Aalto University - Occupy Earth (2017-19)

Occupy Earth was an International Academic Collaboration between Aalto University (Finland)  and & Parsons School of Design (New York). As course leader at Aalto University, I directed and thought a groundbreaking two-year collaboration between universities, exploring climate change through mixed reality arts.

Leadership and Coordination

• Led course development and implementation at Aalto University
• Coordinated inter-university collaboration
• Organized two major New York excursions
• Curated two exhibitions at Aalto Otaniemi Campus
• Co-edited two exhibition publications
• Developed extensive international networks, particularly in New York

Publication 2018

Publication 2019

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Program Structure / Academic Framework

• Joint studio course between ViCCA, MediaLab (Aalto), and MFA Design and Technology (Parsons)
• Focus on hybrid physical-virtual experiences
• Exploration of ecological and political climate narratives
• Research into human-environment relationships

International Exchange / New York Excursions

• 2017-18: Full Aalto group visit to Parsons
• 2018-19: Selected student and faculty workshop visit
• Co-designed and hosted multi-day workshops with Parsons faculty Melanie Crean and Tyler Henry

Exhibition Program / Aalto Campus Exhibitions

• 2018: First joint exhibition featuring works from both universities
• 2019: Second iteration with evolved collaborative works
• Published comprehensive catalogues for both shows

Digital Innovation

• Pioneered various online collaboration formats
• Developed joint workshop methodologies
• Created virtual-physical hybrid experiences

International Impact / UN Climate Week Initiative

• Strengthened connections with Finnish Cultural Institute in New York
• Advanced negotiations for exhibition during UN Climate Week 2019 together with the Institute
• The program significantly expanded international networks and established new models for trans-Atlantic academic collaboration in arts and design education.