Aalto University
PROJECTS 2023
BioMAT Matters
TOP 8 FINALIST TEAM
Natasa Hódosi, Lorenz Koch, Kristian Koleno, Giorgia Morandi
The team proposes the development of a biodegradable foam mattress that can be used during climate emergencies. The mattress can be made using local materials, and serves as an alternative to mattresses made from synthetic materials that generally end up in landfills after a short time.
Next Egg
Jarubhorn Brahmaphalin, Rebekka Kanerva, Elena Seip, Anni SuokKo
Next Egg is a vegan scrambled egg substitute in the form of a water-dispersible tablet. Made from microcrystalline cellulose, chickpea flour, potato starch, and soy lecithin, Next Egg offers a more sustainable alternative to eggs with lower carbon emissions and without antibiotic residual.
Typhantastic
Lukas Schuck, Harvey Shaw, Tilda Ostberg Alagarda, Ada Luukkanen
Typhantastic uses Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) commonly found on the Aalto campus to develop an alternative to styrofoam or blue craft foam in architectural model building. The team created a biomaterial composite with shredded Typha leaves and stems combined with microfibrillated cellulose.
instructors 2023
Pirjo Kääriäinen is Associate Professor of Design and Materialities at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design, and Architecture in Finland. Together with professor Tapani Vuorinen she has facilitated the interdisciplinary CHEMARTS collaboration between the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (ARTS) and the School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) since 2011. CHEMARTS aims to inspire students and researchers to explore design-driven approaches in materials research and to create future-oriented concepts, applications, and business seeds for a more sustainable world of materials.
Tapani Vuorinen is Professor of Forest Products Chemistry at Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering, Finland. He has co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers on the structure and chemistry of plant biomass and its conversion into chemical and material products. His current research focuses on the chemistry, nanostructure, and reactivity of the plant cell wall. Tapani has promoted collaboration between academic disciplines, external stakeholders, and the public through co-organizing interdisciplinary CHEMARTS courses, in-person boot camps, and other partnerships within industrial companies and secondary schools.
Janika Lehtonen is currently working as a university teacher in the CHEMARTS program at Aalto University. She holds a DSc Tech degree in bioproduct technology from Aalto University. She is interested in the new opportunities provided by sustainable bio-based materials and multidisciplinary collaboration in the fields of science, art, and design. Her research studies the biofabrication of nanocellulosic 3D structures and the utilization of cellulose nanomaterials for water purification.
Anna van der Lei is a lecturer in contemporary design at Aalto University. In 2008 she graduated with honor from the Design Academy Eindhoven, after which she worked for a major design brand in London before starting her own design practice and becoming a lecturer. As a designer, Anna’s work varies from analog material studies to explorations in the technological world. Her teaching reflects the contemporary and experimental approach she has towards design.