A:space is a new initiative launched by the Design Department of Aalto University. It is an open and collaborative space, strategically positioned in the middle of Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. The driving principles of A:space are design thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurship.
A:space provides facilities for hands-on material lead exploration and making, student exhibitions, public lectures and events. Chance encounters are encouraged in the A : space café and colorful co-working spaces welcome projects and planned collaborations of different elds of knowledge from all Aalto schools, businesses and organizations.
In the core of A:space are colour and material design
and functional fashion. It is a place where it is possible
to experiment with advanced materials and methods of making, manipulate traditional materials and master nishes and details, create sensorial experiences and colour design strategies.
Welcome!
Associate Professor
of Color and Material Design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Colour and Material Design Designer in Residence Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
University lecturer in Contemporary Design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Functional Clothing and Accessory Design Lecturer Fashion design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Workshop Assistant / Ranger
School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Associate Professor
of Color and Material Design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Jaana Beidler returned back to her native Finland in 2010 after twenty+ years design career in the United States where she lead color and material design teams and provided design leadership and vision at global, industry-leading brands, such as Nike, Patagonia and Esprit. Upon her return to Finland Ms Beidler held the position of Head of Color and Material Design for Nokia/Microsoft Smart Devices and Gear. She joined Aalto University’s School of Art, Design and Architecture as an Associate Professor of Color and Material Design in September 2014.
“I believe that Color and Material Design Mastery is among the most important design skills of the 21st century. It leads creative direction and business strategy, drives new forms and better functionality and impacts sustainability. The senso-aesthetic properties of color and materials build strong emotional connections between products, environments, brands and people.”
Colour and Material Design Designer in Residence Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Tiina Aarras is a strategic, multidisciplinary designer & leader with an eye for innovation and product perfection. She has strong hands-on design approach in product making and has designed a range of products from clothes to Smart Phones and accessories for those. Tiina’s key expertise is in colour and material design innovation: Building a new compel- ling and inspiring Colour and Material vision with mastering materials, processes, colours, textures and light. Her strenght is in higher level portfolio stories to create coherent and desirable experiences cross products and integrated brand experience for consumers. She is currently working on as Colour and Material Designer in Residence in Aalto University.
University lecturer in Contemporary Design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Anna van der Lei (1984 Amsterdam), a mix of Dutch and Finnish nationality, is a lecturer in contemporary design at the Aalto University.
In 2008 she graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven, after which she worked for a major design brand in London before starting her own design practice in 2010.
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.
Functional Clothing and Accessory Design Lecturer Fashion design Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Ilona Hyötyläinen is a lecturer in Functional Clothing and Accessory Design.
She is an experienced lecturer with a strong knowledge of working in the apparel and fashion industry in various areas of clothing, including sportswear kids outdoor, knitwear and print design. In addition to teaching knowledge and skills, she is also an entrepreneur. She has been running her own business over 17 years which includes designing, producing and selling her own women’s wear design collection and also working as a freelance designer for other companies.
Her goal in teaching is to encourage students to find innovative ways to utilize their fashion design skills and discover the width of the fashion industry. Her teaching strategy is based on learning by doing and she is particularly enthusiastic about tutoring of the students.
Workshop Assistant / Genie
Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture
Manuel is a 3rd year MA student from Product and Spatial Design at Aalto University. His background is in Architecture and Communication design, where he discovered his passion for Color and Material design.
Before coming to A:Space he worked as an interior and exhibition designer, as well as in graphic design and curating.
Workshop Assistant / Ranger
Aalto University School Of Art, Design and Architecture