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Scientific Report 2007-2009
The Scientific Report has been edited by Daniele del Re, Marco De Petris, Leonardo Gualtieri, Fabio Sciarrino.
Cover graphics by Fulvio Medici:
Picture of Marconi Building
Department of Physics
Main Campus of Sapienza Università di Roma
Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Roma
In the 1930s, a group of young architects, directed by Marcello Piacentini, created the new University
Campus of Rome. The building which currently hosts the Department of Physics was designed by Giuseppe
Pagano (1896-1945) between 1932 and 1935. After the death of Guglielmo Marconi, in 1937, it was given the
name Istituto Guglielmo Marconi.
Originally Paganos building extended over 3400 square metres, and was divided into two main parts corresponding
to Advanced Physics and Experimental Physics. It included workshops, a library and the guards houses. The two
hundred and thirty-seven rooms that composed the building were organized following a functional scheme, related
to the plant design and to the construction features of the building. The formal solutions, such as the mechanism
of the windows, were defined with an aim to the maximal functionality; interior niches, colours, doors and windows
were the same for all premises.
The innovative conception and use of leading-edge techniques make this building a masterpiece of aesthetics
and functionality, mentioned in various Architecture textbooks. Indeed, it had a profound influence on the other
architects who worked at the University Campus. The building plan is the result of a free articulation of the various
parts, according to the different functions that should be carried out, harmoniously incorporated as well-defined
volumes to which the vacuum corresponds as an essential complement of rhythm.
Guido Martinelli
Sapienza Università di Roma 2 Dipartimento di Fisica