DESIGNED IN ITALY, MADE IN AUSTRALIA. The Australian work of Pier Luigi Nervi

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 than 15 years. The Exhibition “Designed in Italy, Made in Australia” curated by Paolo Stracchi will showcase for the first time, 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.

Pierluigi Nervi – Australia Square Algorithm

As a part of the exhibition Arturo Tedeschi translated the Nervi System into visual algorithms (Grasshopper platform) aiming to investigate the procedural approach behind the work of the Italian engineer. The complete algorithmic-process for the Australia Square slab is presented in the following document:

[OPEN PDF] > Australia Square Algorithm – algorithmic process developed in Rhino-Grasshopper by Arturo Tedeschi. 

Venues
Tin Sheds Gallery
The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
148 City Road, Darlington
Dates: 11 July – 7 September 2019
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am – 5 pm, Open Saturday 13 July, 9am – 3pm
Opening night: Thursday 11 July 2019, 6:30pm
Australia Square
264 George Street, Sydney
Dates: 18 September – 10 October 2019
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm

Sponsors
Seidler Architectural Foundation
Harry Seidler & Associates
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Dexus and The GPT Group
Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney
Arturo Tedeschi