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 stuff, 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.
NEWS
bioMakerStudio Workshop Series
The bioMakerStudio Workshop and Talks Series is a non-profit community engagement initiative funded by the Sustainability Action Booster Grant… [read more]
Where to find us
Otakaari 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland
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 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 incubator
• 3D clay printer (for biomaterials)
• Mini laminar flow hood
• Autoclave
• Transparent growtent
• Darkroom growtent
• Digital microscope (AF)
• Stereo microscope
• Fridge + freezer
• Kettle
• Shelves
• UV light
• Heating pads
• Heating plates
• Humidity gauge
• Vacuum former
• Dehydrator
• 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
Natural dyeing with "Itajime" techniques🪻
Itajime Shibori is a Japanese traditional dyeing technique, which uses pieces of wood to sandwich a piece of folded fabric before submerging it into the dye bath.
We experimented with this technique at the bioMakerStudio, and managed to create a beautiful checkered pattern!
Red onion peel dye 🧅 on mordanted cotton fabric
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#naturaldye #naturalcolour #naturalcolor #itajime #japanese #dyeing #dye #dyebath #dyeingtechnique #biolab #biomakerstudio #biodesign #bioart #foodwaste
Natural dyeing with "Itajime" techniques🪻
Itajime Shibori is a Japanese traditional dyeing technique, which uses pieces of wood to sandwich a piece of folded fabric before submerging it into the dye bath.
We experimented with this technique at the bioMakerStudio, and managed to create a beautiful checkered pattern!
Red onion peel dye 🧅 on mordanted cotton fabric
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#naturaldye #naturalcolour #naturalcolor #itajime #japanese #dyeing #dye #dyebath #dyeingtechnique #biolab #biomakerstudio #biodesign #bioart #foodwaste
🔛 Biodegradability experiment ongoing!
How long do bio-based materials take to biodegrade, and how does it actually happen?
@arillox is exploring these questions by burying her material samples in soil, collecting data, and monitoring them for the next couple of months 🥀
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#biodesign #biomaterial #biobased #biolab #biomakerstudio #biodegradable #sustainable #timelapse #experiment
🔛 Biodegradability experiment ongoing!
How long do bio-based materials take to biodegrade, and how does it actually happen?
@arillox is exploring these questions by burying her material samples in soil, collecting data, and monitoring them for the next couple of months 🥀
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#biodesign #biomaterial #biobased #biolab #biomakerstudio #biodegradable #sustainable #timelapse #experiment
🌟 A mini tour of the bioMakerStudio 🌟
The bioMakerStudio is a fabrication space for engaging creatively with bio-designing. We provide space for students, researchers, makers and communities to work with bio-themed projects.
We`ve recently expanded our equipment inventory with the generous support of the @sustainability_action_booster !
For more details about the bioMakerStudio, check out the link in the bio ⤴️
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#biomaterialdesign #biodesign #biolab #makerspace #greenlab #sustainability #biomakerstudio #maker #community #aalto #infrastructure #helsinki
🌟 A mini tour of the bioMakerStudio 🌟
The bioMakerStudio is a fabrication space for engaging creatively with bio-designing. We provide space for students, researchers, makers and communities to work with bio-themed projects.
We`ve recently expanded our equipment inventory with the generous support of the @sustainability_action_booster !
For more details about the bioMakerStudio, check out the link in the bio ⤴️
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#biomaterialdesign #biodesign #biolab #makerspace #greenlab #sustainability #biomakerstudio #maker #community #aalto #infrastructure #helsinki
Installation with live scoby culture and engraved scoby leather ⭐
"MicroSCOBY is a research-based installation that combines biomaterial exploration with visual art. The work reimagines the microscope`s historical context and material culture, drawing inspiration from its use as a scientific tool".
MicroSCOBY by Müge Yildiz
@mugeyildizjaakaappi @bioarchaeometry
Come and check out the exciting exhibition, "The Microscope Thing" until 30 Jan 2025 👏
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#scoby #bacterialcellulose #biolab #biodesign #bioart #exhibition #artexhibition #living #organism #microscope #biomakerstudio #helsinki
Installation with live scoby culture and engraved scoby leather ⭐
"MicroSCOBY is a research-based installation that combines biomaterial exploration with visual art. The work reimagines the microscope`s historical context and material culture, drawing inspiration from its use as a scientific tool".
MicroSCOBY by Müge Yildiz
@mugeyildizjaakaappi @bioarchaeometry
Come and check out the exciting exhibition, "The Microscope Thing" until 30 Jan 2025 👏
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#scoby #bacterialcellulose #biolab #biodesign #bioart #exhibition #artexhibition #living #organism #microscope #biomakerstudio #helsinki
Sharing one of our researcher`s work, now on display at Väre, Aalto University.
MicroSCOBY by Müge Yildiz
@mugeyildizjaakaappi @bioarchaeometry
"MicroSCOBY is a research-based installation that combines biomaterial exploration with visual art. The work reimagines the microscope`s historical context and material culture, drawing inspiration from its use as a scientific tool".
Come and check out the exciting exhibition, "The Microscope Thing" until 30 Jan 2025 👏
Photo credits @nikotampio
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#scoby #bacterialcellulose #biolab #biodesign #bioart #exhibition #artexhibition #living #organism #microscope #biomakerstudio #helsinki
Sharing one of our researcher`s work, now on display at Väre, Aalto University.
MicroSCOBY by Müge Yildiz
@mugeyildizjaakaappi @bioarchaeometry
"MicroSCOBY is a research-based installation that combines biomaterial exploration with visual art. The work reimagines the microscope`s historical context and material culture, drawing inspiration from its use as a scientific tool".
Come and check out the exciting exhibition, "The Microscope Thing" until 30 Jan 2025 👏
Photo credits @nikotampio
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#scoby #bacterialcellulose #biolab #biodesign #bioart #exhibition #artexhibition #living #organism #microscope #biomakerstudio #helsinki
Biodegradable embellishments in costume design? 🧵
Eva-Liis Lidenburg @eva_liis has been experimenting at the bioMakerStudio for her costume design project: Bio-embellished.
"I experimented with bioplastics to create beads and sequins as sustainable alternatives to conventional glass and plastic embellishments. With my 10 year history in working with these conventional materials in embroidery, I was very curious and motivated in finding more natural alternatives."
Eva-Liis` work was exhibited at @aaltouniversity Väre building as part of Special Materials and Techniques in Costume Design @aaltostudios_costume_workshop
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#costume #costumedesign #sustainability #sustainabledesign #biodesign #biobased #biodegradable #agar #embroidery #embellishments #bioplastic #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
Biodegradable embellishments in costume design? 🧵
Eva-Liis Lidenburg @eva_liis has been experimenting at the bioMakerStudio for her costume design project: Bio-embellished.
"I experimented with bioplastics to create beads and sequins as sustainable alternatives to conventional glass and plastic embellishments. With my 10 year history in working with these conventional materials in embroidery, I was very curious and motivated in finding more natural alternatives."
Eva-Liis` work was exhibited at @aaltouniversity Väre building as part of Special Materials and Techniques in Costume Design @aaltostudios_costume_workshop
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#costume #costumedesign #sustainability #sustainabledesign #biodesign #biobased #biodegradable #agar #embroidery #embellishments #bioplastic #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
We are starting 2025 🎆 by checking up on our Panellus Stipticus culture, which was growing in our incubator during the winter break ✨
Look at the intricate patterns growing on the agar plates!
We were able to get new equipment to support our community work, thanks to @sustainability_action_booster, which we will be installing at the bioMakerStudio in the coming weeks, so stay tuned 😊
We hope to continue providing space and support for more biodesigners this year 🙌
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#biodesign #mycelium #panellus #biolab #biomakerstudio #agarplate #petridish #experiment #sustainability
We are starting 2025 🎆 by checking up on our Panellus Stipticus culture, which was growing in our incubator during the winter break ✨
Look at the intricate patterns growing on the agar plates!
We were able to get new equipment to support our community work, thanks to @sustainability_action_booster, which we will be installing at the bioMakerStudio in the coming weeks, so stay tuned 😊
We hope to continue providing space and support for more biodesigners this year 🙌
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#biodesign #mycelium #panellus #biolab #biomakerstudio #agarplate #petridish #experiment #sustainability
Throughout history, mushrooms have perplexed humans, seeming to suddenly appear overnight out of nowhere 🌠
Here is a timelapse of Lion`s Mane growing at the bioMakerStudio, beautifully captured by @henritimperi 🍄
Enjoy how the they are unfurling and expanding before our eyes 〜
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#timelapse #biodesign #mycelium #mushroom #lionsmane #biofabrication #fungi #biolab #biomakerstudio #growingmushrooms
Throughout history, mushrooms have perplexed humans, seeming to suddenly appear overnight out of nowhere 🌠
Here is a timelapse of Lion`s Mane growing at the bioMakerStudio, beautifully captured by @henritimperi 🍄
Enjoy how the they are unfurling and expanding before our eyes 〜
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#timelapse #biodesign #mycelium #mushroom #lionsmane #biofabrication #fungi #biolab #biomakerstudio #growingmushrooms
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
