The surface of the blue and terracotta fabric has a slightly coarse texture and a diffuse glow.

'I chose the pattern to highlight the fine sheen of the fibre,' says Eveliina Netti with a smile. She is studying textile design at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

'The thread picked up colour really well and replicated the colours magnificently. I was also surprised by how incredibly strong it was. For example, when weaving linen, the warp threads tend to break, but Ioncell thread was really hard to break,' she says gratefully.

Ioncell is a fibre developed by Aalto University School of Chemical Technology professor Herbert Sixta's research group and manufactured with a solvent developed at the University of Helsinki. The material used to make the fibre is birch-based pulp obtained from Finnish pulp mills: a natural renewable material that doesn't require irrigation or agricultural land for its production. The fibre had already been used in a scarf and and in a knit dress produced in cooperation with Marimekko. Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen and Herbert Sixta gave Eveliina Netti a free hand in terms of design – and the chance to realise her personal mission.

'I want to offer Finnish men a relaxed and fun style. With the exception of Marimekko, men's fashion is either low-priced chain stores or luxury brands, she explains.

'It was also really great to be involved in a project that provides the chance to work with textile fibre produced in a truly sustainable way.'

Eveliina Netti selected a traditional Toika loom for weaving. 'They are simply the best.'

Ioncell clothing won't be available on store shelves in the near future, because fibre production is still mostly manual work and production volume is thus very small,. However, the future looks promising.

'The fibre is spun at the University of Borås in Sweden. I spoke with a technician at the spinning mill and he said that the fibre works so well that it could easily be put into factory use. Thinner thread could also be made from Ioncell, and this could be woven into a more flowing fabric.' reveals Eveliina Netti.

Also read: From a pulp mill to a fashion show

Eveliina Netti
eveliina.netti@aalto.fi

Professori Herbert Sixta
herbert.sixta@aalto.fi

Text Minna Hölttä, photos Eeva Suorlahti

The tightly edited group includes Sophie Sälekari, Rolf Ekroth, Elina Määttänen, Iina Lehto, Ilona Hackenberg, Elina Äärelä, Heini-Maria Hynynen, Marianne El-Khoury, Ines Kalliala and Julia Montin.

The collections all show strong individual vision and also highlight the unique possibilities and explorations in fabric and textile development made possible by the university's vast studio facilities.

The university has also gained international reputation for its fashion education at the renowned Hyéres International Festival of Fashion and Photography, where its students' collections have won the coveted Grand Prix both in 2012 (Tiia Sirén, Siiri Raasakka and Elina Laitinen) and 2013 (Satu Maaranen).  

Annual graduate show and fashion seminar have attracted renowned industry guests including Michel Gaubert, Stephen Jones and Jonathan Anderson. The university and its student’s collections have also been featured in leading international publications including Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, Mixté, Another Magazine, V Magazine, Wallpaper, A Magazine Curated by, i-D, Dazed and Confused and Showstudio.com.

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture’s fashion graduates can be found working at fashion houses and brands varying from Marimekko, H&M, Nike and Levi’s to Saint Laurent Paris, Maison Martin Margiela,  Lanvin, Balenciaga and Calvin Klein Collection.

The University has also produced the fresh crop of Finnish fashion designers with their own collections including Sasu Kauppi, Alisa Närvänen and Elina Peltonen of Ensaemble, Saara Lepokorpi and Laura Juslin of Siloa & Mook.

Aalto ARTS showroom
26 Spetember – 3 October
42 rue Volta
75003, Paris

For showroom appointments please contact:
Lecturer Tuomas Laitinen,
tuomas.p.laitinen@aalto.fi / tel. +358 40 952 6024

Five entries were shortlisted for the final stage of this year's competition. The competition's May Day theme invited entrants to come up with imaginative designs for objects and structures associated with summer day trips and picnics. The designers were asked to evoke functionality, aesthetic beauty, and fun times with friends and family in their designs.

Jointly organised by the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre and Aalto University, the design competition is now in its thirteenth year. This year's head judge was the French architect, Emmanuelle Moureaux.

The judging panel paid particular attention to the artistic, architectural, and design quality of the entries, their functionality and structural elements, and their overall durability and coherence.

Emanuelle Moureaux considered Laura Tourila's entry, Pilvi, which was made from tens of white plastic bags, to be reminiscent of clouds moving through the sky. With its weightless and poetic structure, light filters through Pilvi's air-filled balloons onto the floorspace below.

At the heart of Johanna Brummer and Heini-Emilia Saari's Viivy lies the interplay between light and shade. The design is a picnic blanket that draws energy from the sunlight capturing the shadows of the picnic party and prolonging the evening by emitting a beautiful glow after sunset.

A total of 66 entries were submitted for this year's Habitare design competition. In addition to Pilvi and Viivy, the final was contested by the eventual winner, Havina (Samuli Helavuo, Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts), and two other pieces from Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture (Keinu by Krista Meskanen, Satu Niemi and Annimaija Tarkkanen and Paletti by Saara Inkeri Heikkilä).

The Habitare design competition has a new theme and chief judge every year. In recent years, the themes have been Dreamspace (2013/winner Elina Ulvio),A Private Space (2012/winner Leo Lindroos), Outhouse (2011/winner Yoshimasa Yamada), Recycled Seat (2010/winners Arttu Kuisma and Janne Melajoki) and Sauna (2009/winners Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen). Previous head judges include Boris Berlin, Mikko Heikkinen, Alfredo Häberli, Sami Rintala, and Juha Leiviskä.

Further information:
Timo Sairi, Competition Secretary, Aalto University, tel.  +358 040 582 6505, timo.sairi@aalto.fi

The event's programme includes the Design Curating Now seminar on the work of today's designers, bringing together some of the top names in the field (Media Centre Lume, Hämeentie 135C), Aalto University and LEGO's collaboration, Press Play and the Masters of Arts Unseen Exhibition, independently curated by Aalto University students are built in Kluuvi Shopping Centre. The Habitare design fair will showcase examples of furniture and food preparation design (CounterCulture) and other interior design solutions. The event includes a discussion on the design sector with Anna Valtonen, Dean of Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

The events are part of Helsinki Design Week– the largest design festival in the Nordic region. Helsinki Design Week runs from 4th to 14th September 2014.

4th to 14th Sept. Press Play

Made from different types of LEGO, this giant-sized and kinematic installation is the result of a course collaboration between Aalto University's Departments of Architecture and Engineering Design and Production.   Kluuvi Shopping Centre, Aleksanterinkatu 9. Opening 4th September, 11 am. Free entry. In partnership with the LEGO Group and Helsinki Design Week.

4th to 14th Sept. Masters of Arts Unseen

The Masters of Arts Unseen Exhibition brings together a broad and diverse collection of Aalto University students' master theses. The exhibition is independently curated by a group of graduates.  Kluuvi Shopping Centre, Aleksanterinkatu 9. Free entry.

4th September. Design Curating Now

An international seminar on the work of today's designers, including internationally renowned participants. Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Mediakeskus Lume (Sampo Auditorium), 9 am to 2 pm, Hämeentie 135 C. Free entry, register at helsinkidesignweek.com/register/seminar. In partnership with the Design Museum, Aalto University, and Helsinki Design Week.

5th to 30th September. Crossing Boundaries

A showcase of the design-led creative sustainability project, Aalto LAB Mexico (ALM), carried out in Mexico, in collaboration with the Mayan community group, ‘20 de Noviembre’. ALM aims to increase social justice and environmental sustainability through design. The exhibition is part of the Mexican cultural event organized by the Embassy of Mexico. CAISA International Cultural Centre, Mikonkatu 17 C. Free entry.

8th September 2014. Lauttasaari Accessible Service Net

A seminar on the research initiative carried out in the Lautasaari area on service provision for elderly residents. The project was carried out in partnership with service users and related stakeholders, including residents, businesses, the public sector, and NGOs. In partnership with The City of Helsinki's Department of Social Services and Health Care and Aalto University, as part of the Innovative City Partnership Programme.  The City Hall of Helsinki, main auditorium, Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13, 9 am to 12 pm. Free entry to the aforementioned groups. For registration, contact Project Manager Ira Verma, ira.verma@aalto.fi, tel. +358 (0)50 369 3226

8th to 12th September. Aalto University: Creative Sustainability Open Doors

A showcase of the multidisciplinary work of students on Aalto University's International Master's  Degree Programme in Creative Sustainability. The assorted exhibits are related to the courses, projects, theses, and current works of the students and alumni in the areas of architecture, design, business, and real estate. Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Mediakeskus Lume (Sampo Auditorium), 10 am to  2 pm, Hämeentie 135 C. Free entry.

10th to 11th September. MODE UNCUT Matrix

A two-day creative workshop inviting everyone to take part in conceptualizing, designing, and making an experimental ‘open design’ fashion collection. The event is facilitated by Alastair Fuad-Luke and Anja-Lisa Hirscher, the founders of Mode Uncut, the Open Fashion Design Network. Media Factory, Aalto ARTS, Hämeentie 135A. Free entry

10th to 11th September. CounterCulture

The Habitare design fair showcases examples of furniture and food preparation design and other interior design solutions in the new ‘ahead!’ area (section 7p36). The winner of the design competition organised by the Conference Centre and Aalto ARTS will be announced on 10th September 2014. This year's theme is ‘May Day’, with entries sought for equipment and structures needed for summer day trips or picnics.

11th September. Design and Business

The Finnish Association of Designers Ornamo has conducted the first ever survey of the Finnish design sector. The findings will be announced and discussed in this event. Attendees include:   Anna Valtonen, Dean of Aalto ARTS; Piritta Winqvist, Design Director, LINK design and development, Joel Roos, Managing Director, One Nordic Furniture Company, Ville Tikka, Strategy Director & Partner, Wevolve; Kari Korkman, Helsinki Design Week founder and managing director. The discussion will be chaired by Anssi Miettinen, chief features editor at the Helsinki Times. Kellohalli, the Abattoir, Työpajankatu 2, 3-4.30 pm. Register at https://my.surveypal.com/MUOTOILUALA%20JA%20TALOUS

12th September. Open Studios

The League of Heroes opens its doors during the Open Studios event: take part in workshops on Friday 12th September, 10 am to 6 pm, Haukilahdenkatu 2B. What does a working designer look like? What does a clothes designer do before a collection arrives in the shops?  League of Heroes is a design- and production house founded by seven production and costume designers, where designers meet in a collective workspace. The collective provides everything you'd expect in a film's art department – from storyboarding and concept arts to costume design and specialist requisitions. The League of Heroes attempts to utilise the strengths of different areas of design work, creating a space for co-working and networking, as well as new ways of working.

Also coming later this autumn:

5th September to 17th October. Chemarts 2014: Lost in the Woods

Exhibition of Chemarts 2014 project works, 5th to 23rd September. Aalto University's School of Art, Design and Architecture, Hämeentie 135 C, (6th floor lobby, Clothing Design), Helsinki and 25th September to 17th October School of Chemical Technology, Otaniemi, Espoo, Tekniikantie 3 (Building PUU2,  2nd floor learning hub). Opening 5th September, 4.30 pm. Free entry.

CHEMARTS is a collaborative project carried out by students from Aalto University's schools of Chemical Technology and Art, Design and Architecture. The project developed new ways of using cellulose. The exhibition showcases the results of the projects, with many conceptual prototypes for clothing and outfits made from cellulose-based materials.

The Aalto Act of the Year Award 2014 went to Professors Pirjo Kääriäinen from the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and Tapani Vuorinen from the School of Chemical Technology in recognition of their interdisciplinary work in creating the CHEMARTS project. The aim of the Aalto Act of the Year Award is to recognise a significant initiative or action in the Aalto University community.

18th September. Visualising Knowledge

A seminar on visually presenting knowledge in a generally understandable way. Held at Aalto University's School of Business. The event is organized by Informaatiomuotoilu.fi In partnership with with Aalto Media Factory, Grafia, the association of visual communication designers in Finland, and the journalism programme at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. http://tietonakyvaksi.fi/

The show was launched from her seat of honour by Satu Maaranen, who won the main prize at the Hyères Fashion Festival last year with her master's collection. After this, the current students got their turn, and entering the catwalk were collection after collection of colourful and skilfully executed creations. Several interesting collections of men's clothing were seen this year.

International press, talent scouts, and other figures from the worlds of Finnish and international fashion had arrived for the show. With its professional execution, the show offered its audience a dose of daring, colour and inventiveness.

Prizes won by new promising names

The Näytös14 prize was presented by Minna Kemell-Kutvonen from Marimekko. The prize was worth EUR 1000, and it was given to Ilona Hackenberg.Her collection was considered to be very strong and consistent. In her collection, Hackenberg had made dazzling use of colours and toyed with fruit patterns.

The Diesel Award was won by the design group of Ines Kalliala, Julia Montin and Marianne El-Khoury. The award was worth EUR 1500. Selecting the winner was Nicola Formichetti, creative director at Diesel.

‘The Diesel Award has been handed out nearly ten times. It is a pleasure to be presenting this award, which has become something of a tradition,’ said Diesel representative Alban Adam.

The jury for the Aalto Award comprised international guests. Selecting the winner were the guests of honour at the For Fashion's Sake seminar, Daniel Thawley, editor in chief of the Belgian fashion magazine A Magazine Curated by, Lou Stoppard, writer for Nick Knight's SHOWstudio, British hat maker Stephen Jones, French sound designer Michel Gaubert and American sound designer Ryan Aguilar, German fashion designer Lutz Huelle, and Frances Corner, Dean of the London College of Fashion.

Stephen Jones presented the award with a satisfied smile on his face. The winners were Heini-Maria Hynynen and Elina Äärelä.

‘We all had reason to be very proud of what we saw here. The collection designed by the two designers is a pleasure to look at. It contains the right amount of old and new,’ explained Jones, speaking on behalf of the jury.

The spring show, Näytös14, and the For Fashion's Sake seminar were part of the Pre Helsinki event - a week of happenings in Finnish fashion.

The show's production was the work of a production team of master's students, headed by the producer, visiting teacher Susse Roos. The exhibition collections are on display and available for loan at the PR office Toveri Hki from 20 May to 12 July 2014.

Photo: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University Communications

Further information:

Tuomas Laitinen, lecturer,
Fashion and Clothing Design
tuomas.p.laitinen@aalto.fi, (+358 9) 470 30357

It is with this thought that Aalto University students of furniture design have worked with domestic pine to manufacture solid wood seats as part of the EcoDesign exhibition of the Milan Furniture Fair to be held on 8-13 April.

Wood furniture speaks of ecological considerations both with respect to the choice of materials and the design of the structure. Wood is renewable, organic and biodegradable. As a material local pine is beautiful, light and durable, and allows for an aesthetic outcome.

The exhibition, which is being set up in Milan, showcases furniture of high artistic quality. Its designers include Kaija Aalto, Anne Kärki, Laura Huhtakangas, Katja Rouvinen, Jan Feictinger, Minni Sirelä, Erin Turkoglu and Veera Sievänen.

Exhibition architecture by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

The planning of the Finnish EcoDesign exhibition at the Milan Triennale is the responsibility of Aalto University Professor Jouko Järvisalo, Lecturer Martin Relander and Assistant Noora Liesimaa together with five MA students of furniture design.

– It is an honour for us to have been invited to design the exhibition architecture for EcoDesign as La Triennale di Milano is the place where Finnish design first made its breakthrough in the 1950s, says Professor Järvisalo.

Showcased in the exhibition area will be the best of the EcoDesign products exhibited at Helsinki's Habitare Fair over the past five years as well as  products made out of the thermoformable wood material UPM Grada.

– La Triennale is a great place to show what Finnish design and design training are today, Järvisalo continues.

The Furniture Repertory publication will be available at the Triennale on 8 - 13 April.  The book is a profusely illustrated work of nearly 200 pages, telling the story of furniture design at Aalto University and its best results from the past ten years. The writers of the book are Martin Relander and Noora Liesimaa.

Further information:
Professor Jouko Järvisalo, jouko.jarvisalo@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 40 84 345
Lecturer Martin Relander, martin.relander@aalto.fi, tel. +358 40 59 24 992

‘For example, Super Yellow – a well-known enterprise – has come into being this way. Also, many of the former students who have undertaken this course are now experts in companies such as Stockmann, Sokos, Anttila and Vallila,’ Dean Helena Hyvönen sums up.

‘I had already done pattern design for firms before I started at the former School of Art and Design (TAIK), but the skills I’ve obtained from the courses have served as support over the years,’ relates Liina Blom, a designer working with INTO C::D::C. Already during her studies, Liina set up a trade name, and subsequently her business activity has expanded to many countries.

The importance of print design is also great amongst consumers. Through print designs, the atmosphere of the season as well as how the period is interpreted are best brought into being. Historical changes are visible in the patterns.

‘The mark designers leave has unbelievable power,’ Päivi Grönqvist, Project Sales Manager for Eurokangas, exclaims.

‘The patterns of designers are anticipated in the same way as an author’s new book or a new film featuring a popular actor. The recognition of designers has grown considerably,’ Päivi Grönqvist adds.

Changing requirements and fashion require continuous development from textiles and fibres as well as new features. New ideas are still sought from international fairs, but over the years their role has changed. The products of businesses are currently more easily viewed on the Internet – seeing the products themselves is no longer the most important thing at the fairs but rather who are behind the products concerned.

‘Fairs used to be the window to the world outside. Now their social significance has grown. The students who were with Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen in the project she led in 2008 left for the first time outside Europe in 2012, with New York as the destination,’ Helena Hyvönen reminisces.

Where did it all begin?

‘The commercial design collection project which later developed into Pattern Lab got its start from our passion for patterns. We are all united by the idea that pattern design is one art form which should be brought to the fore, and we all wanted to look truth straight in the eye – in other words, get livelihoods for people,’ recalls textile artist/teacher Kaarina Kellomäki of the 1990s.

‘I wanted to embark on taking the course forward with Kaarina, and with the professorship in textile art, this became possible. We had a mutual target in mind: new jobs as well as better, strong quality and expertise,’ Helena Hyvönen emphasizes.

Professor Maarit Salolainen has already been involved in Pattern Lab at the time when it did not exist in its present form. Professor Salolainen functioned actively in the course project and moulded its conceptualization.

‘I regarded the idea of branding the course as important, because we already had interested clientele always waiting for the next year’s patterns. The Pattern Lab name was conceived with the course participants at the time, and is quite brilliant. The research-based character of the course, its university background and what we’re doing all come to the fore very clearly in this name,’ Professor Salolainen explains.

‘The strength of the current Pattern Lap group comes from the fact that our backgrounds vary and we’re from various countries and degree programmes. These different kinds of backgrounds and orientation alternatives are taking Pattern Lab into the future to more successfully take on a changing world as well as the challenges of business operations,’ declares textile art student Oldouz Moslemian.

Concentrating on Aalto University’s efforts in pattern design, Pattern Lab celebrated its 15^th anniversary on Monday, 17 March. The afternoon occasion arranged at the Arabia campus collected together course participants, teachers and partners from years past.

Each Pattern Lab project is about one year in length. Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen is currently in charge of the project.

Cities are for citizens. On this principle, Design Driven City has launched concrete activities to help cities utilize design in the development of public services. The project has hired three city designers to work hand in hand with city staff. The utilization of design by cities is detailed on the project’s Web site  http://www.toimivakaupunki.fi/en

Design Driven City is a project that continues the work of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012. Helsinki was World Design Capital 2012 together with four neighbouring cities, so designated by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) for its vision in the use of design for social, cultural and economic improvement. Design Driven City, to be implemented over 2014-2015, is managed by the World Design Capital Helsinki’s administrative body International Design Foundation.

“Helsinki’s World Design Capital year inspired the participating cities to reflect on the possibilities of design. Design Driven City strives to help the cities and their elected representatives to utilize design. We will not, however, launch new undertakings but work on ongoing programmes,” says Marco Steinberg, the International Design Foundation board member who oversees Design Driven City.

“The methods how public services are developed will inevitably be changing,” Steinberg continues. “Design provides the processes to develop public services and urban environments with the exact tools required to foresee the future. At their best, design methods help us to envision things that do not exist yet.”

City designers are design professionals

Design Driven City has hired Sara Ikävalko, Mikko Kutvonen and Pablo Riquelme as city designers to provide design expertise for development projects in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Lahti. The city designers will introduce design thinking to the projects. They will identify areas where design could be used and educate the city staff in the procurement of design services.

The city designers join projects of the participating cities, and their work will be used to create best practices for national and international use. The city designers will work with such city projects in which they can develop solutions to benefit other cities as well. For example, cities can improve their understanding of resident needs and ways to engage residents. Design will be used in the projects to bring savings. Design will be used to develop smarter ways to produce public services, and it will be used to rationalize spending to best meet user needs.

In addition to long-term programmes, cities also need to do swift experiments, and they need new ways to test and evaluate activities. The city designers will help city organizations to strengthen the culture of experimentation, and they will assist the design sector to understand how the organizations work. 

Work launched with four assignments that reflect the right attitude and action

Design Driven City will work with 10–15 projects over the next two years.

The city designers will start their work with four assignments: they will improve street work sites, create new concepts for youth housing, help develop a festival park where citizens and culture meet, and work towards a networked city.  Among other tasks, the city designers will complement the projects with user-oriented approaches, help to harmonize space and services, and integrate diverse city services.

In addition to serving larger projects, Design Driven City assists cities in various design-related questions. As part of the work, the City of Lahti and the Institute of Design and Fine Arts at the Lahti University of Applied Sciences offers a special city design programme for municipal employees and designers who work in public sector projects.

Experiences in the use of design in cities will be shared on the Design Driven City Web sitehttp://www.toimivakaupunki.fi/en The site will record the progress of the assignments step by step and present the cities’ and city designers’ achievements. The overall goal is to encourage the public sector to experiment boldly with the possibilities offered by design.

“The utilization of design could be summarized in two words: attitude and action. The right attitude to have the courage to enter into new situations and to test new approaches without knowing where they may lead. Action that results in learning, accepting that experimentation is part of the work,” Steinberg concludes.

More information:

-       Laura Aalto, Communications Director, Design Driven City, +358 40 507 9660

-       City designers, see Design Driven City Web site

-       Assignments, see Design Driven City Web site

-       City design programme, Institute of Design and Fine Arts, Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Sami Makkula, +358 44 708 0102

The students will market their collection to international companies at the Première Vision exhibition in Paris on 18 to 20 February.

This year, Pattern Lab celebrates its 15^th anniversary with a high-quality collection rich in ideas. The sales of the collection were launched successfully in Finland and in Sweden in October, and the group of designers now wish to present their delicious collection at a fashion exhibition. This year, Aalto patterns will delight the crowds at Première Vision after a one-year gap. Last year, Pattern Lab was seen in New York at the Printsource exhibition.

’We hope that through this exhibition, the patterns in our collection will find their way to how people dress and will be also seen out in the streets in the years to come. Our collection has been excitedly received in Finland and in Sweden, and the feedback has been positive: in particular, our customers have appreciated the diversity of the collection as well as its sense of rhythm and colour palette,' states coordinator Tiina Paavilainen.

’We are greatly looking forward to the reactions of the international audience. Première Vision provides us with the opportunity to meet new cooperation partners also from other parts of the world,’ Tiina Paavilainen continues.

Pattern Lab is an annual study project organised by the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, during which master’s degree students design a collection of patters and surface models for the international market. The patterns and surface models in the collection are suited for a number of different uses, including interior textiles, fabrics for clothing and other surface materials.

This year, the collection is based on three themes that reflect the diversity and richness of life from different perspectives and starting points. Personal style and future trends are displayed in the work of the young designers.

The Decopop theme combines traditional, decorative patterns to elements from pop culture. The Flow theme represents strength of spirit and freedom of self-expression. The minimalism and the light and airy feel of the collection leave room for contrasts between colours and forms that provide rhythm and pulse. The Wonder theme leads us to a journey of exploration into the world of wonder that surrounds us. The topics in the collection range from the microscopic level of cells to the infinity of space and from the world of science and technology to the whirlpools of our endless imagination.

Further information and images of the collection:

www.patternlab.fi 
www.facebook.com/PatternLab14   

Print-quality images:
Tiina Paavilainen, Coordinator
info@patternlab.fi  

Contact persons:

Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen
pirjo.kaariainen@aalto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 381 0217

Professor Maarit Salolainen
maarit.salolainen@aalto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 442 8381

The recognition, granted each year by two organisations in the field of design, Orgamo and Grafia, draws attention to the value of design as a competitive factor and its significance in society.

‘I am especially pleased with the prize because it is a recognition granted by colleagues. It is wonderful that work connected with design management and planning and management of collections is brought forward alongside product planning", Salolainen said, commenting on her award.

Salolainen works as the artistic director and collection  planner of the Indian interior design and textile company F&F. In addition, she holds a professor's post at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture's Department of Design. Salolainen graduated as Master of Arts at the former University of Industrial Arts in 1992 with textile art as her main subject.

Materials and techniques must be constantly developed

In her research and teaching work Maarit Salolainen concentrates especially on the materials and structures of textiles – the so-called 3D surface design.

‘Pieces of cloth are three-dimensional structures which can be created in countless different ways. The nature of cloth is affected by its pattern as well as the structure, which is created by the threads, densities and various types of weaves. There are endless possibilities in materials, colours, patterns and techniques,’ Salolainen explains.

Changes in fashion and the need for functional materials require that textiles and fibres undergo constant development and attain new characteristics, such as resistance to chemicals.

‘Research has an important role in the in the development of materials, techniques and the entire field. A topical area of research involves various types of e-textiles and smart clothing.’

Innovative solutions with many different types of work

Salolainen has worked as an artistic director, designer and consultant in several textile and design companies, both internationally and nationally. She is able to use her solid experience in commercial and industrial textile design in her teaching work.

‘For the most part, designing collections is cooperation between brands, textile factories and the designer. The designer needs to have an understanding of fashion, commerce, internationalism and sustainable development – the textile industry is one of the world's biggest industries,’ Salolainen says.

Textile know-how and studies in the field are increasingly of interest to representatives of other sectors as well.  The many possibilities offered by these materials are an inspiration to fashion designers, industrial designers, architects and engineers.

‘Aalto's mobility and versatility support the textile field in particular. In recent years, the most interesting results have emerged specifically in projects related to fashion with an emphasis on materials, and in which architecture and industrial design have been combined with textile structures,’ Salolainen says.

Aalto University will present its project on wellbeing design titled ‘365 Wellbeing’ in Shanghai. The exhibition ‘365 Wellbeing - Design Cares’ will feature wellbeing design solutions developed by students, researchers and experts at Aalto University during Helsinki’s year as the World Design Capital for such sectors as health care, care of the elderly and psychiatric treatment.

‘Shanghai, a city of the creative economy and an area emerging strongly in the field of design and fashion, is of great interest to us. It is vital for Aalto University to be part of this development’, says Pirjo Hirvonen, Head of the Department of Design at Aalto University.

The event comprises an exhibition and a series of seminars in which the countries will showcase their design and innovations. The joint Nordic exhibition will highlight design not only as products but also as a process. The exhibition is coordinated by the Department of Design at Aalto University. The seminars and workshops will discuss perspectives related to such topics as design, architecture and fashion, and top experts from Nordic countries will feature as speakers.

The event will be jointly organised by the Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish Consulates and Aalto University, Beckmans School of Design (Sweden), The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (Norway) and Kolding Design School (Denmark). The targeted audience of the event are Chinese design sector professionals, students and teachers, as well as decision-makers and the media.

Nordic Design and Innovation Week 1–10 November 2013, Shanghai.

The exhibition titled ‘Design is a process, not just a product’ will be open on 1–10 November at the address Bridge 8, Phase 2, 436 Jumen Rd, near Quxi Rd, Hunagpu District.

Additional information: Krista Kinnunen, Aalto University, krista.kinnunen@aalto.fi, +358 50 341 2256

Pattern Lab is an annual study project organised by Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture. During the project, master's degree students of different fields join forces to create a collection of designs and print patterns for the international market. The designs and print patterns of the collection are suitable for many different applications, such as furnishing fabrics, clothing fabrics and other surface materials,

‘We hope that the patterns in our collection can be seen as part of people's everyday lives in the form of fashion, interior design and other utility items in the coming years. As designers, we expect to find valuable contacts and new partners both in Finland and abroad.’

This year’s collection has three themes, which manifest the variety and richness of life from different points of view and starting points. The works of the young designers show a personal style and future trends.

The Decopop theme unites the traditional, decorative world of patterns with elements of pop culture. The Flow theme represents spiritual power and freedom of self-expression. The minimalism and spaciousness of the collection give room for contrasts in colours and shapes, adding rhythm and beat to the atmosphere. The Wonder theme takes us on an expedition into the surprising and fascinating world that surrounds us. The topics in the collection range from the microscopic cellular level to boundless space, and from the world of science and technology to the vortices of our imagination.

Further information and pictures:

www.patternlab.fi

www.facebook.com/PatternLab14

Tiina Paavilainen, Coordinator, info@patternlab.fi

Pirjo Kääriäinen, Professor, pirjo.kaariainen@aalto.fi

Maarit Salolainen, Professor, maarit.salolainen@aalto.fi

Participants include students Hanna Anonen and Tero Kuitunen with their work Muukalainen and Kristos Mavrostomos and Anna van der Lei with their work pUu.

The gallery, which is run by Issey Miyake, who is known for his fashion clothing that makes use of technology, and two other designers, has established a legendary reputation. The designers of 21_21 Design Sight are known for their open-mindedness in the field of design.

‘This could be compared with having the works of our students exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. I believe that the works of our students were included because they emanate firmness, tranquillity and a good relationship with nature. We have one foot in the forest and another in the global world, which can be seen from our ability to create quality that stands the test of time,’ says Timo Salli, Professor of Applied Art and Design.

The Color Hunting exhibition comprises design with colour as its starting point, as well as completely new points of view into colours and nature. Taking centre stage in the exhibition are trees that surround people in the city. Their importance is often overlooked in everyday life. Students have been given the task of studying one of the trees in their home town, examining its background, history and special qualities. The task has been to produce content for the works, which would attract international interest toward the tree in question and encourage visitors to come closer to the tree.

The idea of the exhibition is that the selected trees should bring out the versatility of the world and the characteristics and identities of each country. The curator of the exhibition is Dai Fujiwara.

In addition to the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, the following seven schools have been selected for the exhibition: Tohoku University of Art and Design, HAL Tokyo College of Technology & Design, Hong Kong Design Institute, Parsons The New School for Design, Shih Chien University College of Design, Sydney University of Technology and the Royal College of Art.

Color-Hunting –exhibition: 21 June –6 October 2013 at the 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery, Tokyo, Japan.

The winning collection by a recent Aalto graduate, Satu Maaranen, M.A. (Art and Design), who won the Grand Prix at the French Hyères Fashion Festival in April, was included in the show. Näytös13 also presented a new men’s collection by last year’s Hyères winners Elina Laitinen, Tiia Sirén and Siiri Raasakka that will also be displayed at the Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

The Pre Helsinki event took place on the second to last week of May. Näytös13 and the Creative Currency seminar held on 23 May were part of the new week of fashion events organised in Finland.

Promising young designers acknowledged

The Näytös13 joint award was presented by Minna Kemell-Kutvonen from Marimekko and Mia Dillemuth from Gloria. The award,worth EUR 1 200, went to Anna-Mari Leppisaari. Her collection was deemed an excellent concept.

The Diesel Award, worth EUR 1 500 was granted to Sophie Sälekari.

'It has been a pleasure and an honour for me to have had the opportunity to present the Diesel Award for several times already. This year, the award is given to a designer with a collection that is daring and ironic and also represents the essence of Diesel,' commented Diesel’s representative Heikki Salonen.

For the first time, the jury for the shared Aalto Award consisted of international guests. The award was presented by Curator Karen van Godtsenhoven from the Momu Fashion Museum and Editor Daniel Thawley of the fashion magazine A Magazine Curated By.

'The award belongs to Sophie Sälekari. Her use of materials in the collection is admirable, and her work is brimming with elegance,' van Godtsenhoven and Thawley explained the jury’s decision.

Further information:

Tuomas Laitinen, Lecturer
Fashion and Clothing Design
tuomas.p.laitinen@aalto.fi, +358 (0)9 470 30357

’It’s wonderful to be able to do things in a way that allows us to utilise the experts at our school. This operating method is similar to the joint design that we consider so important, and it also illustrates the unique culture that we want to nurture at our school,’ emphasises Dean Helena Hyvönen.

Another target involves using the winning entry’s concept when presenting artistic activities outside the scope of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website, for example, on the Aalto University website and on the Aalto ARTS department websites.

User feedback to support development

The tools for developing websites at Aalto University include usability tests and feedback from users. The website renewal is particularly aimed at improving website usability and updating the identity. Feedback from users has indicated a desire for more visual material.

’We’re looking for a concept that can make the visual competence at ARTS visible. In order to ensure that the visual material on the website is up to date, we need a functional visual content production solution,’ explains Communications Manager Eveliina Olsson, who serves as competition secretary.

Website renewal also extends to department websites

The Aalto University websites (aalto.fi and websites of the schools) are aimed at external stakeholders. The website renewal extends to department websites, too, and the departments of Aalto ARTS have also been asked for requests concerning development of the department websites. Their feedback on the existing websites will be taken into consideration when selecting the winning entry.

Entries in the Aalto ARTS website competition will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Communications Director Hanna Maula (Chair), Professors Pirjo Hirvonen, Marjatta Itkonen and Teemu Leinonen, student members Veera Konsti (TOKYO) and Jere Pääkkönen (Arkkitehtikilta), Concept Designer Teriina Lindblom (alumni), Communications Manager Anne Tapanainen (ARTS) and Head of Aalto Media Eveliina Olsson (Competition Secretary).

The jury will begin its work in September, with announcement of the competition winner(s) being set for October. Practical implementation will begin after that.

For more information about the website competition.

**

The Aalto University website is undergoing a renewal during 2013. This applies to the main Aalto University website and to the school websites. The Aalto University website is aimed at external stakeholders. The largest individual user group is potential students, while other important stakeholders include the academic community, alumni and the so-called general public that is interested in science, research and artistic activities. The Aalto University website has approximately 570 000 hits each month, while the ARTS website receives about 35 000.

**

This time the theme of the annual event is Dreams Made Real. The thematic concept of the exhibition is the work of designer and Aalto University alumnus Arni Aromaa. 

In their works, the students at Aalto University ponder the rapidly-changing world. They put forward interesting angles and open-minded visions for solutions to global problems. The works reflect hope and enthusiasm on the threshold of new possibilities.

Masters of Aalto is being held in the Kruununmakasiini building at the corner of Hämeentie and Lautatarhankatu in Helsinki. The 121-year-old building, owned by the City of Helsinki, has served as a state granary and warehouse, and is now opening to the public for the first time.

In addition to the exhibition, Aalto University invites the public to take part in seminars and events. Information on other events can be found at the website of moa.aalto.fi.

16 May:  The seminar Me and We examines the role of creativity: how the creative process changes with the speed of change in the world. Is there room for creativity, and how should creativity be supported? People pondering the subject include Senior Design Specialist Paula Bello of KONE Corporation and CEO Kigge Hvid of the Danish organisation Index: Design to Improve Life.

14 May: Topics of the international seminar Co-creating sustainable opportunities for all include urbanisation, changing business models, social entrepreneurship and the building of a sustainable future.

21 May: The seminar Designing well-being – developing public services examines topics such as the role of design in the equation involving growing needs and diminishing resources.  Good design is based on a realistic view of reality, and on what kinds of impacts new solutions might have. The seminar is in Finnish.

18–19 May: The ARTS Exposed sales event showcases a collection of new works by alumni of the Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, as well as the school's own classics. On sale are more unique works and small-series production than ever before. Examples of the collection include fashion illustrations by the young Johanna Härkönen as well as the established Minni Havas (Minni F. Ronya). There are unique works and small-series production from Veera Kujala (Raivio & Kulju) and from the young Matias Liimatainen, who is finishing his studies in ceramics and glass design. Also taking part in the event are furniture designers, such as Mikko Paakkanen, POIAT and StudioHH from Lahti. Visual artist Jenni Rope brings her paintings, as well as comic strips and art books of her own publishing house to ARTS Exposed. During the event, there will also be a sales point for the products of designers and a café run by students.

The main partner of the Masters of Aalto event is the City of Helsinki. Other partners: Antalis, DMP, Elisa, Experq, Hjelt Foundation, Martela, RGB, Teurastamo, Teknos, Unigrafia, Viinitie

The Masters of Aalto event 8–26 May, 2013, Kruununmakasiini, Hämeentie 39, Helsinki. The exhibition is open on weekdays 12–20, and on weekends 12–18. Admission is free.

Further information:

Map, logos and image bank (for theses works and exhibition architecture) http://moa.aalto.fi/2013/en/contact/

website: moa.aalto.fi

Producer Katri Winqvist
katri.winqvist@aalto.fi
Tel. +358 50 591 4314

The list of accepted students can be found from Admission results section: aalto.fi/en/studies/admission_results/

Results in the field of Art and Design

Please note, that the list contains only the names of those applicants who have given the permission to publish their admission decision on the website.

The applicants can also check their own admission results in the online application system at apply.aalto.fi.

A formal letter of acceptance will be sent to the admitted students by mail.

More information:
Aalto University Admission Services
admissions@aalto.fi

More information (aalto.fi)

Dreams and visions become reality as the newly graduates from Aalto University present their thesis projects at the Masters of Aalto 2013 year show.  The exhibition is held in Sörnäinen, Helsinki from 8 to 26 May.

Masters of Aalto offers the visitor a lively presentation of studies at Aalto University and introduces the societal role the university has. Masters of Aalto showcases the works of 80 graduates from the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, the School of Business and the schools of technology.

Read more

Follow the progress of Masters of Aalto at moa.aalto.fi.

The exhibition contains a representative selection of student work in furniture design, ceramics and glass art, industrial design, textile art, fashion and clothing design. A total of 26 students with different levels of training showcase their work in Milan, some of which have already gained attention at international design events.

-The works selected for the exhibition are the best of our degree programmes. They reflect the philosophy of our teaching, which combines an original artistically strong vision with insightful technical implementation, says Professor Jouko Järvisalo from Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

-We are going to Milan with an eye catching, versatile collection which we believe will stand out favourably from the crowd. Our education in design is of a very high standard internationally and domestically. Our graduates are amongst the best designers in the world with strong practical design skills, says the Head of the Department of Design Pirjo Hirvonen.

The exhibition is being curated by Professor Jouko Järvisalo and Lecturer Martin Relander.

Aalto University's Norther exhibition runs from 9 till 14 April at Via Privata Oslavia 7 in the Ventura Lambrate area. The nearest metro stop is Ventura Lambrate.

Further information:

Krista Kinnunen
Aalto University
krista.kinnunen@aalto.fi
+358 50 341 2256 

arts.aalto.fi/milan2013  

List of students:

Mirella Abe

Hanna Anonen

Natalia Baczynska Kimberley

Aiwei Foo

Laura Juslin

Saija Hiltunen

Vesa Kattelus

Pekka Kuivamäki

Nina Kosonen

Miyu Kuno

Mikko Lehtola

Noora Liesimaa

Matias Liimatainen

Kristos Mavrostomos

Matti Mikkilä

Yu Nan

Khanittha Nualtaranee

Ai Ono

Vilma Pellinen

Goeun Shin

Tiina Taskinen

Laura Timosaari

Maria Tuovinen

Anna Vander Lei

Man Yau