Gardening
The longest-running project at the Test Site, Gardening, is all about creating a vibrant green space in the heart of Otaniemi while sharing nature-based practices with fellow students.
The Test Site
The Test Site is a student-led network nurturing experimental and synergetic projects in practical sustainability.
The Test Site interlinks an open community with a physical space in Otaniemi campus. This student-led network enables experimental and synergetic projects in practical sustainability.
The initiative stems from students from the Creative Sustainability Master's Programme, but is open for all students and teaching purposes.
Since the launch of the site, supporters of the initiative include , Aalto Sustainability Hub (ASH), and (HSY).
Never Too Short Stay - a short movie about Aalto Test Site
Test Site Projects
Beekeeping
Our beekeeping project introduces students to the world of honeybees. Participants can join our free introductory course, then work as hive buddies with experienced beekeepers. We also maintain meadows for the bees.
Meadow
This project focuses on increasing biodiversity by planting a meadow that attracts pollinators. The project was started in the fall of 2023 by Creative Sustainability student Meri-Tuuli Moilanen.
Biogas Digester
The biogas digester, "Katla," was first proposed in late 2023. It converts organic waste into biogas and fertilizer for our community gardens, building a stronger local resource cycle.
Solar Oven / Low-Tech
This solar oven project, launched by Angelina, was the first initiative from the low-tech team, focusing on sustainable and simple technology.
Field Kitchen - TasteLAB
TasteLAB is a field kitchen where Aalto students can gather, cook, and connect through food culture. This kitchen also processes produce from the Test Site. Creative Sustainability students Adela Navratilova, Tianyi Yu, and Paul Wong founded the project.
Previous Test Site events
The Test Site 2022 Garden Party
Come hear from Aalto Test Site about their pilot project of three fertilizer research projects this summer
Beekeeping workshop
Beekeeping workshop at The Test Site: building and installing new frames for the resident bees
The Test Site 2022 Summer Opening
Summery get-together with good music, tasty food, sauna, and amazing people with Aalto Sustainability Club
Permaculture workshop
Creative Sustainability Master's students host this hands-on workshop to learn about common practices with Josh Finch from Agroecology at The Test Site
Honey harvesting at The Test Site
Aalto Creative Sustainability students harvest the honey from their bee hives at The Test Site