Multi-Modal Mobility Intensive Course in Lahti, Finland. Apply by 23.9.2026

LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts invites Bachelor and Master level students from Cirrus network institutions to apply for the Nordplus intensive course Multi-Modal Mobility, organised in Lahti, Finland, on 26–31 October 2026.

The intensive course explores how future mobility concepts can respond to changing urban conditions, sustainability challenges and Nordic-Baltic climate realities. Students will work with future scenarios, mobility systems, vehicles, infrastructure and visualisation methods to develop conceptually strong and sustainable proposals for multi-modal movement in cities.

Course information

• Dates: 26–31 October 2026
• Venue: LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts, Lahti campus, Finland
• Credits: 3 ECTS
• Level: Bachelor and Master
• Open places: 6 places for students from Cirrus network institutions, in addition to 8 places reserved for students from Estonian Academy of Arts, EKA
• Language: English
• Tutors: Olli Seppälä and Björn Koop, with additional input from invited mobility and design experts

Theme and aims

Multi-modal mobility looks beyond one single vehicle, mode of transport or user journey. During the course, students will research existing transportation options such as cars, buses, trams, bicycles and other urban mobility systems, and analyse their strengths, weaknesses and limitations. This research will form the basis for new scenarios and design concepts for future cities.

The course focuses especially on cities facing more demanding climate conditions, including long winter seasons. The aim is to imagine mobility solutions that simplify everyday movement and make mobility more accessible for different user groups, including elderly people. Students will work through research, brainstorming, scenario-building, sketching, 3D modelling, physical prototyping with clay modelling, prototyping and final presentation. LUT Group Confidential – Other information (3Y)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to research and compare current urban mobility options, identify relevant user needs and climate-related challenges, create future-oriented mobility scenarios, develop a sustainable concept in an international group, and communicate the proposal through sketches, visualisations, 3D models, renderings or other presentation material.

Assessment is based on active participation, research work, concept development, visual quality of the final proposal and the final group presentation. The course is intended to be recognised as a Transportation and/or Mobility Design course at the student’s home institution.

Course structure

The course begins with research into current transportation systems and their pros and cons. Students then move into scenario-building and the visualisation of new mobility options. In the final phase, students work in groups, with each group developing one vision into a final concept and presentation.

Tentative programme

• Day 1: Arrival, introduction to the project, discussion on mobility and start of research
• Day 2: Research on the city and its mobility options and brainstorming of new scenarios and mobility possibilities
• Day 3: Concept development, tutoring and input from invited experts from the field
• Day 4: Sketching vehicles, mobility systems and related infrastructure, followed by the start of 3D and clay modelling
• Day 5: 3D and clay modelling, final renderings and preparation of presentation material
• Day 6: Final presentations, feedback, reflection, exchange of ideas and networking

Who can apply?

The course is open to Bachelor and Master level students from Cirrus network institutions with an interest in mobility design, transportation design, industrial design, product design, service design, urban futures, sustainability or concept visualisation. Students should be prepared for intensive studio work, collaboration in international groups and visual presentation of ideas. LUT Group Confidential – Other information (3Y)

How to apply

To apply, please send a short motivation letter, a brief portfolio, your name, home institution, study level and contact information to olli.seppala@lab.fi. The application deadline is 23.9.2026. More practical information about travel, accommodation and possible Cirrus/Nordplus mobility support will be shared with selected students.