Dear AdvanceAEC network,

We are pleased to invite you to the AMC – Symposium: Building the Future, taking place at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar on March 31 – April 1, 2025.

The symposium will explore the transition from “Form Follows Function” to “Form Follows Material.” A century ago, Bauhaus revolutionized architecture with a new formal language, influenced by art and craftsmanship. Today, we are at another turning point: robotic fabrication and digital design allow materials to shape form in unprecedented ways. By aligning construction processes with material properties, we unlock new possibilities for architectural design and construction.

At the symposium, leading researchers and industry experts will discuss key topics, including how digital design and additive manufacturing influence the built environment, what role sustainable materials play in the future of construction, and how Bauhaus principles can be reinterpreted in a digital age. These and many other questions will be addressed in presentations and discussions featuring renowned speakers from MIT, Bauhaus Dessau, MFPA, Brüninghoff Group, SOPHISTIK AG, and other leading institutions.

Event Details

Date: March 31 – April 1, 2025
Location: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Maurice-Halbwachs-Auditorium (Steubenstraße 6, Haus F, Weimar)
Participation: Free of charge, open to the public, in-person and via live stream

To register and find more information, please visit: https://forms.gle/mJJJT2EBbiyNJrMt5

We look forward to your participation and an inspiring exchange of ideas.
Best regards,
AMC – TRR 277 Team

Robotics and Automotive Research at RobLab UWA

Date:

Monday, 16 June 2025   |  2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Speaker:

Prof. Thomas Bräunl
Renewable Energy Vehicle Project and the Robotics&Automation Lab
The University of Western Australia

Location:

Institut für Systemdynamik (ISYS), Waldburgstr 19, 70563 Stuttgart
Vaihingen Campus, Seminarraum 1.01

Webex-Link:

uni-stuttgart.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=802405f4446f0ed76edd36503&id=2468612ac6&e=11664bd0c7

Event-Link:

https://www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de/news-events/events/detail/IntCDC-Constructive-Conversations—-Robotics-and-Automotive-Research-at-RobLab-UWA/

Abstract

This talk gives an overview about the robotics and automotive research activities at The University of Western Australia. On the automotive side, this talk covers electric vehicles, EV charging networks, and autonomous driving using Lidar versus deep learning methods. On robotics topics, this talk presents small embedded robots, simulation systems, and humanoid robot research with an outlook to artificial life.

Speculative Design Futures in Construction

Date:

Monday, 14 April 2025 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Speaker:

Associated Prof. AnnaLisa Meyboom
School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
University of British Columbia, Canada

Location:

Hörsaal – M 11.11, Keplerstraße 11, 70174 Stuttgart

Webex-Link:

https://unistuttgart.webex.com/unistuttgart/j.php?MTID=mc2fd045d12274332fa960c3a87e6e1c2

Abstract

Architecture translates culture into built form. Technology is providing designers with bionic abilities in both design and construction. The important question becomes what and how should we build? What opportunities do these abilities present and how should they be used to transform our built environment? Speculative futures created by designers are powerful and allow society to see possible outcomes and the potential of new technologies. The academy also plays a crucial role by pushing boundaries and demonstrating potential. This talk will present explorations in speculative design futures both for the future of wood and our city infrastructure.

The spirit of lightweight construction

Date:

5-6 June 2025

More info:

https://www.freiotto100.de/

Organized by:

Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, University of Stuttgart, Germany
Institute of Architectural History

Event description:

Frei Otto (1925-2015) was a visionary innovative architect and master of lightweight structures. May 31, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth. To commemorate his exceptional spirit of experimentation, his works, methods, and international networks, the University of Stuttgart organizes a two-day convention.

Frei Otto 100 | The Spirit of Lightweight Construction will take place at the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, formerly known as IL (Institut für Leichte Flächentragwerke). Its tent structure, designed by Frei Otto as a prototype for the German Pavilion at the EXPO ‘67 in Montreal, provides an inspiring space for open reflection on past and present achievements in the field of lightweight construction.

The two-day event will include a historical reflection on Frei Otto’s work, methods and networks, supported by the testimonies of several contemporary witnesses. It will also focus on how different generations of researchers and practitioners interpret the legacy of the Stuttgart School of Lightweight Construction.

Registration is now open. Early bird tickets are available until 15 March 2025.

Title:

arch_manu
Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing

Date:

10th March 2025
7pm AEDT / 9am CEST

Speaker:

M. Hank Haeusler
Dr. Chris Bamborough
Dr. Zayad Motlib

The AEC sector faces an urgent challenge: achieving net-zero targets by 2050 while simultaneously creating high-quality built environments for a growing population. This challenge carries significant social and political implications for which scalable solutions require speedy discovery and implementation.
To meet this need, Australia’s leading Architecture, Design, and Engineering (ADE) practices and professional bodies have joined forces with academic researchers to establish the ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing (Arch_Manu). Funded by the Australian Research Council, Arch_Manu is dedicated to advancing national productivity and climate goals through the digital transformation of ADE professions.
Leveraging the partnership between academia and industry, we triangulate world-leading researchers, visionary practitioners, and talented graduates to integrate state-of-the-art research into practice. Our program of industry-embedded PhDs, national and international placements, short courses, and postdoctoral projects will grow digital knowledge, skills, and capacity within the AEC sector.

In this talk, we will outline Arch_Manu’s approach to not only developing and delivering impactful research but also driving sector-wide training and upskilling to ensure lasting transformation.