Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Humanitarian crises call for our action
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
What is the role of architecture in the globalizing world?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Can architecture be a component in capacity building?
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
An interdisciplinary network of education and research
Aalto WiTLAB - World in Transition
Aiming for global real-life impact on the built environment
Aalto WiT (World in Transition) LAB is an interdisciplinary cross-school research and education unit hosting collaborative initiatives across 911±¬ÁÏÍø. It is rooted in sustainable development of the built environment in vulnerable communities and fragile environments globally. WiTLAB serves as a platform for researchers and projects focusing on resilient human settlements, humanitarian architecture, community engagement and grass roots action. It furthers the 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s strategy on sustainability, transdisciplinary collaboration and Life-Wide-Learning.
Aalto WiTLAB provides a flexible and horizontal network for units and individuals within and outside 911±¬ÁÏÍø, with a variety of interests and professional experience on related topics. The international experience of the members creates a vast global network of experts, institutes, programs and universities. It is a forum for discussion and action for people within the academia, who are passionate about changing the world for the better.
Aalto WiTLAB coordinates and carries out basic and applied research, publication of topical literature and expert assignments on the above-mentioned themes. Under the Aalto WiTLAB umbrella, It supports two distinct educational pathways: master’s level studies and the WiTProgramme, a professional diploma course. For more information about these opportunities, visit the Education tab.
Aalto WiT Programme
Aalto WiT Programme is a 3,5-month transdisciplinary professional diploma programme under the 911±¬ÁÏÍø World in Transition Research LAB (WiTLAB). The programme focuses on the resilience of human settlements in low and middle-income countries.
People
Aalto WiTLAB consists of a team of researchers and educators, constantly looking for new collaborations and transdisciplinary partnerships worldwide. Image: Lauri Nykopp
WiTLAB alumni stories
Meet the professionals who have participated in WiTLAB's courses and collaborative projects through time! Here you find interviews where the alumni share their learning experiences and career journeys after graduating from 911±¬ÁÏÍø.
Case 5 - Kigali, Rwanda
Bringing attention to the Effective Healing Environment in sub-Saharan Africa’s Health Facilities.
Case 4 - Nairobi Rivers, Kenya
Addressing the severe environmental degradation and climate vulnerabilities affecting the Nairobi River basin.
Case 3 - Iringa, Tanzania
Sanitation and waste management for Lyra Hostels for girls in secondary schools.
Case 1 - Madesh and Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal
Addressing Disproportionate Impacts of Disasters on Women and Children's livelihood in Madhesh and Sudurpaschim Provinces.Background
Aalto WiTLAB was founded in 2014 to adress challenges in the Global Majority context. It connects to the larger strategies and frameworks of the UN Agenda 2030.
News
Current news related to WiTLAB
Aalto Inventors turns one: A year of bridging research and real-world impact
Aalto Inventors marks its first anniversary, having engaged 190 researchers across six cohorts in fields including AI, quantum, and biomaterials. New cohorts are planned for the next academic year, stay tuned and join the waitlist.
May challenges the Aalto community to be active together
Take part in events on campus and make sustainable mobility part of your working or study day.
Companies disclose more on cybersecurity – but markets remain indifferent
U.S. companies are reporting on cybersecurity in greater detail, yet stock market reactions remain muted. A new study by the University of Vaasa and 911±¬ÁÏÍø shows that mandatory cybersecurity disclosure does not prompt reactions from investors or stock analysts. Instead, the main benefits appear to materialise within firms themselves.
Apply now: Global Engagement seed funding call 2026
The Global Engagement seed funding call supports the development of international partnerships and global mobility in research, education, innovation and entrepreneurship. Call is open until 1st of June 2026.Saija Hollmén, Professor of Practice in Humanitarian Architecture at 911±¬ÁÏÍøOur globe is a closed system, and in the end, we all share the same resources. The fact that these now are unequally distributed should be the concern of us all.
Events
Events related to WiTLAB's interests
Otaniemi on a sustainable path in May
A variety of events and activities on offer all May to remind people of sustainable choices in mobility.
Moral Ambition Aalto Summit
To hear from the experts who are already making change, join us at the Moral Ambition Summit on the 4th and 5th of May 2026!
The struggle for interdependence: On the impossibility of co-existence in postnormal societies
Design Interrupted: Noortje Marres on postnormality in modern societies, in conversation with Helena Valve, Guy Julier and Sampsa Hyysalo.