The Test Site
The Test Site is a student-led network of practical sustainability at Aalto University.
Regenerative Textile Garden
This student-led initiative at the Aalto Test Site cultivates fibre and dye plants for natural textile crafts while restoring the garden ecosystem through regenerative practices. The project promotes sustainable material research, community-based making, and knowledge sharing across Otaniemi.
#project #sustainable_materials #sustainable_communities_and_networks
#project #sustainable_materials #sustainable_communities_and_networks
| Grantee | With a team of 3 | Grant sum | Grant period | More info on the project |
| Johanna Hehemann | from Aalto University School of Arts, Design & Architecture | € 1750 | 22.04.2025-30.09.2025 |
At the Aalto Test Site, a group of students is launching the Regenerative Textile Garden — an initiative to grow a textile garden that supports both sustainable craft and soil regeneration. The team aims to begin a textile garden and phytoremediate the space, supporting the long term health of the garden space and sustainable craft at Aalto University.
The Regenerative Textile Garden is meant as a space for students to grow and source natural pigments and fibres for the experimental preparation of natural textile dyes, fibre extraction, and other creative practices.
Through this initiative, the goal is to relocalise materials for those in Otaniemi and increase knowledge of textile plants growing in the Finnish climate. Through experimenting with the grown fibre and dye plants, they will create a natural dye and fibre catalogue as an open-source document for students, faculty, and other community members in Otaniemi.
The aim is to bring the communal spirit of craft to the Test Site while contributing to sustainable research on alternatives to industrial textile production. To build the project holistically, the team will integrate the textile garden with regenerative gardening practices, ensuring the long-term use and yield of the garden.
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This initiative is funded by:
Sustainability Action Booster
Sustainability Action Booster grant is on a mission to empower students to unleash their creative ideas and implement their own sustainability actions. Whether you have a small project idea or a wild vision for sustainability - apply funding from us!