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The recently opened Marsio building on Otaniemi campus staged the Annual Review, a community event which gathers roughly 100 Aalto ARTS faculty and staff members together to meet up and hear about the departmental highlights of the previous year. 

Dean Tuomas Auvinen opened the event by offering his heartfelt thank you to faculty, staff and students for outstanding work:

“Recently, the Scientific and Artistic Advisory Board (SAAB) visited Aalto University campus and reviewed Aalto ARTS activities. The group was deeply impressed by everything they read, heard, and observed. In their view, our School maintains an exceptionally high standard and we are sturdily placed among the global elite in terms of facilities, organizational structure and — above all — people. While there is always room for improvement, many of our current practices are outstanding. Thank you to all!”

The Aalto ARTS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion task force and the new Caring and enjoyment group presented themselves in the programme. These groups will shortly reach out to all faculty and staff with a survey.

During the event, results and highlights of the School’s four departments were presented, and recognition was given to several members of the Aalto ARTS community.

Aalto ARTS Annual Awards 2024

Research Award

Masood Masoodian, Professor, Visual Communication Design

For decades professor Masood Masoodian has investigated the interaction between health, age, and visual design practices. His work has become increasingly influential, shaping how designers perceive age and address the needs of an older population. His research delves into understanding the design process and bridges multiple domains. He has received significant funding for several notable ongoing projects, and his research is published in top journals and conferences.

A member of his research team describes how Masood’s ”ascetic way of expressing opinions radiates an otherworldly sensitivity and openness, welcoming other, different versions of the same reality.” This same generosity also drives him as the Head of Research at the Department of Art and Media, where he fosters research activities and readily shares his experience for the benefit of his colleagues. 

Dissertation Award 

Solip Park

Solip’s dissertation, “Understanding Game Work Migration: Game Expats in Finland,” is an exemplary piece of multidisciplinary research. It blends scientific rigor with artistic innovation, as Solip draws on her background as an illustrator and comics artist. Her unique and impactful methodology, which involves documenting longitudinal interview research through a webcomic, enhances participant retention, recruitment, and solicits community feedback. The dissertation includes six peer-reviewed publications exploring game work migration such as hiring practices and cultural fit, and, in addition, the novel methodology itself. A key contribution is the concept of "imagined globality," providing a pathway for future research. Solip demonstrated exceptional proactivity and resilience, writing two papers entirely by herself, a rare accomplishment in competitive academic publishing. Solip’s productivity is impressive especially given that she never had proper funding for her research. Solip is a stellar young academic and a true fighter and we look forward to her future contributions with pride and curiosity. 

Dissertation Award

Pasi Toiviainen

Pasi Toiviainen’s doctoral thesis ‘GENIUS OR CHARLATANRY? A psychobiographical reinterpretation of the life and works of Buckminster Fuller’ is an outstanding and internationally significant scholarly work.

It tackles the life and work of Buckminster Fuller, who has been canonized as the protagonist and pioneer of ecological thinking, from a completely new perspective. Toiviainen’s thesis shows that a major part of Fuller’s achievements were based on plagiarism and fabrication. Toiviainen uses psychobiographical theories in a creative and original manner, supported by very extensive sources and meticulous attention to detail.

Toiviainen has also forensically examined Fuller’s own writings, newspapers and magazines, and an extremely rich and extensive research literature.

This well-written thesis is likely to attract considerable attention as it challenges the accuracy of existing perceptions of the achievements, reputation, and high-level status that Fuller has enjoyed for more than 70 years. The findings are exceptionally significant for the research field and will present a new and original addition to Fuller scholarship, and more generally the historiography of ecological thinking of the 20th century.

Teaching Award

Tommy Lindgren, Lecturer, Urban Design

Tommy Lindgren is an exceptionally dedicated and inspiring educator who brings both enthusiasm and deep expertise to his teaching. His positive and curious mindset fosters an engaging and supportive learning environment, encouraging students to think critically and creatively. Beyond the classroom, Tommy is always open to discussing and exploring ways to develop and enhance teaching methods. He actively collaborates with colleagues to refine pedagogical approaches and structures. In addition to his teaching contributions, Tommy plays a significant societal role as a frequent speaker in the media, where he discusses pressing issues in urban design. His ability to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges demonstrates his commitment to shaping not only his students' understanding but also the broader public discourse on urban development.

Artistic Activity Award: Media Lab 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Matti Niinimäki, Oliver Kalleinen

Matti Niinimäki and Oliver Kalleinen are awarded for their outstanding artistic and curatorial work on the Media Lab 30th Anniversary Exhibition, a masterful celebration of digital creativity and innovation. They have skillfully woven together three decades of pioneering media art, design, and technology through extensive media archaeology into an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Niinimäki’s contribution shines in the Media Lab Timeline, an interactive piece tracing the lab’s evolution, while Kalleinen brought the exhibition to a fitting close with a panel discussion on its future. Launched at the Aalto Media Lab Winter Demo Day 2024, the exhibition showcased a diverse array of projects across animation, VR, gaming, and interactive design, reflecting a steadfast commitment to art, technology, and human-centred innovation.

Success Enabler

Essi Viitanen, Senior Advisor

Essi Viitanen is senior advisor in Aalto research services working in the Open Science and ACRIS team, mainly on ARTS related tasks. Essi is an exemplary professional whose dedication, expertise, and warm personality make her invaluable to the academic community. She provides unwavering support to the school's academic staff and ensures the accuracy and quality of research metrics with remarkable precision. Her contributions to ACRIS information management are indispensable, earning her the well-deserved title of the ‘ARTS ACRIS heroine’.

Essi is the go-to expert for all matters related to research data, open science, personal data, and research ethics. She tackles even the most complex questions with a proactive and positive approach. Her reliability and ability to see projects through to completion make her an essential part of the research ecosystem.

Always approachable, Essi fosters a strong sense of community – always with a smile.

Success Enabler

Gwyndaf Garbutt, Grant Writer

Gwyndaf Garbutt is Senior Grant Writer in the Aalto Research services, working with the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture. Gwyndaf has provided exceptional support, particularly in guiding researchers through the complexities of funding applications. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the application process is addressed with the right priorities. His approach is both highly effective and encouraging, transforming what can often be an overwhelming process into a manageable and sometimes even rewarding experience.

His dedication has yielded tangible results, with several funding applications becoming successful thanks to his guidance.

 Gwyndaf’s impact has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the decorated handmade diploma he proudly displays on his desk - created by two successful applicants.

ARTS Act of the Year: Suomi Kahvi

Antti Salovaara, Emmi Pouta

Suomi Kahvi is an initiative started by Antti Salovaara and Emmi Pouta in the Department of Design. Every two weeks, Suomi Kahvi brings together international and Finnish staff over lunch or coffee for casual, everyday Finnish conversation, offering international staff a chance to practice speaking Finnish. This initiative is incredibly valuable for Finnish learners, providing opportunities to practice and progress in language learning. Suomi Kahvi is a wonderful voluntary act of kindness and generosity that also supports equity, diversity and inclusion. While simple and unassuming, it truly contributes to the success of ARTS by making international staff feel welcome and happy at ARTS and in Finland.

ARTS Act of the Year: Aalto ARTS Student Show 2024

Sini Koskimies, Jonna Kotiranta, Liivia Pallas, Maija Vikman

The ARTS Act of the Year is proudly awarded to the ARTS communications team, led by Sini Koskimies, whose unwavering dedication and hard work revived the important tradition of graduation shows. And aren’t we glad and grateful that they did!

The Aalto ARTS Student Show 2024 brought together an impressive and diverse selection of student projects, coursework, and MA theses from across the school. The exhibitions lasted for a month and attracted over 7000 visitors, showcasing the talent and creativity of our students. 

Building on this success, the ARTS Graduation Shows will continue for years to come. A heartfelt thank you also goes to all the students and teachers whose passion and commitment made this possible. 

Alum of the year

Minna Lukander, Architect SAFA

Minna Lukander is an architect and the CEO of Talli Architects. Her work seamlessly blends a profound respect for history with forward-thinking design, focusing on user-centered and enduring architecture. She specializes in restoration, adaptive reuse, and the design of learning and care facilities.

Lukander views architects as caretakers of the built environment, emphasizing beauty, durability, and functionality— timeless and essential values of architecture. She recognizes both the opportunities and the responsibility to address the urgent challenges of our time, from the ecological crisis to evolving societal structures. She believes that preservation not only safeguards cultural heritage but also promotes sustainable resource management. In new projects, she prioritizes resource-efficient construction, adaptability, and reparability, with a growing emphasis on timber construction.

Under her leadership, Talli collaborates with smaller firms to amplify its impact, bringing together expertise, local insight, and ambition. The firm’s finest work emerges through openness, dialogue, and collaboration.

Minna, we are delighted and honored to have you as the Alum of the Year 2024.

Independence day decorations for ARTS personnel in 2024 

First Class Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland with golden cross 

Hanna Karkku

Planning officer Hanna Karkku is a skilled promoter of the school's international cooperation activities, supporting the internationalization of ARTS academic staff and students. Hanna has a long career in ARTS Learning services. She has a curios mindset and open-minded approach, which makes her succeed in creating collaboration in international projects.  Hanna is a respected colleague, who enjoys introducing new employees and international visitors to the ARTS facilities and our vibrant culture.

Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland 

Annu Ahonen

Managing editor Annu Ahonen has played pivotal role in the development of publishing at the Aalto University School of Arts and Design, for over 30 years. Her work has enhanced the university's international reputation and made artistic research widely accessible. Annu’s work has been valuable in advancing Finnish-language scientific publishing in the fields of art and design. She has been proactive in promoting digital and open-access publishing, making Aalto ARTS a leader in this area in Finland. Annu Ahonen is known for her collaborative and forward-looking approach, actively contributing to the associations in the Finnish publishing field and working closely with her colleagues in academia and companies.

Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland 

Iiris Kauppila

Iiris Kauppila has demonstrated exceptional determination and vision in developing the learning services organization as the Manager of Academic Affairs at Aalto ARTS. She successfully implemented a renewed service model and improved the workload management, which has clarified job descriptions, increased expertise and enhanced the efficiency of service operations. The results of the long-term work can be seen, among other things, in improved results in employee satisfaction and a record number of degrees completed in time. Iiris Kauppila has also fostered stronger interaction with key stakeholders, leading to more effective feedback processes and strengthened service quality. 

Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland 

Heidi Paavilainen 

Heidi Paavilainen is a Senior University Lecturer and Doctor of Arts who has significantly advanced design education in Aalto University. She is a Director of the Bachelor's Programme in Design and Fashion and Head of Major in Design, under whose leadership the Bachelor of Design curriculum has been reformed to reflect changes in the field. As a teacher, Heidi Paavilainen is well-liked, and her courses gather positive student feedback year after year. Respected for her fairness and problem-solving skills, Heidi Paavilainen supports colleagues and students and participates in several key academic committees. Heidi is always ready to contribute to the common good and act in the interest of the community, as evidenced by her nomination as vice-chair of the Finnish Association of Designer ORNAMO in 2024, promoting cooperation between the design practitioners, industry and academia.

Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Rasmus Vuori 

Rasmus Vuori has been the Vice Dean of Education at the School of Arts and Design since 2017, leading numerous education and curriculum reforms. He is known for his ability to build trust and collaborate inclusively. Rasmus Vuori has served on various academic committees and contributed significantly to educational strategies and digital initiatives, earning several awards for his innovative development initiatives. His major achievements as Vice Dean include leading the ARTS curriculum renewal, reforming the education portfolio, and thus increasing educational performance metrics by 48%. Besides academic merits, Rasmus has over 30 years of international experience in theatre, live performance, art installations, and commercial projects, often incorporating new technologies. 

Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland

Matti Kuittinen

Associate professor Matti Kuittinen is a leading expert in low-carbon construction and sustainable development in Finland. He has been influential in shaping the Finnish environmental legislation and he actively participates in EU initiatives like the New European Bauhaus. At Aalto University, he is known for his inspiring and impactful teaching, offering popular courses to both students and a wider audience. Matti Kuittinen's work has significantly advanced sustainable building practices and education in Finland, also earning him international recognition.