ADD
IN BRIEF
ADD ADD explores the full potential of today’s emerging digital and material technologies to foster the design, education, production and business practices of the future.
ADD – Aalto Universit y Digital Design Laboratory http://addlab.aalto.fi
IN BRIEF
ADD
IN BRIEF
ADD THE DIGITAL CHALLENGE / OPPORTUNITY Digital design, robotic fabrication and material technologies are contributing to a paradigm shift in the physical world of our built environment. They enable a shift from serial reproduction to serial permutation, from copies to iterations, and digital technologies are increasingly introducing variance, mutation and flexibility into industrial mass production. ADD explores these developments charting what can be done with current technology and discovering practices to fulfill the future’s potential. THIS IS WHAT ADD DOES ADD, Aalto University Digital Design Laboratory, is a research organization initiated by the Aalto University’s School of Engineering and the School of Arts, Design and Architecture in 2012. ADD explores the potential of digital design and manufacturing technologies to create commercially viable, culturally relevant and societally valuable results. Through design driven research & development, open collaboration, vital experimentation, and its multidisciplinary nature, ADD utilizes today’s digital technologies to create functioning applications and products. It is a platform for exploration, creativity, provocation and risk-taking, where students and researchers foster future practices in design as well as architecture, art, education and business. ADD facilitates and takes part in interdisciplinary dialogue, aims to impact through thought, research and production, and actively collaborates with other departments within the university as well as with other industries, companies, researchers and experts. ADD’s operations have been divided into three main categories.
ADD – Aalto Universit y Digital Design Laboratory http://addlab.aalto.fi
IN BRIEF
THE DESIGN RESEARCH program tests the possibilities of digital technology in practice. Research and development work is executed in collaboration with different industries as well as research facilities within the Aalto University. THE DISCOURSE program stimulates critical thinking and inspires new ideas through events, publications, presentations and lectures, while connecting people as a community around ADD. THE EDUCATION program focuses on tools, techniques and training in digital design and manufacturing technologies. Cultivating the students’ cutting-edge skills gives them the necessary means to pursue trailblazing projects within the university and beyond.
ADD
IN BRIEF
ADD
IN BRIEF
ADVANCING THE AALTO MISSION
GETTING FAMILIAR WITH 3D PRINTING
Aalto University is a future-oriented multi-disciplinary institution intent on exploring the potential of new technologies and methodologies in and across the fields of architecture, art, design, economics and engineering. Aalto was established in 2010 by merging The Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and The University of Art and Design Helsinki with the bold ambition to redefine the role and function of modern universities.
The ADD LAB features low to high-end 3D printing machines and facilities for experimenting, prototyping and producing. This expanded “machine room” supports various academic projects including ADD research and technical workshops within Aalto.
ADD expands the possibilities of the Aalto University’s existing programs. It can prototype new organizational and operational models as well as new physical and digital environments for learning and research.
3D printing workshops to Aalto University students and researchers introduce them to the basics of the technology. After getting familiar with the relevant 3D software and hardware, participants get handson experience of their designs coming to life. WE’VE ALSO GOT COFFEE FOR YOU For a guaranteed cup of quality coffee, head to ADD CAFE. It’s located at ADD’s premises on the Aalto campus, and is an ideal meeting spot for students, professors and visitors – so this collaboration with the Aalto University Student Union supports ADD’s interdisciplinary mission. The baristas are Aalto students with the coffee roasted by Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo, one of the best local roasters. GET IN TOUCH If you’d like to visit, come to: Sähkömiehentie 4G, 02150 Espoo, Otaniemi If you have any queries, email to: info@addlab.fi
ADD – Aalto Universit y Digital Design Laboratory http://addlab.aalto.fi
ADD
IN BRIEF
Imagine, research and create Explore the potential of digital design Collaborate across disciplines Engage complex systems Foster practices of the future Discuss, experiment and discover
ADD IN BRIEF