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AiM: MAKING MATTERS EXHIBITION – Communicating Ideas Through Architectural Models

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We are delighted to announce our forthcoming exhibition and events programme presented by AiM x Manchester Society of Architects:
AiM: MAKING MATTERS — Communicating Architectural Ideas Through Models
Physical modelmaking continues to offer a unique source of insight and inspiration for understanding the built environment. In an era defined by speed and convenience, the value of slowing down and engaging with this tactile, exploratory process is often overlooked. In practice, the value of making becomes evident through the work itself.
Opening on 2nd March, the exhibition brings together an international range of architectural models and voices from practice, each responding to a central question:
Why does making matter?
Events Programme
Running over five weeks, the exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of public events hosted by the Manchester Society of Architects, exploring the role of making in contemporary practice. This series will culminate in a day of discussions chaired by our partners at the European Cultural Centre Italy
All events are open to all. Further details including sign-up links will be announced in the coming weeks here and at www.making-matters.the-aim.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition and continuing the conversation on the value of making in architecture.
Presented by: AiM: The Architects Index of Modelmaking & The Manchester Society of Architects
Exhibition Sponsor: Material Source Studio
Product Partner: Sixteen3
Partners: European Cultural Centre Italy, B.15 modelmaking Workshop at Manchester School of Architecture, The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University

 

Announcing ‘AiM: ‘MAKING MATTERS’ Exhibition

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Following our successful launch exhibition at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, we’re excited to announce a follow-up exhibition in our home city of Manchester:
 
AiM : Making Matters
 
Communicating Architectural Ideas Through Models
In partnership with:
The exhibition will run for five weeks, from Monday 2 March to Thursday 2 April 2026, at Material Source Studio in central Manchester.
Private View Launch Event: Thursday 5 March, from 17:00
Public Programme: Practitioner lectures (details TBC)
Practitioners, WE NEED YOU!
Your work is the exhibition. We are seeking contributions of up to three models per practice, ideally at different scales and/or showing the development of a single project. Alongside chosen models, we will request short supporting text.
We also welcome any video material showing the making or use of models in your practice.
We will curate the final selection based on proposals and spatial considerations.
As AiM index members, you are receiving this invitation before the public call for contributions. If you’d like to take part, please complete the expression of interest form below:
We will review submissions and confirm selected participants shortly after 9 January 2026.
Participation is free; we only ask that you arrange delivery and collection of your models to either the venue or our workshop.
If needed, we can recommend couriers depending on your location.
Key Dates
Confirm participation & proposed models: by 9 January 2026
Model delivery deadline: Friday 20 February 2026
Exhibition opens: Monday 2 March 2026
Private View: Thursday 5 March 2026, from 17:00
Exhibition closes: Thursday 2 April 2026
A Reminder: What is AiM?
The Architects Index of Modelmaking (AiM) is an online directory for architecture students and professionals. Our aim is to build a network of local, national and international practitioners who champion the value of physical modelmaking in architectural design.
We continue to grow the network through social media, exhibitions and future publications. As some of you will know, the project launched earlier this year with an exhibition at the European Cultural Centre during the Venice Architecture Biennale, attracting more than 88,000 visitors across six months.
Thank you for your support, and we hope you’ll be able to join us for this next stage of the project at Material Source Studio, Manchester.
Scott Miller — on behalf of AiM, B.15 Modelmaking Workshop
Simina Ionescu — on behalf of Manchester Society of Architects
Lucia Pedrana — on behalf of the European Cultural Centre Italy