3DPC // aed event – The Future of 3D Printing
3D Printing – what´s next?
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 pm
Speakers:
// Arthur Mamou-Mani (Mamou-Mani Architects, London)
// Ekin Sila Sahin (ICD, University of Stuttgart)
// Simone Völcker and Christoph Völcker (3D Pioneers Challenge)
Moderator: Dr. Frank Heinelin (aed e.V.)
Venue: Material Bank Studio, Dieselstrasse 32, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
Admission: Free
How are additive manufacturing, advanced materials, and intelligent technologies transforming the worlds of architecture, design, and construction?
These questions take center stage at a special evening hosted by aed e.VStuttgart and the 3D Pioneers Challenge at the Material Bank Studio in Stuttgart.
Together, aed and the 3DPC are bringing selected projects and international guests to Stuttgart. Among the featured speakers is Arthur Mamou-Mani from London, whose experimental work at the intersection of digital fabrication, Sustainability, and parametric architecture has gained worldwide recognition. His acclaimed projects include large-scale installations for the Burning Man Festival in California as well as the Dubai and Milan Design Weeks. Ekin Sila Sahin from the ICD at the University of Stuttgart will present the award-winning research project Solar Gate a 4D-printed, energy-autonomous building envelope that passively adapts to changing weather conditions and demonstrates new approaches to resource-efficient architecture.
The evening is inspired by the newly published book Pushing Boundaries – Pioneers of Advanced Technologies, released to mark the tenth anniversary of the 3D Pioneers Challenge. It explores how 3D printing and advanced technologies are transforming our future across architecture, design, mobility, medical technology, and sustainability. The featured projects range from the world’s first 3D-printed heart made from stem cells and additively manufactured bridges to jet suits that enable human flight. At the same time, Simone and Christoph Völcker look ahead to developments through 2035 and beyond.
Founded by Simone and Christoph Völcker in 2015, the 3D Pioneers Challenge has evolved into an international platform that brings together visionary projects, creative minds, and experts from architecture, design, research, and industry. For many years, aed e.V. and Material Bank have supported the 3D Pioneers Challenge as media and jury partners, accompanying its development from the very beginning.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion and reception will provide an opportunity to engage with the speakers and fellow guests. Join us for an evening exploring future technologies, visionary projects, and The Future of Making right in the heart of Stuttgart, home of the 3D Pioneers Challenge.