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
• DIY incubators
• DIY bioreactor (for spirulina)
• Transparent growtent
• Darkroom growtent
• Microscope
• Fridge + freezer
• Kettle
• Shelves
• UV light
• Heating pads
• Heating plates
• Humidity gauge
• Dehydrator
• Drying fan
• Scales
• Kitchen utensils (stick blender, containers, pots, 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
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
Living organisms meets sustainable costume design? 🧬
A gorgeous textual and colour outcome with bacterial cellulose by Ella Snellman @ella00610 at the bioMakerStudio 💫
"𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒔 is a speculative costume design that explores the interaction between cellulose fibres, yeast, bacteria, and natural dyes /…/ This experience highlighted an important truth: it`s not enough to simply change the materials you use; you must adapt your entire process. Sustainable materials often require more time and patience"
Ella`s 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 #naturalcolor #scoby #bacterialcellulose #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
Living organisms meets sustainable costume design? 🧬
A gorgeous textual and colour outcome with bacterial cellulose by Ella Snellman @ella00610 at the bioMakerStudio 💫
"𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒔 is a speculative costume design that explores the interaction between cellulose fibres, yeast, bacteria, and natural dyes /…/ This experience highlighted an important truth: it`s not enough to simply change the materials you use; you must adapt your entire process. Sustainable materials often require more time and patience"
Ella`s 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 #naturalcolor #scoby #bacterialcellulose #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
Our last community workshop of the year was a hands-on microscope introduction by @katrinaukkarinen 🔬
We learned the basics of microscopy, collected indoor and outdoor samples, and observed them under different microscopes
Katri also set-up a laser microscope installation in the closet, which was an amazing walk-in experience!
Thank you @sustainability_action_booster yet again for funding these event series 💐 And thank you to all the participants for joining us today!
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#workshop #microscope #diymicroscope #microscopy #biohacking #biomakerstudio #biolab #biodesign #bioart #community
Our last community workshop of the year was a hands-on microscope introduction by @katrinaukkarinen 🔬
We learned the basics of microscopy, collected indoor and outdoor samples, and observed them under different microscopes
Katri also set-up a laser microscope installation in the closet, which was an amazing walk-in experience!
Thank you @sustainability_action_booster yet again for funding these event series 💐 And thank you to all the participants for joining us today!
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#workshop #microscope #diymicroscope #microscopy #biohacking #biomakerstudio #biolab #biodesign #bioart #community
This afternoon we had a really cozy community workshop at the bioMakerStudio 🌟
We learned how to extract colours from food waste, turn them into inks, and explore a range of hues by changing the pH 🎨
Everyone made their own artworks and designs that they could take home.
Thank you @ronjatammenpaa for being such a great instructor today! And another huge thanks to @sustainability_action_booster for their support ✨
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#workshop #communityworkshop #sustainability #naturalcolor #foodwaste #naturalink #inkmaking #biomakerstudio #crafts #helsinki #biodesign
This afternoon we had a really cozy community workshop at the bioMakerStudio 🌟
We learned how to extract colours from food waste, turn them into inks, and explore a range of hues by changing the pH 🎨
Everyone made their own artworks and designs that they could take home.
Thank you @ronjatammenpaa for being such a great instructor today! And another huge thanks to @sustainability_action_booster for their support ✨
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#workshop #communityworkshop #sustainability #naturalcolor #foodwaste #naturalink #inkmaking #biomakerstudio #crafts #helsinki #biodesign
What can biomaterials bring to costume design? 🧥
Kaisa Savolainen @kaisa_jo has been experimenting at the bioMakerStudio for a costume design project.
"In my work, I have explored the potential of bacterial cellulose (SCOBY) and agar as a material. I have been particularly interested in the fleshy character of SCOBY and have tried to emphasise this in my work. I`ve been fascinated by bacteria and things that are not beautiful in a common sense. Looking from far, things are not the same as closer."
Kaisa`s 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 #scoby #bacterialcellulose #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
What can biomaterials bring to costume design? 🧥
Kaisa Savolainen @kaisa_jo has been experimenting at the bioMakerStudio for a costume design project.
"In my work, I have explored the potential of bacterial cellulose (SCOBY) and agar as a material. I have been particularly interested in the fleshy character of SCOBY and have tried to emphasise this in my work. I`ve been fascinated by bacteria and things that are not beautiful in a common sense. Looking from far, things are not the same as closer."
Kaisa`s 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 #scoby #bacterialcellulose #exhibition #biomakerstudio #biolab
𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 🔬
| bioMakerStudio Workshop Series no.6 |
📅 December 9th, 2024
⏱️ 4pm – 6pm
📍bioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150
Beginner’s guide to light microscopy. Brief introduction to basic operations and sample preparation, accompanied with DIY approaches like looking at crystal structures in polarised light and using a laser pen microscope to observe bacteria suspended in water. Bring samples that you`d like to observe!
Our instructor this week is Katri Naukkarinen @katrinaukkarinen
The events are completely FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No prior experience is needed!
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 with link in bio 💫
Places are limited!
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The bioMakerStudio Workshop and Talks Series is a non-profit community engagement initiative funded by the @sustainability_action_booster grant.
Every week, we invite pioneering bio-creatives to share their techniques with you through hands-on workshops.
💬 For more information, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/biomakerstudio-ws2024/
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#workshop #sustainability #sustainabilityworkshop #biomakerstudio #community #biodesign #diy #microscope #bioart #microscopy #lightmicroscopy #helsinki
𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 🔬
| bioMakerStudio Workshop Series no.6 |
📅 December 9th, 2024
⏱️ 4pm – 6pm
📍bioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150
Beginner’s guide to light microscopy. Brief introduction to basic operations and sample preparation, accompanied with DIY approaches like looking at crystal structures in polarised light and using a laser pen microscope to observe bacteria suspended in water. Bring samples that you`d like to observe!
Our instructor this week is Katri Naukkarinen @katrinaukkarinen
The events are completely FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No prior experience is needed!
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 with link in bio 💫
Places are limited!
…………….
The bioMakerStudio Workshop and Talks Series is a non-profit community engagement initiative funded by the @sustainability_action_booster grant.
Every week, we invite pioneering bio-creatives to share their techniques with you through hands-on workshops.
💬 For more information, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/biomakerstudio-ws2024/
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#workshop #sustainability #sustainabilityworkshop #biomakerstudio #community #biodesign #diy #microscope #bioart #microscopy #lightmicroscopy #helsinki
What does it mean to co-create with a non-human organism?
Today, we had a slime mold artist`s talk by Leena Pukki @leenapukki 🌟
Leena works with slime mold and film as an artistic medium. She introduced us to the organism, her artistic practise, and a small screening of her latest artworks!
We had a cozy session with coffee, snacks, and an informal Q&A ☕
At the end, everyone got to take home a small culture of Physarum to try growing at home 🏠
Thanks to those who joined us, and a special thanks to @sustainability_action_booster for funding these event series!
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#slimemoldart #slimemold #physarum #art #bioart #artisttalk #biomakerstudio #film #videoart #sustainable #biolab
What does it mean to co-create with a non-human organism?
Today, we had a slime mold artist`s talk by Leena Pukki @leenapukki 🌟
Leena works with slime mold and film as an artistic medium. She introduced us to the organism, her artistic practise, and a small screening of her latest artworks!
We had a cozy session with coffee, snacks, and an informal Q&A ☕
At the end, everyone got to take home a small culture of Physarum to try growing at home 🏠
Thanks to those who joined us, and a special thanks to @sustainability_action_booster for funding these event series!
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#slimemoldart #slimemold #physarum #art #bioart #artisttalk #biomakerstudio #film #videoart #sustainable #biolab
Preparing petri dishes for sharing our Physarum (slime molds) this Friday with some of our community members 🙌
We will have a cozy Artist`s Talk by @leenapukki ☕
This yellow creature is a single-celled organism that creeps along to look for food 🐾
Loves to eat oat flakes 🌾
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#sustainability #sustainable #biomakerstudio #community #biodesign #diy #bioart #slimemold #slimemould #physarum #artisttalk #limakko
Preparing petri dishes for sharing our Physarum (slime molds) this Friday with some of our community members 🙌
We will have a cozy Artist`s Talk by @leenapukki ☕
This yellow creature is a single-celled organism that creeps along to look for food 🐾
Loves to eat oat flakes 🌾
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#sustainability #sustainable #biomakerstudio #community #biodesign #diy #bioart #slimemold #slimemould #physarum #artisttalk #limakko
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
