Hannes Käfer

Hannes Käfer serves as a Lecturer and Head of the Digital Production Center at the Academy of Fine Arts Saar, teaching across Product Design and Media Informatics programs with courses spanning Generative Arts and Design Lab, Creative Coding, and digital fabrication workshops using Grasshopper and Arduino.

His educational trajectory features:

• Apprenticeship as a carpenter (1996-1998)
• Apprenticeship as a designer in the craft industry (1998-1999)
• Architecture studies at TU Darmstadt (1999-2001)
• Diploma in Product Design from HBKSaar (2001-2006)

Käfer's research explores hybrid digital-analog design processes through generative systems, interactive installations, and sustainable material experimentation. His work bridges computational creativity with physical prototyping, emphasizing hands-on pedagogy in AI-driven design, parametric modeling, and physical computing applications for artistic expression.

Leading the Digital Production Center since 2012, he directs facility operations and the dpz Führerschein workshop series while supervising diverse student projects including Design Bazaar iterations, Precious Plastic initiatives, Futur Drei narrative projects, and experimental installations like Glass in public and Knock Down Objects.

His professional practice integrates freelance design work with Brandolini Büro für Gestaltung (since 2004) and K8 Institute for Strategic Aesthetics (since 2015), maintaining active industry engagement alongside academic responsibilities in Saarbrücken.