until now, the containers have been used as external storage space with non-existent effort on landscaping or brand image.”

According to Anna Kuukka, Design Factory’s Design Coordinator, the project offers a new standpoint on radical creativity driving the community’s work. 

“By integrating art, design, and technical expertise, we transformed these everyday objects into elements that add value to the shared campus space,” Kuukka says. “It also highlights our collaborative spirit, with nearly half of our staff participating in some way during the production!”

The installation invites the community to experience the reimagined containers in the backyard of the Viima building, Puumiehenkuja 5, Espoo.

is a pioneering hub for product development education, research and practice. 

----------------


Photos: George Atanassov

Additional information & access to more photos:

Anna Kuukka, Design Coordinator
anna.kuukka@aalto.fi
+358 50 537 2664

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

primo.aalto.fi main page
Research & Art Published:

Aalto-Primo has been updated

Aalto-Primo has been upgraded to a new version.
The PulseOn team posing for the camera. 7 men in suits, 5 standing and 2 sitting on the sides
Campus, Research & Art, University Published:

PulseOn Oy sprung up from the Nokia Bridge Program

In 2011, Nokia Oyj launched its extensive Nokia Bridge Program that aimed to help experts start entrepreneurship and find employment after being laid off. Aalto Startup Center offered business accelerator services to the participants and coached them in innovation and commercial processes.
Left to right: Simone Santucci, Boris Hudec and Ville Miikkulainen
Research & Art Published:

ACME hosted PhotoPrint project collaborators working on Direct Atomic Layer Processing

Prof. Ville Miikkulainen hosted collaborators from the PhotoPrint project to discuss advances in Direct Atomic Layer Processing (DALP®) and thin-film technologies.
Aerial view of a modern brick-and-glass campus with curved roads, trams and a lake and forest in the background
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Highly sought-after EU funding for three Aalto University researchers

The projects focus on atomically precise materials-engineering, LED-based thermal management and quantum methods in distributed networks.