PatternLab is a year-long study project at Aalto University of Art, Design and Architecture. The project gives students a possibility to experience what it is like to work as a professional freelance designer in the textile industry. During the training, students create their own designs in co-operation with a design company, such as Lapuan Kankurit. 

Maarit Salolainen, professor of Textile Design at the Aalto⁠ University, has been supervising Pattern Lab since 2003.⁠ She sees the study project as an important steppingstone for⁠ young designers.⁠ “To our students, this real-life training opportunity with⁠ Lapuan Kankurit is an eye-opening experience. It is extremely⁠ important that students get to see the production and design⁠ process from the client’s point of view as well”, Salolainen says.⁠

Both Hjelt and Salolainen emphasize that the best designs and⁠ innovations are born out of creativity and co-operation.⁠ “At Lapuan Kankurit, we believe that working together⁠ and learning from each other is the right way to the best result”⁠, Hjelt says.⁠ To Lapuan Kankurit, the Pattern Lab co-operation is of an even⁠ greater significance.⁠ “We believe that design is more than just a beautiful⁠ product. We aim to design and manufacture sustainable, longlasting, and versatile products for multifunctional purposes”,⁠ says Hjelt.⁠ “It is our responsibility to make sure that both the⁠ weaving skills and design work in the industry are preserved for⁠ future generations.”⁠

PatternLab

patternlab@aalto.fi

Professor Maarit Salolainen

Pattern Lab ’20 leader
maarit.salolainen@aalto.fi

Tiina Paavilainen

Pattern Lab supervisor
tiina.paavilainen@aalto.fi