"When I first visited the campus I thought this University had a very unique character."

On the morning of March 31, the School of Architecture was witness to the last class given by Professor Eduardo Bayo, who took the opportunity to review his academic career, explaining the analysis and design of Structures for seismic risk. In this interview Bayo reviews the more than thirty years he has dedicated to university life, the impact his students have left on him and his upcoming projects.

What is your first memory in college?

It was during my first visit to the campus, in 1993. I was invited by José María Bastero, who was then Vice President of research (1991-1996), and I remember how much I enjoyed the visit to the Central Building I went down to the basement and saw the cabin, the train compartment, the station clock and the photos of the Ortiz Echagüe bequest , which at that time were housed in the basement. I was shocked and amused by all that, and I thought that this University had a very unique character. 

What or who motivated you to do the thesis and start your academic life?

I studied Civil Engineering in Madrid and, when I finished, I started working in a consulting firm specialized in Structures, on seismic issues and dynamic analysis of Structures, which at that time were at the forefront of structural design applied to civil engineering and architecture. 

I applied for a scholarship from a Spanish foundation to study a Master's Degree at the University of Berkeley, in California. And there I went to study the postgraduate program. As a result of my minor thesis, my professor, Edward Wilson, invited me to do my doctoral thesis . I received a scholarship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States and that is how I started my academic life in the United States. Berkeley was the motivation. 

And how did you get to the University?

In 1995, after spending ten years as a professor at the University of Santa Barbara in California, José María Bastero offered me the Chair of Structures at the School of Architecture, which was vacant. After consulting with my wife, we decided to return to Spain. 

What have you enjoyed most about working at the University?

Undoubtedly, the contact with people. Carrying out my teaching and my research, surrounded by good colleagues from the School and from other universities with which we have collaborated. I have had a very special attention with all my doctoral students, as well as with my advisors. I have also enjoyed very much the research work that I have been able to do at the School, especially in the Building laboratory . I will fondly remember the contact and the work with the technicians, with a special memory to Javier Bada, who passed away in 2017.

Do you have any memories or anecdotes that you hold especially dear?

All the memories I have are especially fond. The year I started teaching, I taught a subject in the largest classroom of the School, which was crowded with students. I have fond memories of that first class, and two of those students were encouraged to do their doctoral thesis with me. 

In addition, a group of students from the previous graduating class asked me to give an intensive seminar to deal with more advanced topics of Structures analysis. It lasted a few weeks and, in the course of that seminar, one of my sons got sick and we had to admit him to the Clinic. For some reason, my students found out about it and when I resumed the classes, they brought me some toys and candies for my son. That made a big impact on me. That sample of affection from those students made me very happy. 

What will you miss most about teaching?

Above all, contact with students, especially those who are interested in class , who are motivated and who ask challenge questions. 

If you had to give a committee, what would it be?

To the doctorate students, who will take over, I would tell them to strive for excellence, both in their teaching and in their research. In time, they will see the fruits of that effort. 

And to architecture students I would tell them to always act in the spirit of service to those behind their projects, and to always put themselves in the shoes of the people who will inhabit the buildings they design. 

What are you going to do from now on?

I may continue to help in the department. But I will not give up teaching, as I will replace it with family teaching : I will dedicate myself, above all, to my grandchildren. 

I retire with pleasure and gratitude to the University. I can only thank it and the School of Architecture, which have allowed me to develop my professor and research work.