Silvio Galizia’s reinforced concrete shell roofs : An experience of cross-pollination between the ETH Zurich and Italian structural engineering after World War II

Abstract

In the post-Second World War era, Switzerland and Italy emerged as key players in the field of reinforced concrete construction by establishing a unique synergy between artistic craftsmanship and scientific exploration. This dynamic milieu gave rise to the noteworthy architect Silvio Galizia (19251989), who built ten thin concrete shell roofs for ecclesiastical commissioners and patrons. Galizia approached his projects with an attitude that synthesizes the multiple experiences of his Swiss academic training and Italian professional practices. He also included trends and practices adopted by his international colleagues in the design and construction of thin shells and concrete structures. Galizia’s approach to the design of thin concrete shells was characterized by a pursuit of combining construction simplicity, cost-effectiveness, exploration of innovative spatial solutions, and the quest for efficient structural performance. This paper focuses on two of Galizia’s earlier works in more detail: the Camilluccia and Verbiti churches. The former has a double-curved thin shell made of reinforced concrete, the latter creates an association of four shells around a central plan, close to but not identical to hyperbolic paraboloids. These will be analyzed to demonstrate his mastery of a particular construction technique for building paraboloid-like concrete shells with minimal use of formworks.