A space for biodesigning at Aalto University
The BioMakerStudio is a DIY fabrication space, which acts as an incubator for exploring and engaging creatively with the process of biological growing, making, and designing.
We welcome creatives (researchers, students, makers, community) from any discipline who are working with (or would like to try) bio-themed projects.
Our intention is also to be as low-threshold, accessible, flexible and open as possible. We we encourage users to be explorative, scavenge things, make their own tools, and try more exploratory encounters that might be otherwise hard to do in a closed lab environment.
Our space develops according to demand, and grows together with the projects and our community.
OUR APPROACH
At the BioMakerStudio, we run on a makerspace philosophy, which includes:
Learning-by-making
You learn through hands-on experiments, and by actively making and growing something. DIY (Do-it-yourself) and DIWO (Do-it-with-others) with communities.
Finding creative workarounds
This is not a classic scientific lab – meaning that for certain processes, you will have to find creative workarounds. Can you find replacements for tools in everyday objects, for example?
Combine fabrication techniques and fields
How can you combine different fabrication and making techniques? Biofabrication, digital fabrication, crafts, textiles… How can you combine knowledge from different disciplines?
Sharing and lowering barriers to knowledge
With the open-access mindset, you’ll share your processes and results with others, and also learn from others. How can you share your knowledge in ways that can be accessed by more people?
SPACES & EQUIPMENT
BioMakerStudio
Our current inventory includes:
• Workbenches
• Digital incubators
• 3D clay printer (for biomaterials)
• Mini laminar flow hood
• Autoclave
• Transparent growtent
• Darkroom growtent
• Digital microscope (AF)
• Stereo microscope
• Fridge + freezer
• Dehydrator
• Heat press
• Kettle
• UV light
• Heating pads
• Heating plates
• Humidity gauge
• Vacuum former
• Drying fan
• Scales
• Kitchen utensils (stick blender, containers, pots, steamers etc.)
• Lab consumables (petri dishes, test tubes, cotton cloths, pH paper, etc.)
• Kitchen consumables (baking sheets, aluminium foils, paper plates, etc.)
• Ingredients for growth mediums
• Large TV screen with HDMI
• Storage space
• First aid kit
Garden
8m2 community garden plot, currently growing:
• Woad (Isatis tinctoria)
• Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria)
• Dyer’s chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria)
• Dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria)
• Weld (Ruseda luteola)
• Dyer’s coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
We also have access to these facilities in the same building:
Dyeing Studio
A splash-proof kitchen-like space for wetwork with:
> Sinks
> Hobs
> Drying cabinet
> Kitchen utensils
For more, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/product/dyeing-and-surface-manipulation/
FabLab
Digital fabrication laboratory for digital fabrication, with:
> Laser cutter
> CNC machine
> 3D printers
> Electronic workstations
> Programming software
For more info, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/fablab/
WHAT CAN I WORK WITH?
We allow work with entry-level and food-safe organisms and materials in the bioMakerStudio. Currently, we are working with bacterial cellulose (SCOBY), cyanobacteria (spirulina), slime mould (physarum), mycelium (oyster and reishi), and plants (wild and grown).
Working with organisms that are highly perceptible to contamination would be very challenging in our space, as we cannot create completely aseptic conditions.
The BioMakerStudio is constantly changing. For most recent photos check out our Instagram account: @biomakerstudio
Curious about mycelium? Interested in participatory and sustainable design? Want to contribute to an on-campus korean karaoke booth?
We are looking for participants to co-design and mold tiles with us for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean (한글) typographic patterns. The panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth (coming early June in Abloc).
All materials and snacks provided. The project is funded by @sustainability_action_booster
📍 BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland
✍🏻 SIGN UP
Sign up for next week`s (4 May) 2-hour workshop: https://luma.com/7dv3dfq3
Sign up for other workshops (11, 18 May): https://linktr.ee/noraebang_fi
#mycelium #helsinkiactivity #fungi
Curious about mycelium? Interested in participatory and sustainable design? Want to contribute to an on-campus korean karaoke booth?
We are looking for participants to co-design and mold tiles with us for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean (한글) typographic patterns. The panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth (coming early June in Abloc).
All materials and snacks provided. The project is funded by @sustainability_action_booster
📍 BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland
✍🏻 SIGN UP
Sign up for next week`s (4 May) 2-hour workshop: https://luma.com/7dv3dfq3
Sign up for other workshops (11, 18 May): https://linktr.ee/noraebang_fi
#mycelium #helsinkiactivity #fungi
Spring is finally here 🌸 and starting off earthy with claywork at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
Showcasing beautiful 3D clay printing work by @marcelo_guajardod
Very exciting to see how it fires 🔥
Printing with @eazao3d
#biomakerstudio #clayprinting
Spring is finally here 🌸 and starting off earthy with claywork at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
Showcasing beautiful 3D clay printing work by @marcelo_guajardod
Very exciting to see how it fires 🔥
Printing with @eazao3d
#biomakerstudio #clayprinting
Clay 3D printing in progress at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
by @marcelo_guajardod
Using the Eazao 3D printer @eazao3d
Very satisfying to watch! 👀
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#3dprinting #clayprinting #biomakerstudio
Clay 3D printing in progress at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
by @marcelo_guajardod
Using the Eazao 3D printer @eazao3d
Very satisfying to watch! 👀
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#3dprinting #clayprinting #biomakerstudio
Exploring the Algarve algae species + their potentials for design 🌊
From the fuzzy structures of Codium to the flat, lettuce-like Ulva (it`s also called the "Sea Lettuce"!), these organisms showcase the diversity of forms and materials that the ocean has to offer.
We`re excited to continue researching their possibilities with @design.ismat @departmentofseaweed !
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#biodesign #biolab #algae
Exploring the Algarve algae species + their potentials for design 🌊
From the fuzzy structures of Codium to the flat, lettuce-like Ulva (it`s also called the "Sea Lettuce"!), these organisms showcase the diversity of forms and materials that the ocean has to offer.
We`re excited to continue researching their possibilities with @design.ismat @departmentofseaweed !
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#biodesign #biolab #algae
Exploring new algae in the algarve 🇵🇹
Our researchers, together with @departmentofseaweed had a week-long workshop in Portimao to learn about Algarve`s local ecosystem and the algae species 🌊
We had the chance to experiment with these species in the lab to prototype design ideas 🪸
Special thanks to @design.ismat for hosting us, and for all the experts and colleagues who made this experience possible!
Funded by EU Erasmus+ 🇪🇺
@bioarchaeometry @shotsh1n @rinaldogiulia @susanaleonor
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#algarve #algae #biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio
Exploring new algae in the algarve 🇵🇹
Our researchers, together with @departmentofseaweed had a week-long workshop in Portimao to learn about Algarve`s local ecosystem and the algae species 🌊
We had the chance to experiment with these species in the lab to prototype design ideas 🪸
Special thanks to @design.ismat for hosting us, and for all the experts and colleagues who made this experience possible!
Funded by EU Erasmus+ 🇪🇺
@bioarchaeometry @shotsh1n @rinaldogiulia @susanaleonor
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#algarve #algae #biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio
Mycelium Design Seminar coming up! 🍄
Join us for a seminar featuring four talented Aalto Design MA students, PhD researchers, and an inspiring closing talk by Maurizio Montalti @corpuscolo !
We dive into mycelium across a range of design approaches, from lab experiments to hands-on design studio projects.
📅 When? Thu 5 Feb 2026 – 13:15 – 16:30
📍Where? Väre building – F101
PROGRAM
13.15 – 13.30: Welcome and intro
13.30 – 13.50 – Harvey Shaw
13.50 – 14.10 – Gabriela Farias
14.10 – 14.20 / break ☕
14.20 – 14.40 – Aleksi Puustinen
14.40 – 15.00 – Manuel Arias Barrantes
15.00 – 15.10 / break ☕
15.10 – 15.45 – Maurizio Montalti
15.45 onwards – Q&A and open discussion
The seminar is organised as part of the FTF @ftf_aalto activities and is open to everyone.
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#biodesign #mycelium #myceliumdesign #aaltouniversity #aaltoarts @polly_in_the_lab @biomakerstudio @ftf_aalto @areyouharveyshawaboutthat @studio.farias.studio @caracaracollective @manuel.biodesign @corpuscolo
Ernst Haeckel inspired graphics by @polly_in_the_lab
Mycelium Design Seminar coming up! 🍄
Join us for a seminar featuring four talented Aalto Design MA students, PhD researchers, and an inspiring closing talk by Maurizio Montalti @corpuscolo !
We dive into mycelium across a range of design approaches, from lab experiments to hands-on design studio projects.
📅 When? Thu 5 Feb 2026 – 13:15 – 16:30
📍Where? Väre building – F101
PROGRAM
13.15 – 13.30: Welcome and intro
13.30 – 13.50 – Harvey Shaw
13.50 – 14.10 – Gabriela Farias
14.10 – 14.20 / break ☕
14.20 – 14.40 – Aleksi Puustinen
14.40 – 15.00 – Manuel Arias Barrantes
15.00 – 15.10 / break ☕
15.10 – 15.45 – Maurizio Montalti
15.45 onwards – Q&A and open discussion
The seminar is organised as part of the FTF @ftf_aalto activities and is open to everyone.
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#biodesign #mycelium #myceliumdesign #aaltouniversity #aaltoarts @polly_in_the_lab @biomakerstudio @ftf_aalto @areyouharveyshawaboutthat @studio.farias.studio @caracaracollective @manuel.biodesign @corpuscolo
Ernst Haeckel inspired graphics by @polly_in_the_lab
"Shhhroom"
by Stig Hansen, Jaakko Hippinen, and Alarik Rantala
Shhhroom is an exploration on how living materials can support temporary acoustic needs, such as festivals, installations, and pop-up spaces. Our acoustic panels are composed of twelve lightweight, compostable, and naturally sound-absorbing mycelium blocks.
Rather than producing another synthetic, landfill-bound element for events, Shhhroom absorbs both noise and environmental impact. Once its use cycle is completed, the individual blocks biodegrade or can be used as planters to become material for further growth, keeping the design process deliberately open-ended and experimental. The form of the mycelium pieces was attained by growing the mycelium in molds covered with plastic bags. As the mycelium grew, it mimicked the shape of the thin plastic covering giving the surface a texture that is unique to each piece.
Materials: Mycelium, Wood
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Highlighting some biodesign projects at the BioMakerStudio, as part of Experimental Design course @aaltoarts 👏
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#biodesign #biomakerstudio #experimentaldesign #biofabrication #crafts #mycelium #myceliumpanels #multispecies #woodcrafts
"Shhhroom"
by Stig Hansen, Jaakko Hippinen, and Alarik Rantala
Shhhroom is an exploration on how living materials can support temporary acoustic needs, such as festivals, installations, and pop-up spaces. Our acoustic panels are composed of twelve lightweight, compostable, and naturally sound-absorbing mycelium blocks.
Rather than producing another synthetic, landfill-bound element for events, Shhhroom absorbs both noise and environmental impact. Once its use cycle is completed, the individual blocks biodegrade or can be used as planters to become material for further growth, keeping the design process deliberately open-ended and experimental. The form of the mycelium pieces was attained by growing the mycelium in molds covered with plastic bags. As the mycelium grew, it mimicked the shape of the thin plastic covering giving the surface a texture that is unique to each piece.
Materials: Mycelium, Wood
———
Highlighting some biodesign projects at the BioMakerStudio, as part of Experimental Design course @aaltoarts 👏
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#biodesign #biomakerstudio #experimentaldesign #biofabrication #crafts #mycelium #myceliumpanels #multispecies #woodcrafts
🌿 WORKSHOP Phenological Perspectives: Creating observation protocols for sensing more-than-human lifeways 🌿
Join us for a workshop to engage with life in a multispecies world!
In this workshop by Keili Koppel from the University of Edinburgh, participants will be introduced to phenological ways of creating knowledge and will be able to develop observation protocols for non-human subjects outdoors.
📅 Thu 22nd Jan 15:30 – 17:00
📍BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7 (room 265), 02150 Espoo, Finland
🌐 English
The event is completely FREE. Everybody is welcome! No prior experience is required.
More info & 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 using the link in bio, or here: https://luma.com/6pd19sog
✨Places are limited, so please be fully committed to attend when you sign up.
#multispecies #morethanhuman #phenology #biomakerstudio #workshop aaltouniversity
🌿 WORKSHOP Phenological Perspectives: Creating observation protocols for sensing more-than-human lifeways 🌿
Join us for a workshop to engage with life in a multispecies world!
In this workshop by Keili Koppel from the University of Edinburgh, participants will be introduced to phenological ways of creating knowledge and will be able to develop observation protocols for non-human subjects outdoors.
📅 Thu 22nd Jan 15:30 – 17:00
📍BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7 (room 265), 02150 Espoo, Finland
🌐 English
The event is completely FREE. Everybody is welcome! No prior experience is required.
More info & 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 using the link in bio, or here: https://luma.com/6pd19sog
✨Places are limited, so please be fully committed to attend when you sign up.
#multispecies #morethanhuman #phenology #biomakerstudio #workshop aaltouniversity
CONTACT
If you are interested in using the BioMakerStudio or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We are always looking to expand our inventory of equipment and materials through recycled or second-hand goods. If you have any lab / makerspace equipment that you would like to donate, please let us know!
Interested in the BioMakerStudio? Contact
Ena Naito
Doctoral Researcher
ena.naito@aalto.fi
+358 50 464 4304
Co-funded by
