a+u 2025:09 Feature: Pier Luigi Nervi
Content
This September issue features the Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi (1891–1979). In his lifetime, Nervi gained worldwide fame as one of the 20th century’s greatest creators of structural architectures, and his body of work, including his lesser-known projects, continues to affirm his remarkable contribution to his field.
Nervi was called upon to conceive works characterized by large spaces and to explore material possibilities, structure, technicality, economy, aesthetic expression, workability, and functionality. While these key concerns sometimes yielded contradictions, his aptitude for finding the ideal “compromise” where everything works was among his natural talents. Optimal compromises often lead to meek end points, but Nervi possessed the ability to create works of outstanding surprise, which is what made Nervi “the Nervi.” Notably, this skill was not an accident, but the result of his repeated experiments and deliberation.
Despite Nervi’s fame, upon his death and the subsequent unexpected closure of his office, many of his drawings were divided up and stored in a scattered way. Unfortunately, for a time Nervi was, in a sense, forgotten as posthumous criticism from prominent Italian voices curtailed open discussion of his work. Nervi was “rediscovered” in the early 1990s, and his significant legacy has reemerged today thanks to numerous research efforts, such as the seminal archival studies by Claudio Greco; the conservation activities of my fellow guest editor for this publication, Francesco Romeo; and the actions of the Pier Luigi Nervi Project Foundation. This issue’s review of Nervi’s projects not only reflects this rediscovery but also offers a comprehensive overview of his ideas and work.
As with much of modern architecture, Nervi’s works present us with the challenge of preservation. The examples of preservation and utilization presented in Irene Matteini’s essay show that preservation is our way to the future. Saikaku Toyokawa’s essay clarifies Nervi’s influence on Kenzo Tange and how Tange evaluated Nervi, while the essay by William F. Baker, a prominent structural engineer for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), brings his professional perspective to Nervi’s work and philosophy.Together, the essays bring the multidimensional facets of Pier Luigi Nervi’s oeuvre into greater focus.
Yoko Fukuda-Noennig
Guest Editor
Essay: Nervi’s Timeless Philosophy
William F. Baker
Early Years
Pier Luigi Nervi Early Years: 1913–1948
Claudio Greco
Banchini Theater, Augusteo Cinema-Theater and Funicular Station /
Berta Stadium / Aircraft Hangars / Prefabricated Hangars /
Agricultural Workshop
Experimental Warehouse at Magliana
Milan Trade Fair Pavilion
Turin Exhibition Center: Hall B
Salt Warehouses
1950s
Turin Exhibition Center: Hall C
Tobacco Bale Warehouse
Chianciano Thermal Bath
Gatti Wool Mill
Turin Municipal Transport Company Workshop
Palazzetto dello Sport
UNESCO Headquarters
The Pirelli Tower
Flaminio Stadium
Palazzo dello Sport
Essay: Preserving Nervi
Irene Matteini
1960s
Savona Railway Station
Palazzo del Lavoro
Leverone Field House, Dartmouth College
Burgo Paper Mill
George Washington Bridge Bus Station
Water tower Fiat Mirafiori Complex
Motta Grill Motorway Service Station
Stock Exchange Tower
Australia Square Tower
Essay: Pier Luigi Nervi and Kenzo Tange
Saikaku Toyokawa
1970s
Saint Mary of Assumption Cathedral
Paul VI Audience Hall
Norfolk Scope Arena
Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia Headquarters
Australian Embassy in Paris
MLC Centre
Presidential Funeral Chapel
Good Hope Centre
Italian Embassy in Brasilia
Essay: Pier Luigi Nervi – An Enduring, Inspiring Legacy
Francesco Romeo