On September 23rd 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the University of Pavia will host a special event in memory of Professor Giorgio Macchi, one year after his passing. This memorial event, held in Room 4 of the Tamburo building in the Cravino Campus, will be attended by renowned academics, engineering professionals, friends, and colleagues who shared part of Professor Macchi’s life and work.
An Heir to Italian Structural Engineering
Giorgio Macchi, born in Milan in 1930, was a prominent figure in Italian structural engineering. After graduating in civil engineering from the Turin Polytechnic, where he was a student of the renowned engineer Franco Levi, Macchi began his academic career at the Turin Polytechnic, then at the IUAV in Venice, and finally at the University of Pavia. Here, he contributed decisively to the foundation of the Faculty of Engineering and the Pavia School of Structural Engineering.
His studies and research have covered numerous aspects of structural engineering, ranging from the analysis of reinforced concrete and masonry structures to the preservation of historical monuments. His best-known contributions include studies on prestressing, nonlinear analysis of structures, and design and verification criteria for masonry structures. The last phase of his career focused on studying pathologies and safeguarding historical monuments, with significant interventions in the Cathedral of Pavia, the Tower of Pisa and other notable heritage structures.
A Protagonist of the International Academic Scene
Professor Macchi’s fame extended beyond the national borders. He has been an active member of numerous international technical-scientific committees, including the CEB (Comité Euro-International du Béton) and the IABSE (International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering), of which he was also vice-president. He also participated in committees for the drafting of the Eurocodes, the European standards for the design of structures.
His rigorous and innovative approach and deep humanity earned him the admiration and respect of generations of students and colleagues. Macchi was a passionate lecturer and a gifted design engineer, capable of combining theory and practice with results of exceptional quality.
The Event Programme
The commemorative event will begin at 10 a.m. with institutional greetings from the academic and city authorities, including the Mayor of Pavia, the Rector of the University of Pavia, the President of the Faculty of Engineering and the Director of the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr).
This will be followed by talks by leading academics and professionals who have collaborated with or been inspired by Professor Macchi’s work, including:
• Gian Michele Calvi – Full Professor IUSS Pavia
• Mario Alberto Chiorino – Professor Emeritus Politecnico di Torino
• Stefano Macchi – Design Engineer Studio Macchi Milan
• Arun Menon – Full Professor Indian Institute of Technology Madras
• Alberto Pavese – Associate Professor University of Pavia
• Theodosios Tassios – Professor Emeritus Nat. Tech. University of Athens
• Carlo Viggiani – Professor Emeritus University of Naples Federico II
• Elizabeth Vintzileou – Full Professor Nat. Tech. University of Athens
Prof. Guido Magenes of the University of Pavia will chair the session. The talks will provide an overview of Professor Macchi’s contribution to research and practice in structural engineering, with first-hand accounts and reflections on his scientific and human legacy.
This will be followed by the dedication ceremony of the Official Materials and Structures Testing Laboratory in memory of Professor Giorgio Macchi, a tangible recognition of his commitment and dedication to the field of engineering.
Here is the brochure with the complete programme.
How to Participate
The event is open to the public, and participation is free, but registration is required via the form available at the following link.
For those who cannot be physically present, there is the possibility of following the event via streaming. The link for the connection will be e-mailed to those registered who request it at the time of registration.
For all those who would like to follow it remotely without having registered, the link is as follows: https://www.youtube.com/@EUCENTRE/live
Participation in attendance will entitle participants to 2 CFP credits.
