ABSTRACT
Harry Seidler (1923–2006) and Pier Luigi Nervi (1891–1978) first met in Paris in 1955 on the construction site of the UNESCO Headquarters, which was designed by their mutual friend, Marcel Breuer. Seven years later, the two met again, although this time in Rome to study the design planned for the iconic Australia Square Tower. Later, from 1963 to 1978, Seidler engaged Nervi as a consultant for the design of several commissions. Through discussion of the events that have surrounded and revealed the design and constructional aspects of the Nervi-Seidler projects, this paper examines the role of their professional collaboration in the work of the Australian architect and, simultaneously illuminates the last period of Nervi’s career, the so-called “third life”.
