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Revisiting the "M Stadium" Project by Luigi Moretti: A Forgotten Model of

Parametric Architecture

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 Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposium 2019 – Structural Membranes 2019
Form and Force
7 – 10 October 2019, Barcelona, Spain
C. Lázaro, K.-U. Bletzinger, E. Oñate (eds.)

Revisiting the “M Stadium” Project by Luigi Moretti: A Forgotten

Model of Parametric Architecture
Piermaria CAPONI*, Fabio CUTRONIa, Landolf RHODE-BARBARIGOSb

*University of Rome La Sapienza

Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental, Architecture, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma
piermaria.caponi@uniroma1.it

b University of Miami, Department of Civil, Architecture and Environmental Engineering

Abstract
Nowadays the term parametric modeling refers to a computer-aided design process where digital
representation and interactive computation allow designers to have complete freedom on their designs’
form and sometimes behavior. However, the term historically did not reflect such a freedom. In his
article entitled «Structure comme Forme» published in 1953 on the «United States Lines Paris Review»
[1] Italian architect Luigi Moretti (1907-1973) defined it as: […] The enumeration of the parameters,
scientific research, the quantitative mathematical analysis of these parameters, these form a task to be
tackled a priori by the new architecture in every case. There will thus be born that architecture I have
long demanded, and to which I gave the name parametric. Its ineluctable geometrical character, the
rigorous interconnection of its forms, the absolute freedom of phantasy itself which can spring up where
equations cannot fix their own roots all this will give it a crystal splendor. […] According to Moretti,
parametric architecture is thus expressed through mathematics and the exploration of parametric
equations [2]. Therefore, this study revisits Moretti’s work on the IRMOU’s “M Soccer Stadium”
project, designed for the XII Triennale Exposition of Milan in 1960, in order to examine his
mathematical form-finding approach to architecture. The mathematically generated shape of the M
Stadium based on iso-visibility curves is recreated and explored through three-dimensional CAD
modeling. The mathematical relationship that drives the design of the stadium analyzed and the
influence of its parameters is further investigated using current graphical techniques.
Keywords: parametric architecture, luigi moretti, structure as form, form finding, conceptual design, parametric
equation, computational design, optimization, technic era.

1. Introduction
Architectural theories developed by Luigi Walter
Moretti (1907-1973) derive from his specific humanist
background that is linked to Italian historical context and post-
war construction period. His goal was to create science-based
architectural paradigms that address the debate of the
technological age. Therefore, his research was followed by a
new architectural language definition. Moretti assimilated
knowledge in sciences, arts and architecture from his father,
who was a Belgian architect engineer. Moretti’s interest in
applied mathematics and modern science motivated him to Figure 1: XII Triennale Exposition of Milan
develop a novel theoretical framework based on the in 1960, M Stadium and N Stadium
combination of the mathematic and architecture (Rostagni, Physical Model (Archivio centrale dello
2008 [3]). He affirmed that his peculiar approach was inspired Stato, acs_mor_progetti_198_foto_03065).
by groups theory enunciated by Évariste Galois (1811-1832).

Copyright © 2019 by Piermaria Caponi

Published by the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) with permission.
 Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposium 2019 – Structural Membranes 2019
Form and Force

After World War II, he returned to Rome and founded the magazine «Spazio» in 1950 published until
1953. The magazine can be considered as his personal manifesto reflecting an opportunity of interaction
between arts, from architecture to sculpture, painting and science theories through technological
features. It is, in the sixth publication of «Spazio» (dec.1951/jan1952) that Moretti exposed an extensive
theory on Parametric Architecture. This theory was also presented on the «United States Lines Paris
Review» in 1954. Moretti’s theory aligns with the activities of the National Institute for Mathematical
and Operative Research for Urbanism – IRMOU 1957; which, along with several scientists worked on
parametric theory operative aspects (Esposito De Vita, 2009 [4]). They focused on urban design. Their
objective was to moderate subjectivity by modelling planning through mathematical parametric
equations, as well they worked on architectural design as Moretti had theoretically illustrated years
before. The Vice-president of IRMOU’s group, the mathematician Bruno de Finetti (1906-1985), had
the key note in the group’s success. His collaboration with Figure 2: Moretti M Stadium. (su
Moretti resulted in a series of stadium design conceived for the concessione del Ministero per i Beni e le
exhibition XII Milan Triennale in 1960 (Fig. 1-2), that were attività culturali (Archivio centrale dello
presented in the Parametric Architecture Manifesto. Moretti Stato acs_mor_progetti_198_foto_03065).
improved parametric architecture concept during his
professional activities. (1951-1960) (Viati Navone, 2012 [5]), (Reichlin, 2010 [6]), (Bucci, 2000 [7]).
In 1958, he was involved into the Olympic Village project and construction for the XVII Olympic
Games scheduled for 1960 in Rome. A decade later, he designed the Stock Exchange Tower of Montreal,
(Tour de la Bourse 1964 Montreal, Canada) (Sheppard, 2008 [8]) and the Watergate complex in
Washington (1963 and 1971, United States of America). In addition, he conducted a remarkable project
based on parametric architecture theory for the two thousand-seat underground car park under Villa
Borghese in Rome, which was inaugurated in 1973. Moretti’s belief on parametric architecture can also
be found in some aspects of project in Fiuggi, the new Bonifacio VIII Spa thermal complex 1972.

2. Parametric Architecture Theory: A New Paradigm of Design

Nowadays the debate on parametric modelling derives from a co-optation of the mathematical
meaning into a digital domain, identifying a new architectural style represented by coding-based models.
However, in a brief historical note attributable to an article entitled «Structure comme Forme» (
published in 1954 on the «United States Lines Paris Review») Moretti wrote: (Fig. 3) [...] The
Architecture of the future will truly have to start from this vigorous research on the parameters, research
that will immediately and widely separate it from the architecture of the past, and from almost all of
that we call modern. The latter must soon collapse in a new perspective that will reduce it to the level
of 19th century architecture. The enumeration of the parameters, scientific research, the quantitative
mathematical analysis of these parameters, these form a task to be tackled a priori by the new
architecture in every case. There will thus be born that architecture I have long demanded, and to which
I gave the name parametric. Its ineluctable geometrical character, the rigorous interconnection of its
forms, the absolute freedom of phantasy itself which can spring up where equations cannot fix their own
roots all this will give it a crystal splendor. The various structures of an architecture concerning each
aspect of the forms a group of differences that are always, by their substance, visible differences are
above all structures of representations, which in current language means that architecture, like all other
arts, is reality and representation. [...] (Moretti, 1954 [9]). The origin of the note documented above is
associated to the article intitled «Struttura come Forma» that Moretti wrote on his «Spazio 6» magazine.
As matter of fact the parametric architecture theory was introduced years earlier (Moretti, 1951 [10]).

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Form and Force

Figure 3: Structure as Form group's theory analogy, by L. Moretti. United States Lines Paris Review, presented
by Marcel Coudeyre, Luigi Moretti, “Structure comme forme” (Structure as Form), published in French and
English, 1954. The New York Public Library, NY 10018 United States

The parametric architecture theory describes design process in terms of mathematical

relationships. Mathematical relationships are analyzed in a parametric form, described by Moretti
himself as structure. These associations are his source of both inspiration and aesthetic exploration. This
engaged Moretti to establish rules of quantitative parameters related to the equation, leading to
architectural creation. Thus, his work reflects a primary form of dialectic form finding with the form
being defined by a mathematical equation with a multitude of parameters. These parameters and their
interconnections are settled starting from qualitative analysis of architectural scheme with the solution
of parametric equation being form demanded. Moretti's awareness incites us to pay attention to the fact
that parametric architecture theory derived from the need to clarify architectural design process. It is the
overcoming of discouraging plethora of forms presented to us by traditional architectural language that
is overwhelming us and that is supported by an iconographic culture. For this reason, an intuition should
lead us to reject as many as possible free form, design as self-referential (Moretti, 1951 [11]). In other
words, if designer establishes a mathematical expression based on quantitative parameters and their
reciprocal concatenations (such as the qualities of materials), the concept will be clearly indicated by
the solution. From this point of view, the solution forces designer to explore with scientific rigor its form
and its alternatives as minimal design oscillations of concept itself. If parameters are numerous and
hardly definable, the simplified parametric equation can only indicate an approximate form.
Consequentially, additional steps are required to define the structure in order to have a complete form
definition. The structure has its own proper meaning assumed from a mathematical logic perspective,
related to a set of relations based on Évariste Galois group's theory analogy (Moretti, 1954 [9]). A new
design with architectural aesthetic paradigm emerged from those complex relationships among
parameters constituted by the structure of the form and underlined by pure relationships (Imperiale,
2018 [12]). IRMOU's work on parametric architecture theory is known from the XII Milan Triennale
1960, where Moretti in collaboration with Sergio Bertuglia, Anna Cuzzer, Giovanni Cordella and other
professionals presented an architectural form design for sports facilities through several physical
models. It is important to notice that design scope was to optimize form of the stadium by defining
spectators’ seats through consideration of their visibility to selected field areas. Based on this concept,
five parametric equations were created and presented in the exhibition with several physical models.
Furthermore, inputs of parametric equation, analyzed trough the assistance of IBM 610 Auto Point
computer, allowed visitors to compute in real time parameters' values and generate different bi-
dimensional geometries of soccer stadium in order to validate the theory. A swimming pool and a tennis
stadium models were also presented in order to demonstrate versatility of this dialectic design process.

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Form and Force

3. IRMOU: 12ª Triennale di Milano 1960: The “M Stadium” Project

In order to understand Moretti’s work, it is important to clearly enunciate the parametric
architecture principles and illustrate analytical process. The aim of this section is to explore, through
three-dimensional modeling and current graphical techniques, the mathematically generated M Stadium
form. The stadium form is based on iso-visibility area generation; thus, the scope of this work is to
analyze the parametric equation that governs the design. Moreover, as deduced during the study, the
parametric architecture methodology has been summarized into three main steps, clearly reported and
the mathematical equation is enunciated in synthesis as following:
i. Typology definition;
ii. Parameters definition;
iii. Analytical description;

Visual perception research was employed to identify critical areas associated to stadium's
typology as well to affected activities, as illustrated in the schematized photogrammetry survey analysis
(Typology definition) (Fig. 4). Once visual perception is identified, as main theme of the stadium form
design, leads to determining the optimal viewing angle, which is approximately 35° in mutual definition
from spectator's seats distance to main interest's areas centers (Parameter definition). This geometrical
study is illustrated in the original drawing (Fig. 5). The parameters considered in analytical description
are shown in the (Fig. 7), that addresses visual path of the field. The main areas of interest are represented
by two circles with 50 meters diameter centers. 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 indicate the circles overlapping on the
playground field. These centers are positioned on longitudinal axis of soccer playground, (110 per 60 m
rectangular section) at 15 meters of distance from smaller sides. (Fig. 7)

Figure 4: Moebius Unità della cultura: Architettura Urbanistica Arte, 14. Transport of the photogram on a
perspective, 15. Transport of the photogram on an azimuth reticle.
Circles represent the main area of interest. For each of
these areas, visibility is based on a distance function 𝑑𝑖 = C𝑖 𝑃.
The visibility in the centers of the areas 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 is considered (0).
The visibility is considered at its maximum when the area itself
is seen under an angle of 35°. Consequently, if distance tends to
(∞), the viewing tends to (0) instead. (Analytical relationship
description). M Stadium visibility is expressed by the
mathematical function 𝑊 = 𝑑1𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑 ) + 𝑑2𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑 ) «Moebius
Unità della cultura: Architettura Urbanistica Arte» (Moretti
1971 [13]).The function is sum of two parametric equation
combining visibility of two circles (Fig. 5)
Figure 5: Original Drawing; “su concessione del Ministero per i Beni e le attività culturali”; (Archivio centrale
dello Stato, acs_mor_progetti_60_198_es_05).

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The physical prototype showed at exhibition, is reconstructed here using a three-dimensional model.
Starting from several measurements deducted in the picture, the reciprocal distance from P point to 𝐶1 ,
𝐶2 circumference’ centers generates the Iso visibility curves diagram (Fig. 6). The distance between the
i center and point p that generate the Iso - visibility curves:

𝑑𝑖 = C𝑖 𝑃 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦); 𝐶1 (𝑎, 𝑏); 𝐶2 (𝑐, 𝑑); (1)

𝑑1 = C1 P= √(𝑥 − 𝑎)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑏)2

𝑑2 = C2 P= √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑑)2

The parametric equations established for the areas are given by:
𝑊1 = 𝑑1𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑1 ); 𝑊2 = 𝑑2𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑2 ); 𝐾𝑖 ≠ 0 (2)
with their sum being the M Stadium equation:
𝑊 = 𝑑1𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑 ) + 𝑑2𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑘𝑑 ) = (𝑒 −𝑑1 𝑘−𝑑2 𝑘 )(𝑑1𝑘 𝑒 𝑑2 𝑘 + 𝑒 𝑑1 𝑘 𝑑2𝑘 ) (3)
The described Iso - visibility Areas of M Stadium are the projections on the horizontal plan of the
shape’s curve described by the integral (Fig. 7).
𝜕
𝜕𝑑1
(𝑑1𝑘 𝑒 −(𝑘𝑑1 ) + 𝑑2𝑘 𝑒 −(𝑘𝑑2 ) )=(𝑑1 -1)𝑘𝑑1𝑘−1 𝑒 −(𝑘𝑑1 )

∫(𝑑1𝑘 𝑒 −(𝑘𝑑1 ) + 𝑑2𝑘 𝑒 −(𝑘𝑑2 ) )𝒅 𝑑1

𝑑1𝑘 (𝑑1 𝑘)−𝑘 Γ(𝑘 + 1, 𝑘𝑑1 )
= 𝑑1 𝑑2𝑘 𝑒 −(𝑑2 𝑘) − + 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 (4)
𝑘

The explicit K’s formula describes the logarithmic trend of the surfaces in space, assumed as:
𝑑1 ≠ 0, 𝑑2 ≠ 0, 𝑅𝑒(𝐾) > 0, 𝑑1 − log(𝑑1 ) − 𝑑2 + log(𝑑2 ) ≠ 0 (5)
𝑖(2𝜋𝑛 + 𝜋)
𝐾= , 𝑛𝜖𝑍 (6)
𝑑1 − log(𝑑1 ) − 𝑑2 + log(𝑑2 )
Geometrical CAD based design is superimposed on azimuthal plane photograph (Fig. 7). The CAD
design graphically illustrates the distance between the i centers and the point p that generates the iso-
visibility curve at 35 degree.

Figure 6: Original Drawing. Geometrical overlapping
CAD based design on level curves (4 - 41
progression). “su concessione del Ministero per i Beni
e le attività culturali”; (Archivio centrale dello Stato,
acs_mor_progetti_60_198_es_07)
5
Figure 7: Transport of the photograph on azimuthal
plan superimposed by geometrical Cad based design.
The cad design clearly and graphically explicit
distance between i centers and the point p, generating
the iso-visibility curves of 35 degree
 Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposium 2019 – Structural Membranes 2019
Form and Force

In order to verify the geometrical design

assumptions made (Fig. 7), azimuthal photo of M
stadium prototype was combined by CAD design. The
design has been calibrated on photo, that has been
taken from a distance point deducted and re-aligned to
determine the exact projection on horizontal plan, as
showed by design symmetry (Fig. 8). The dashed
circle visualizes imprint of photography focus, which
has been estimated approximately at 1 meter from the
object. Through this comparison we assume that
proposed design validates Moretti’s model.
In order to reproduce the M stadium a
combined framework was enstablished (Fig. 9). The
Figure 8: M stadium prototype's photo from on an mathematical equation was explored and integrated
azimuthal plan at distance of 1m. It has been into CAD software. The equation has small values on
superimposed by geometrical Cad based design. The
the Z axis compared with other values on the x, y axes.
geometrical design, that generates the iso-visibility
curve at 35 degree, is overlapping in order to rebuild
Therefore re-scaling is required in order to achieve the
the symmetry of the model without focus distance correct three-dimensional representation of the spacial
distortion of the picture taken. The original photo has surface developed (Fig. 10-11). This process is
been taken from «Moebius Unità della cultura: necessary for overlapping surface on original
Architettura Urbanistica Arte» 1971/72 drawings made by Moretti, as shown in following
figures. Furthermore, parametric model has been
reproduced through graphic algorithm process for investigate impact's values of equation parameters (a,
b, c, d, k) in spacial shape mathematically generated. In fact, to reproduce exactly the M stadium form,
several software have been combined each other as (.dxf) and showed by scheme (Fig. 9).

Figure 10: bi-dimensional

representation on frontal
elevation, curvatures value
K=10

Figure 9: Framework-Workflow developed to study the M Stadium Project, Figure 11: Three-
IRMOU 12ª Triennale di Milano 1960 and to integrate structural concepts based dimensional representation
on geometry design solutions. Iterative process for manipulating the parameters Curvature values K=10
values of the equation.

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Form and Force

The framework has been developed to represent form without approximations that could
misrephesent scientific rigor of proposed method. Therefore, the shape and K values has been adopted
as per the Moretti’s statement and thform is conceptually matching it (Fig. 12).

1_The image on the top is based on

prototype's photo from on an
1
azimuthal plan at distance of 1m. It
has been superimposed by geometrical
Cad design as showed. Geometrical
design, that has generated the iso-
visibility curves, has been designed by
the model shape projection of mesh
itself. The mesh has been designed 2
exactly how it has been described by
the W equation;

2_W Parametric Equation three-

dimensional represented by spatial
mesh has a curvature K=10. The
“mesh” model has been sectioned by a
plan at 4.00 curve level, that represents
the 0.00 altitude point of Stadium, the
quote of playground. The entire form
of stadium is part upon of plan itself
till last curve level;

3_Bi-dimensional original Drawing of

projected Iso-Visibility areas on
horizontal plan created by the
parametric equation W. Geometrical 3
overlapping CAD based design on
level curves (4 - 41 progression)

4_Transport of the photograph on

azimuthal plane superimposed on
geometrical Cad based design. The cad
graphically designs the distance
between the i centers and the point p, 4
generating the iso-visibility main
curve of 35 degree
Figure 12: M stadium form design process established by the
framework

4. IRMOU: Revisiting the Dialectic Form Finding Method of “M Stadium” Project

In order to explore how parametric architecture can integrate structural considerations, geometry
principles of curves theory involving the theory of surfaces, are investigated. From an architectural and
engineering point of view, this theory takes into consideration stiffness and weight, which are often
considered as key criteria for evaluate the structural components. The structural interpretation of the
stadium can be defined by two parallel curved surfaces. The thickness of the form h is the perpendicular
segment between each other is assumed as surface of reference as showed in the images. The W equation
established is based on the principle that once the parameters are fixed (a, b, c, d, K) for the summed

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Form and Force

function, their interconnection allows the shape's

investigation trough an iterative process by parameters'
value manipulation. The alternatives geometrical shapes
generated are implicitly indicated by process concept and
scientifically deducted as minimal oscillation of the form
itself. Therefore, new parameter values allow an
approximation towards specific the geometrical-
Figure 13: Qualitative modeling and simulation structural physic interpretation of the form (Fig. 13). This
of the Reengineered shape, curvatures control form obtained through this manipulation is the
trough algorithms and K's value establishment benchmark for future structural verification and
specification. The geometrical shape conventional CAD
designed, as illustrated in the framework-workflow (Fig. 9), takes into consideration the following
assumptions for the analysis process:
i. Geometrical analysis of design towards single surface curvature developable (Fig. 14);
ii. Computer aided design for mathematical mesh/surfaces generation and reshaping form to
finalize the structural concept through mesh density from A to B alternative (Fig. 14);
iii. Qualitative modeling and simulation of the reengineered shape, curvatures control trough
algorithms and K's value establishment (Fig. 15)
The form is reproduced through computer
aided design in order to manipulate the geometrical
form of the stadium and mesh density as shown in
below. The mesh is ascribable to radial geometry in
terms of pure architectural free-form surface (Fig.
14, A). The spatial surface generated and presented
has been explored with graphical design computing,
as shown by framework-workflow developed to
study the M Stadium project. Thus, mathematical
mesh/surface generated has been utilized to re- Figure 14: Geometrical analysis of the Architectural
shaping and finalize structural concept through a design Iso Visibility based, A; Single spatial surface
developable single spatial surface curvature, curvature developable B; On the bottom, Algorithms
illustrated in the same image (Fig. 14, B). design computing for mathematical mesh/surfaces
generation. Form Re-shaping to finalize the structural
concept through mesh density from A to B
alternatives.
𝐾𝑛 An alternative form has been found as
iso-visibility geometry based, from A toward B.
This obtained form is benchmark to structural
features validation. The elaboration occurred
through three-dimensional model developed
with several cad platform to support design
explorations. Parametric modeling allows
representing geometric entities having with
editable attributes, and relationships, structure,

Figure 15: Qualitative modeling and simulation of reengineered shape, curvatures control trough algorithms and
K's value establishment; .gh file is used to support design explorations, in which interdisciplinary performance
evaluations are integrated in the early phase of the process. Graphic algorithm has been developed for spatial
surface design variation in order to looking for a new K value.

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 Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposium 2019 – Structural Membranes 2019
Form and Force

by means of associations. In other words, the parametric architecture process theorized by Moretti is
adequate to be performed through current graphical technique. The attributes can be expressed by
independent values, which act as input to the model. The associations allow for elaborating inputs among
related geometric entities. Several solutions of the model have been generated respecting the consistency
of pre-established relations among geometric entities, as much as been respected the iso-visibility
performance. The stadium form is now superimposed to spatial surface, as show in the image (Fig. 15),
that prompt a new curvature ratio. Consequently, the K value can be modified due to take into
consideration also the structural concept shown by the spatial surface shape. Thus, geometric features
can be automatically repeated in order to customize the variations of form. The elements can be
modelled while guaranteeing pre-established constraints and geometric relations (Fig. 16). In this way
is probable to reaffirm what has been said at the beginning: ... the concept's form should conduct us to
assume with scientific rigor the form or its alternatives as minimal designing oscillations in the concept
itself.

𝑘 𝑘
Figure 16: M Stadium, three-dimensional dialectic form finding Ne𝑊 = 𝑑𝑛𝑛 (𝑒 −𝑘1 𝑑𝑛 ) + 𝑑𝑚𝑛 (𝑒 −𝑘1𝑑𝑚 )

5. Discussion

The XII Milan Triennale exhibition has reviewed by Architect Bruno Zevi (1918 - 2000) in his
publication «L’architettura: Cronache e Storia» 1960, where he argues about Parametric Architecture
Manifesto as follow: […] Everything that serves to give us distance from empiricism and rationalization
in design should be applauded. Especially in a moment like the current one in which the characteristic
of the (working methods) of the majority of Italian architects is careless […] a parametric method
encompasses the tools, procedures and objectives, but to what end? For these questions, electronic
brains are barely useful, brains are needed. If parametric architecture is not to remain a brilliant
intellectual exercise, it is indispensable that research is sustained by a high moral inspiration. For now,
the idea surprises and fascinates us; tomorrow, it may convince […] (Zevi 1960 [14]) Moretti itself
during his speech at the (Technology and ecological problem) conference 1972, seems to answer
indirectly to Bruno Zevi: […] The authentic humanism, in ancient civilization, in its rebirth, was
precisely the synthesis and integral thought between the abstract thought, the empiricism, the fantasy in

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Form and Force

the logical or illogical chains that implemented them, for this reason that humanism in the modern
world, is Bacon, Alberti, Vinci, Galileo and last splendid Leibniz. [...] (de Finetti 2008 [15])

Perhaps, the ethical question remains open for discussion from this point of view if we attribute
to the architecture practice an eschatological scope and humanistic intent. However, the parametric
architecture theory revisited and combined with current form finding methods, establishes an integrated
approach between architectural and engineering purposes. In fact, as illustrated before, the visual-related
design aspects have been considered with other architectural constrains under a more specific
geometrical-structural performance control. Therefore, it represents an integrate wide-reaching and
pertinent method to be adopted as performance-based framework for architectural and structural
morphology research. This integrated method is particularly useful for clarifying the design purpose, for
analyzing the technical boundary condition, for achieving specific objectives and for solving the design
problem into a more pragmatic project scheme at the early stage of design. Once the parametric equation
has been scientifically investigated and co-educated through graphic algorithmic procedures, it allows
us to evaluate several form alternatives. In fact, it has been virtually modelled and dynamically simulated
through powerful CAD investigation instruments in order to validate the complex geometry into a
tridimensional space and the iso-visibility areas that were graphically manipulated. Additionally, the
core of these early stage design qualitative analysis leads us to assess the design alternatives among the
architectural and geometrical-structural forms, providing us a range of compromising solutions that have
been explored during the K values investigation. In conclusion, even if in the past decade the project
has been supported by powerful computer-based design mediums, it is essential to have a deeper design
expertise and thoughtful instrument understanding to customize it. On the other hand, we require a more
sophisticated intellectual approach forward the architectural and engineering demand. This Forgotten
Model of Parametric Architecture could be a benchmark to interrogate and stimulate the creative process
again. The importance of this method is also pointed to establish and prove a collaborative procedure.
Specifically, a framework able to trigger creative design with engineering performance modeling to
inspire innovative design solution and augment the project reliability.

6. References
[1] “United States Lines Paris Review, Presented by Marcel Coudeyre.”
[2] C. Beguinot, G. Esposito, and Fondazione Aldo Della Rocca, Luigi Moretti e la Fondazione della
Rocca: urbanistica e ricerca operativa. Roma: Progetto, 2009.
[3] “Rostagni C., Luigi Moretti 1907 1973, Electa, 2008, 74-92.”
[4] “Esposito De Vita G., Luigi Moretti e la Fondazione della Rocca Urbanistica e Ricerca Operativa,
Fondazione della Rocca, 2009.”
[5] “Viati Navone A., The Architect Luigi Moretti from Rationalism to Informalism, Archivio del
Moderno, Università della Svizzera italiana, 2012.”
[6] “Reichlin B., Tedeschi L., Luigi Moretti, Razionalismo e trasgressività tra barocco e inf.”
[7] “Bucci F., Muzzalani M., Luigi Moretti. Opere e scritti. Electa, Milano, 2000.”
[8] “Sheppard A., Luigi Moretti A Testimony, McGill University, 2008.”
[9] “United States Lines Paris Review, Presented by Marcel Coudeyre, Luigi Moretti, ‘Structure
comme forme’ (Structure as Form), published in French and English, 1954. The New York Public
Library, NY, United States.”
[10] “Moretti L., Spazio 6, Struttura come Forma, 1951, 110.”
[11] “Moretti L., Spazio 6, Struttura come Forma, 1951.”
[12] “Imperiale A., An Other Aesthetic Moretti’s Parametric Architecture, 2018.”
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[14] “Zevi B., L’Architettura Cronache e Storie, Cervelli elettronici No macchine calcolatrici, 1960.”
[15] “de Finetti F., Bruno de Finetti e Luigi Moretti, Editore Controluce, 2008.”

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