2° Capther The first works of the architect Luigi Moretti in Ostia

«[...] Luigi Moretti was born in Rome in 1907 and obtained his degree in architecture in 1930. He participated immediately in the cultural debate on modern architecture signing the puzzling proclamation of the RAMI (Raggruppamento Architetti Moderni Italiani - Group of Modern Italian Architects) just a few days before the MIAR (Movimento Italiano per un'Architettura Razionale - Italian Movement for a Rationai Architecture) whose secretary was the architect Libera, was condemned by Fascism. [...] In Ostia he started work while very young still as a student and then as a new graduate. He designed his first work at the age of 21, the residences in Piazza Regina Pacis at the corner of Via A. Celli. Placed symmetrically on a rectangular lot, the two identical buildings present a plan with a perimeter surrounding a double structural body and three entrances on two sides. The area is delimited on one side by Corso Regina Elena and according to the Regulatory Plan of 1916 was destined for intensive isolated constructions. This was transformed by the following plan of 1928 into an area of common detached houses, to avoid having high buildings facing the Regina Pacis basilica. [...] In Ostia Moretti designed four bathing establisbments: "Adua", "Adria", "Regina Margherita" and "Bagni Caio Duilio" (now the Capanno). The "Duilio" is certainly one of the most architecturally interesting establishments on the entire coast between Ostia and Castelfusano. [...] In 1960 Moretti designed Casal Palocco, the residential area of the hinterland, commissioned by the Società Generale Immobiliare.»