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Abstract: This study follows the vicissitudes of the construction projects which have given the Ostiense area it’s current appearance, by concentrating on four itineraries representative of the dynamics which have led to the present urban landscape, balanced as it is between it’s past uncertain identity as an industrial zone and a more recently prevailing allocation as a residential area, in which it becomes extremely difficult to disentangle a history of inefficient urban planning that dates back to the first attempts carried out in a newly unified Italy. Our account continues with an examination of the unfulfilled potential, represented by a vast and varied commercial settlement, which was available to early 20th century architects for the creation of a modern architectural language, and an investigation of the transformations, which were often motivated by the interests of property speculation, that have been the cause of departures from the original intentions. Finally, through the examination of the architectural projects developed in this area by Quadrio Pirani over a period of twenty years, and following the unhappy events that led to the destruction of the chapel of the Separation, and to the church of Saint Benedict being rebuilt three times, we take a closer look at two specific points of view connected to the involvement of the principal architects on the roman scene and to the relaxed attitude which has distinguished the relationship between innovation and urgent heritage issues.