Giovanni Pesce

Giovanni Pesce is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Northumbria University Newcastle. His work bridges historical building knowledge with modern material science to develop sustainable construction solutions. With expertise spanning building archaeology, material characterization, and traditional construction techniques, he contributes significantly to the field of low-carbon construction materials.

His educational background includes:

• Civil Engineering PhD from University of Bath (2014)
• Materials Engineering PhD from University of Genoa (2006)
• Architecture MSc from University of Genoa (1999)

Pesce's research focuses on decoding empirical knowledge from historical construction practices to develop modern sustainable building materials. His multidisciplinary approach combines material science, building archaeology, and conservation techniques to create lime-based materials with reduced environmental impact. He explores how traditional methods can inform contemporary construction challenges while preserving historical authenticity.

His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on lime chemistry, mortar analysis, and historical construction techniques. Recent work examines the effects of various additives on material properties, radiocarbon dating of historical mortars, and the scientific validation of traditional lime mixing methods. His research bridges archaeological investigation with modern material science to advance sustainable construction practices.

Pesce maintains active professional affiliations:

• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3)
• Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
• Architects Registration Board (ARB)
• Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE)
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

He supervises postgraduate research including Tyler Lott Johnston's work on bio-based construction materials. His research portfolio includes multiple projects with Historic England, investigating mortar properties for Hadrian's Wall and York Minster Cathedral conservation. Pesce also served as co-investigator on an EPSRC-funded project examining atomistic modeling of lime in construction materials at the University of Bath.