Heini-Emilia Saari

Heini-Emilia Saari is a PhD candidate in Human Geography and Urban Studies at the Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her research explores the socio-spatial dynamics of urbanisation through the lens of timber architecture in Finland, examining interconnections between urban ambitions, rural forests, and climate change responses. Supervised by Dr Alan Mace and Dr Romola Sanyal, her work bridges architecture and geography, focusing on decarbonisation strategies and liveable futures.

Education: She holds Master’s degrees in architecture (Aalto University, distinction) and design management (Aalto University), with a semester at Tokyo University of the Arts. Teaching experience includes roles as class teacher, methodology tutor, and guest critic. Professional background includes urban strategy consulting at Noren and co-founding Wanderlust, an architectural studio recognized for innovative cultural spaces.

Research Interests: Architecture & urban planning; materiality and resources; decarbonisation; urban-rural power geometries; socio-spatial inequalities; climate urbanism imaginaries.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of grants from the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation (2023), Finnish Cultural Foundation (2022), and multiple Asko Foundation Antti Nurmesniemi Grants (2020-2021). Her work has been published internationally through Wanderlust collaborations with leading Finnish cultural institutions.

Advising & Grants: Awards listed above support her research. Wanderlust’s projects highlight her applied design expertise. She has advised on urban change and housing strategies prior to her PhD.

Labs/Teams: Co-founded Wanderlust studio, focusing on art and design spaces. Active in multi-sited ethnographic research networks in Finland.