From mathematical to physical model: the nervilab experience

The contribution of NerViLab as part of the exhibition Pier Luigi Nervi, Architecture as a challenge, focused on the analysis of structural, geometric formal and constructivem aspects in a series works of Pier Luigi Nervi. The exhibition, curated by Carlo Olmo, consists of a large international cycle of exhibitions dedicated to the great Italian talent and is sponsored by Pier Luigi Nervi Research and Knowledge Management Project, the CIVA Centre International pour la Ville, l’Architecture et le Paysage in Brussels and from the MAXXI, in collaboration with CSAC Research Center and Archive Communication of Parma. The research of NerViLab focuses on the operation of Reverse Modeling using a research methodology based on virtual laboratory in which computer models of the architecture choices are develop; the three-dimensional mathematical model is aimed at the creation of physical models for prototyping by stereolithography. Unlike the standard process of Reverse Engineering, in which the mathematical description (CAD) is obtained from the physical model, for Nervi’s architectures the archive sources were the natural starting point. The research work has been inspired by a scientific collaboration agreement between the Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome and the Archive Centre of MAXXI, as well as the information made available from the archives of CONI and the CSAC in Parma.