Curated by Paolo Stracchi, University of Sydney
Pier Luigi Nervi (1891–1979) was a structural engineer but also a revolutionary Italian master builder, architect and artist, who forged, through the invention of the Sistema Nervi – Nervi System – a new structural aesthetic for modern architecture. In Australia, the Sistema Nervi was for the first time adopted with the construction of the Australia Square Tower, designed by Harry Seidler. The success of the famous circular tower led to a fruitful collaboration that lasted for more than15 years. The Exhibition will, for the first time, showcase, work developed during the 60s and 70s by the world-famous Italian engineer and his office in Rome for Harry Seidler. By revealing the richness and historical significance of this collaboration, the exhibition will pay tribute to the two men and their shared Australian legacy, casting light on its unexpected Italian affinities and celebrating it into the future.
Paolo Stracchi is an architectural engineer and Lecturer in Architectural Technology at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning of the University of Sydney. His research work investigates on the seamless relationship between architecture and construction, and on historical construction methods and speculative design upon the same. Paolo has practised extensively as a Project Designer in Italy and Australia and attained a PhD in Architecture and Construction from the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney
Monday-Friday, 10.00 am-5.00 pm
Australia Square was completed in 1967 by Harry Seidler after his collaboration with Pier Luigi Nervi:
https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen/2018/australia-square
Opening of the exhibition: 19 September 2019, 5.00-7.00 pm.
Free entry.