Medal Fine Arts of architecture for Roberto Meli
The work of engineer Roberto Meli Piralla, pioneer in the study of seismic engineering, will be recognized in September, a date that requires us to bear in mind the importance of structural engineering and seismic design of buildings.
September, Patriotic month, is a date that brings to mind earthquakes and our vulnerabilities. Following the past events, and especially in the area of architecture, it reminds us that it is necessary to work in an interdisciplinary way to prevent, revise the condition of the current buildings, and propose measures designed to design in a safe way.
But it is also a month that invites to celebrate positive aspects, like the solidarity of the Mexicans in difficult moments; Or the existence of many professionals capable and committed to social welfare, whose work really makes a difference in people's lives. This is the case of Roberto Meli Piralla, pioneer in the study of seismic engineering and dedicated professional restoration of historical and artistic buildings, who will receive the medal fine Arts of Architecture on September 5.
Originally from Rome, Italy, Roberto Meli arrived in Mexico in 1957 to do the civil engineer career at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He was a disciple of Luis Esteva Matailo, Francisco Robles and Roger Díaz de Cossío. Since 1964 he has given the chair of structural engineering in his alma mater and has been coordinator of the Postgraduate course in seismic engineering. He is a researcher emeritus of the UNAM Institute of Engineering and recently obtained recognition of the engineering trajectory of the Association of Real Estate developers, a distinction that was previously obtained by three of his teachers.
His academic activity is outstanding, by teaching courses and lectures in several national and international educational centers, and as a teacher at the University of Texas and at the Polytechnic of Milan. In addition, it is part of the Academic committee of the postgraduate in Urbanism and directs the academic subcommittee of Civil Engineering of the postgraduate program in engineering of the UNAM.
It was precisely because of the tremor of September 19, 1985, which began to devote a long time to the study of subjects linked to the behavior and diagnosis of constructive systems, and thus defined criteria of wide acceptance, both at the national level and in the International, for decision making in the areas of design, construction and rehabilitation of structures.
His research has helped to reduce the vulnerability of construction and damage losses, as well as the corresponding repairs. A sample of this work are its numerous publications, some of them considered as a compulsory reference for the teaching of architecture and restoration: Seismic design of buildings, structural design of historical buildings and convents Sixteenth-century Mexicans. Construction, structural engineering and conservation to name a few.
In past years he received the National Civil Engineering Award from the College of Civil Engineers of Mexico; And the present recognition will be given to him during a ceremony that will take place at 19:00 hours in the room Manuel M. Ponce of the Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico City, where he will be accompanied by Xavier Cortés Rocha, Ephraim Ovando Shelley, Arturo Balandrano and Dolores Martínez Orralde, director of architecture of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA).