The Aalto WiT Programme is an intensive, 3.5-month interdisciplinary post-master’s programme, developed in collaboration with our partner organisations and hosted by the World in Transition Research LAB (WiTLAB) at Aalto University.
The programme is aimed for professionals who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field of humanitarian architecture and development. With a strong focus on enhancing the resilience of human settlements in low- and middle-income countries, this programme equips participants with the critical skills and insights needed to drive positive change.
By participating, you will gain a unique combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing you to work within the humanitarian sector. The programme empowers you to identify and innovate sustainable strategies for vulnerable communities, collaborate with international organisations and NGOs, and contribute to global efforts in disaster response, post-conflict reconstruction, and sustainable development.
Bringing together the capacities of universities, humanitarian organisations, and committed professionals, the programme fosters action towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Are you ready to apply your expertise in architecture and development to the humanitarian field? Join the Aalto WiT Programme and be part of a global movement dedicated to building a better future for communities in need!
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
The WiT Programme is organised by Aalto WiTLAB, a cross-school research and education unit at Aalto University.
Humanitarian architecture
Humanitarian architecture engages in design of human settlements in vulnerable conditions, ranging from short term emergency situations to long term poverty reduction.
Our Partners
Blog posts
Decolonising Sustainability: Reshaping Our Approach
Written by Anahita Rashidfarokhi, 10th of October 2023
Coaching for goal setting and time management in humanitarian architecture
Written by Katri-Liisa Pulkkinen, 26th of September 2023
Three ways systems thinking supports practicing of humanitarian architecture
Written by Katri-Liisa Pulkkinen, 9th of August 2023
Life coaching in humanitarian architecture training
Written by Katri-Liisa Pulkkinen, 9th of August 2023
WiT Programme - Bridging capacities to advance resilience of vulnerable communities
Written by Saija Hollmén, 9th of August 2023
Humanitarian architecture – what does it mean?
Written by Saija Hollmén, 8th of June 2023
News
RCF Shared and Thematic Research Infrastructure (FIRI) calls – Aalto internal deadline 23.3.2026
The next RCF national Shared-use Research Infrastructures and local Thematic Research Infrastructures calls will open 25 March and close 29 April 2026. Aalto internal deadline is 23 March..
Register for the Transregional Online Living Labs Day 2026
Join Unite!’s international, online conference to explore how University Campus Living Labs connect research, education and practice.
Annual Report on Research Ethics and Integrity 2025
The significance of research ethics has increased both as part of the quality of research and in the values of publishers and funders
Design strengthens industrial competitiveness – human-centered factory work at the core
Factory work is undergoing a transformation: new technologies and artificial intelligence are changing the content and roles of work. Aalto University’s Department of Design is studying this change from a human-centered perspective in the HiFive project.Events
Course publications
Publications and books from courses
WiTLAB alumni stories
Meet the professionals who have participated in WiTLAB's courses and collaborative projects through time! Here you find interviews where the alumni share their learning experiences and career journeys after graduating from Aalto University.
Niina Rinne - WiTLAB collaborator
Niina is an alumna of the Creative Sustainability programme, currently working at UN-Habitat in Nairobi as a Programme Management Officer
Milja Lindberg - WiTLAB research alumna
Milja is a Finnish-Canadian architect and independent researcher from the early years of WiTLAB’s research group
Maria Hedengren - Cities in Transition alumna
Maria is an architect currently working as a creative director, marketing strategist and planner