Luigi Moretti: The Fascist Architect Who Deserves Reconsideration

Luigi Moretti, an Italian architect marginalized for his fascist past, is being reconsidered for his architectural and theoretical contributions. Criticized by Manfredo Tafuri and Bruno Zevi, Moretti was a successful professional who co-founded Cofimprese with Count Adolfo Fossataro, playing a key role in post-war reconstruction, especially in Milan. Despite being labeled a formalist and reactionary, his works like Casa delle Armi, Palazzina del Girasole, and Villa La Saracena showcase his mastery of curves and space. His theoretical work, including the journal Spazio, emphasized space as central, aligning with Zevi's own views. Moretti's later projects, such as the Terme di Bonifacio VIII and the church Sancta Mater Ecclesiae, blend Baroque and informal styles. The author argues that Moretti's parametric approach and spatial concepts influenced architects like Venturi and Eisenman, and he deserves a fresh evaluation beyond his fascist-era buildings.