Making Matters Exhibition

Making Matters is an exhibition from the Architects Index of Modelmaking presented in collaboration with Manchester Society of Architects exploring how architects communicate ideas through physical models. It asks the question: Why does making matter?

Being hosted at Material Source Studio Manchester, it brings together practitioners’ work at different scales to highlight the role of modelmaking in developing and testing architectural projects with insights from the architects and modelmakers themselves.

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.

The AiM project was launched with an exhibition at the European Cultural Centre throughout the 6-months of the Venice Biennale 2025, and is now making its UK debut here at the Studio. We're excited to be hosting a month-long programme of engaging activities from 2 March - 2 April 2026, including public events run by the Manchester Society of Architects, culminating in a day of discussions chaired by the European Cultural Centre Italy.

The full exhibitor list will be announced imminently, including esteemed architectural practices from around the world, alongside the full calendar of events. From panel discussions to workshops and exhibition tours. For more information visit the AiM website here, and the Manchester Society of Architects website here.

As well as our Studio hosting the exhibition, our Partner Sixteen3 - designer and maker of furniture in the North of England - has supplied The Calvert shelving and display systems used throughout the Making Matters exhibition, providing beautiful and functional surroundings for the pieces on display.