...«With
the "Roma" establishment, Milani was innovative, if not
from the architectural perspective, certainly from the construction
standpoint. The techniques and materials used made "Roma"
the first bathing establishment built in nude reinforced
concrete, without plaster which would have deteriorated
with the salt air, an optimal solution and in the vanguard
at the time of the project (1923-24).
The first stone was laid on August 10, 1924 concurrently
with the opening of the Rome-Ostia railroad. "Roma" commenced
activity on July 1, 1925 with only the ground floor; the
work was completed in 1927.
The island thus created facing the shore was immediately
frequented by the aristocracy and the rich bourgeois of
the era.
The structure included a restaurant on the ground floor
with a diameter of 24 meters and a combination dance hall/gymnasium
on the first floor with a diameter of il 11.5 meters, connected
to the beach by means of a long walkway (62 meters long
and 6.5 meters wide). The "Roma" rotunda was not an absolute
novelty for the Roman coast, but it was certainly the most
noticeable.»...
...«In
his design Magni takes inspiration from churches of the
late Renaissance so that the rotation of the central axis
forms symmetrical planes in all directions, also the exterior
which makes the paln easily read.
The coat of arms of Pope Pius XI surmounts the
entrace door. The lateral and legible body of the rest of
the building reminds us of the characteristics of monasteries.
In addition to reinforced concrete, the materials
used were travertine and bricks. The church was intended to
be a votive temple, dedicated to the Queen of Peace in order
that the conflict of World War I could be ended.
A visual dialogue started up between the cupola
designed by Milani for the "Roma" estabilishment and the cupola
which Magni designed for the "Regina Pacis" church, evidencing
the bond which united and still unites Ostia to its sea.»
Eventi 2011
