An outstanding author of structural architectures, Pier Luigi Nervi (Sondrio, June 21st 1891 – Rome, January 9th 1979) continued a line of research initially developed by pioneers engineers like François Hennebique and subsequently, among others, Robert Maillart in Switzerland. Like his predecessors, Nervi was both designer and constructor, and he blended the art and science of building using reinforced concrete.
Nervi’s concept of structure is similar to that of the Classical period, when the architect inspired and was involved in every part of the process, although, of course, he employed completely different methods.
In the majority of his projects Nervi remained faithful to conventional reinforced concrete – a material that can be easily molded and is resistant to both compression and tension – while limiting the use of prestressed concrete. On the other hand, he made use of the extraordinary freedom offered by prefabrication of structural components.
Nervi based his work on sound design and construction experience and on an intelligent intuitiveness, with a permanent intense attention to the relationships between structure and shape. This creates a kind of general expressivity in which every part of the structure is designed precisely according to the internal forces to which it is subject, and the role it plays is clearly demonstrated in the overall project Nervi’s first magnificent works were a stadium built in Florence in 1930 and a series of hangars with an area of 4,000 sqm each, built between 1935 and 1940.
Pier Luigi Nervi under the Viaduct of Corso Francia, Rome,
ca. 1960, photo Oscar Savio
Pier Luigi Nervi (center left) working in his studio with his sons Antonio (in the front from the back)and Mario (in the
background), Rome, ca. 1960
The construction of another iconic project by Nervi, the Labour Palace in Turin, 1960 (Archivio Storico Fiat, Turin)