Sergio Musmeci (Form as the Unknown)

Sergio Musmeci (1926–1981), an engineer of the Italian postwar modernist period, created an extensive work of remarkable structures featuring innovative structural systems. Musmeci’s explorations are based on the idea that the form of a structure is directly related to the flow of forces. The book identifies key developments in his design concepts and provides insight into his methodological approaches, relying on mathematical and physical models, and as well early computer-aided techniques. It also traces the sources of his guiding ideas and examines the collaborations with architects and engineers, such as Adalberto Libera, Carlo Mollino, Riccardo Morandi, Pier Luigi Nervi, Giuseppe Vaccaro, and Zenaide Zanini.

• First comprehensive publication on a fascinating engineer of Italian postwar architecture
• Documentation of an innovative design methodology that continues to inspire today
• Photographs taken specifically for this publication, as well as extensive historical visual material, much of which is published here for the first time
• 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Sergio Musmeci’s birth