AiM - The Architects Index of Modelmaking

We are delighted to announce our forthcoming exhibition, 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? Running over five weeks, the exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of public events hosted by the Manchester Society of Architects @the_msa_ , 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 @ecc_italy All events are open to all. Further details including sign-up links will be announced in the coming weeks here and at 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 March 2nd - April 2nd / Mon - Fri 9 - 5 Exhibition Sponsor: Material Source Studio @materialsource Product Partner: Sixteen3 @sixteen3_ltd Partners: European Cultural Centre Italy @ecc_italy B.15 Workshop @b15workshop at Manchester School of Architecture @themsarch , The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University #aimmakingmatters #architecturalmodels #architectsindexofmodelmaking #modelmaking manchestersocietyofarchitects

Opening Monday 2nd March: AiMxMSA: MAKING MATTERS EXHIBITION Communicating Architectural Ideas through Models 32 Practices, 50+ Models, never ending smiles: Presented by @aimodelmaking and @the_msa_ We’re pleased to announce our participants who have come together to celebrate modelmaking in the architectural profession in our home city of Manchester! Supported by a range of events across the 5 week period coordinated by @the_msa_ including a day long festival of making chaired by @ecc_italy Visit our homecoming exhibition from Monday 2nd March - Thursday April 2nd 2026 @materialsource Manchester. Featuring the work and views of: @alliesandmorrison @artformarchitects @b__machin @bennettsassocs @claudiomolinacamacho_arq @chrisdysonarchitects @commonpractice.studio @eprarchitects @fcbstudios @grimshawarch @hennarchitecture @jesticowhiles @make_architects @_materia @mistry_swire @morrisand.company @other_peoples_dreams @olliersmurthwaitearchitects @omiarchitects @patriarchearchitecture @purcell.architecture @park_associati @stanton_williams @sundaystudio_be @studionaama @_studiopower_ @simpsonhaugh_architects @skbarchitects @wwparchitects Partnering with @ecc_italy @b15workshop and @themsarch Sponsored by @materialsource Product partners @sixteen3_ltd #modelmaking #aimmakingmatters #architectsindexofmodelmaking #mysecretmanchester #citylifemanchester

Making Matters: Final Round Table What is the role of modelmaking in an increasingly digital world? To close the MSAXAiM Making Matters exhibition, we joined AiM (Architectural Index of Modelmaking) at Material Source Studio Manchester for a final roundtable bringing together modelmakers, academics and developers. The conversation reflected on five weeks of making, dialogue, and exchange - exploring how physical models continue to shape the way we think, test and communicate ideas in practice. In an ever more digital industry, one thing was clear: modelmaking remains not just relevant, but essential. Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed so generously to the discussion, to Shaun Jenkins for chairing it and, last but not least, a big thank you to Laura Connelly for capturing the discussion so well. Read Material Source’s write-up of the discussion via the link in bio.

As the Making Matters Festival comes to a close, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the past few weeks. From soap casting to LEGO, clay workshops to careers days, it’s been a privilege to collaborate with architects, makers, teachers and creatives, creating spaces for experimentation, play and hands-on learning. A highlight was working with Maz Weineck, who led a casting workshop exploring architectural forms through soap — sparking curiosity and new ways of thinking about making. We also loved our time at Clay Studio Manchester with Stephen Graham and Nastassia Blahadava, where participants created a wide range of unique clay pieces inspired by architecture. Alongside this, our careers day — with contributions from Chris Williamson, Simina Ionescu, Lucia Pedrana and Scott Miller — offered valuable insights into creative pathways and hands-on making. We’re so thankful to everyone who contributed and took part — these shared moments are what Making Matters is all about.

MAKING MATTERS - Takedown crew @b15workshop @lolly_laraa @jasminetheobald @paulinavoang @zzanez @architectlaura @s.m.k.arch @canniffe40 @_benissad and the @materialsource crew Additional and crucial thanks to the guys at Radius Shipping. Essential to making this happen. Nailed it 🔥 Much love 🙏

Amazing exhibition @materialsource Studio Manchester by @aimodelmaking and @the_msa_ featuring work by @stanton_williams @alliesandmorrison @eprarchitects @purcell.architecture @grimshawarch @make_architects @hennarchitecture @mistry_swire @bennettsassocs @wwparchitects @simpsonhaugh_architects @artformarchitects @editionalstudio @christo_dyson @chrisdysonarchitects Hope to see it in London !!

We are also pleased to announce Festival Day Timings: 12:00am – 12:30pm Model Open House (Optional) An informal discussion around the exhibition models by Panel 1 speakers at Material Source Studio from 12:00pm. 1:00pm – 1:50pm Panel 1: Making as Process (How Models Think) - panel discussion at Material Source Studio from 1:00pm Participants: @artformarchitects , @simpsonhaugh_architects & @wwparchitects 4:00pm – 5:00pm (off-site) Guided tour of the Portico Library Led by Purcell, exploring how modelmaking informed the project and competition-winning design. Meet outsie Portico Library at 4pm. 5:30pm – 6:20pm Panel 2: Making as Communication (How Models Speak) - panel discussion at Material Source Studio following the Portico Tour. Participants: @mistry_swire , @purcell.architecture & @tudelft 6:30 – 7:20 Panel 3: Making as Consequence (How Models Influence) - panel discussion at Material Source Studio from 6:30pm Participants: @commonpractice.studio , @omiarchitects & @morrisand.company 7:30pm – 9:30pm Closing reflections + networking drinks reception Expect lively debate, practice-based insight, and conversations that extend beyond the gallery – foregrounding architecture as an evolving, collaborative act shaped by craft, experimentation, and social intent.

We are excited to share the final round of speakers for Making Matters Festival Day, happening Thursday, 26 March at @materialsource Join us for an immersive experience exploring how architectural models drive innovation in design, communication, and the built environment. The agenda includes inspiring panel discussions, a hands-on modelmaking open house guided tour, and ongoing opportunities to network with leading professionals and innovators from the UK and beyond. Enjoy complimentary lunch and evening networking drinks as you engage, learn, and grow your professional network. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite, with further details on our website. Secure your place today and be part of this inspiring event!

A huge thank you to all of our MAKING MATTERS collaborators. The exhibition runs until April 2nd, Monday to Friday 9-5 @materialsource Manchester. Don’t miss out! Presented by @aimodelmaking x @the_msa_ in partnership with @ecc_italy Exhibition sponsored by @materialsource Shelving supplied by @sixteen3_ltd Build team @b15workshop @io_sono_scott @lolly_laraa @jasminetheobald @zzanez @k3n.cy @s.m.k.arch @architectlaura @canniffe40 @_benissad Model collections and deliveries from Radius Shipping Graphics by @idolmonkey & @owebleydesign Printing by Dan Wand

We have another exciting announcement within the Festival Day!🎉 Next Thursday at 4 pm, John Piercy Holroyd from Purcell will lead a guided tour around the Portico Library, discussing how modelmaking informed the project and competition-winning design. The model of the Portico Library is also exhibited at the Material Source Studio, so have a look before joining this exciting event! Meeting point for the tour outside the Portico Library at 4pm. Please make sure to arrive on time! We will see you there!

We are excited to share the second round of speakers for Making Matters Festival Day, happening Thursday, 26 March at @materialsource Join us for an immersive experience exploring how architectural models drive innovation in design, communication, and the built environment. The agenda includes inspiring panel discussions, a hands-on modelmaking open house guided tour, and ongoing opportunities to network with leading professionals and innovators from the UK and beyond. Enjoy complimentary lunch and evening networking drinks as you engage, learn, and grow your professional network. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite, with further details on our website. Secure your place today and be part of this inspiring event!

Today, we are excited to share the first round of speakers for Making Matters Festival Day, happening Thursday, 26 March at @materialsource 🎉 Join us for an immersive experience exploring how architectural models drive innovation in design, communication, and the built environment. The agenda includes inspiring panel discussions, a hands-on modelmaking open house guided tour, and ongoing opportunities to network with leading professionals and innovators from the UK and beyond. Enjoy complimentary lunch and evening networking drinks as you engage, learn, and grow your professional network. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite, with further details on our website. Secure your place today and be part of this inspiring event!