This past year Docomomo US has seen incredible things take place as buildings have been saved and the importance of modern architecture, sites, and landscapes has continued to gained national attention. These positive developments are due largely because of the efforts of the volunteers and members of our chapters, friend organizations, partners, sponsors and active participants. We look forward to what the new year will bring as we continue to celebrate and advocate for the modern heritage found in our neighborhoods. Here are the hightlights from 2017.

National Symposium

The fifth annual National Symposium, Modernism and Climate, took place March 29th through April 2nd and was held in Phoenix, Arizona. The four-day event focused how modern design approached desert climates creatively, how those design strategies continue to be relevant in light of our search for sustainable solutions and what we can learn from those creative efforts. Highlights of the event included a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West and a full day visit to Arcosanti. Scroll through the photo recap.

Advocacy

2017 has been a year of advocacy. For the first time, Docomomo US launched the advocacy theme SHELTER which threaded through events and programming like the National Symposium and Tour Day and brought attention to the common and uncommon forms of modern shelter found across the United States. A wide range of advocacy threats included private residences, houses of worship, landscapes, and post modern architecture. There were some heartbreaking losses but also some incredible victories. Below are the the advocacy campaigns Docomomo US, our chapters, friends, and partners have been involved in this past year.

More in the news

• Parker Center continues to face threat of demolition - Jan 12, 2017
• Save the Historic Lexington Center - Jan 12, 2017
• Announcing Docomomo US 2017 Advocacy Theme: SHELTER - Feb 23, 2017
• Docomomo US and colleagues monitor next phase of Peavey Plaza Revitalization - Feb 23, 2017
• Landmark Application withdrawn for Issaquah Chapel - Feb 23, 2017
• Endangered: Silver Spring Library by Rhees Burket - Feb 23, 2017
• What Have They Done to The Four Seasons? - Mar 22, 2017
• The big question surrounding the future of the Astrodome- Mar 22, 2017
• National Trust announced Mitchell Park Domes a National Treasure - Mar 22, 2017
• Architects are begging Metro to stop painting Union Station - April 1, 2017
• Oregon Chapter tackles advocacy in the Pacific Northwest - April 13, 2017
• Advocacy Alert: Demolition Permit Filed for Providence Heights - April 13, 2017
• Philip Johnson's Booth House Threatened and Seeks New Custodians - April 14, 2017
• 6 Major Mid-Century Modern Losses in New Orleans - May 11, 2017
• Chicago Architect Magazine Ed Keegan Op-Ed on Thompson Center - May 15, 2017
• Architects aren’t happy with plans to remodel this Manhattan park - May 16, 2017
• Lost, Saved, Threatened Landscapes - May 25, 2017
• Peavey Plaza's Uncertain Future - May 25, 2017
• The ASLA considers "Are Modernist Landscapes Worth Saving?" - May 25, 2017
• The Houston Astrodome lives to see another day - June 15, 2017
• Docomomo US reacts to proposed “reconstruction” of the Portland Building - July 3, 2017
• Landmark-eligible modern buildings threatened in East Midtown - July 10, 2017
• Peavey Plaza 30% Design Submission Raises Concern - July 11, 2017
• With push from Yo-Yo Ma, floating concert hall may end up in N.Y. - July 21, 2017
• Help efforts to rebuild Houston - Sept 14, 2017
• Providence Heights demolition permit overturned - Sept 14, 2017
• Demo Sought for Remaining Shoreline Apartments - Sept 17, 2017
• New LACMA structure looks to replace three original William Pereira buildings - Oct 4, 2017
• Proposed renovations threaten Halprin’s Freeway Park - Oct 12, 2017
• Atlanta Central Library may still face threats - Oct 12, 2017
• Providence Heights College lost - Oct 26, 2017
• Starship Chicago - Nov 9, 2017
• Protesters gather to save Johnson's iconic AT&T building - Nov 9, 2017
• Boston accepting bids for City Hall Plaza revamp - Dec 14, 2017
• Argentinian Marcel Breuer building in ruins - Dec 14, 2017

Modernism in America Awards

This year nine projects were awarded prizes during the 2017 Modernism in America Awards. Each project, from Bell Work's revitalization in Holmdel, New Jersey to the restoration of Edward Durell Stone's Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Nebraska, is exemplary of the efforts taking place across the country to raise awareness, advocate for, restore and celebrate the various typologies of postwar society in the United States. Many thanks to Design Within Reach who graciously hosted the Awards Ceremony in New York City and to all of our sponsors and partners. 

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Now accepting

Nominations for the 2018 Modernism in America Awards. Submit Today!

Travel Tour: Modern Mexico City

Rich in color, culture and details, the Modern Mexico City travel tour, which took place this October, was a feast for the eyes and for the senses. Travelers of the trip crisscrossed Mexico City and enjoyed a number of UNESCO world-heritage sites including a special visit to the house and studio of Luis Barragán and the Barragán designed Gilardi House; many important sites by the Mexican architect Mario Pani including the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) campus; and the Rivera-Kahlo house and studio designed by Juan O’Gorman. Read the full recap here.

Register Today!

Modern Brazil 2018 still has spots available, but hurry the deadline for deposits is January 12, 2018.

Tour Day: SHELTER

Thousands of participants across the country explored both modern masterpieces and local gems during Tour Day's eleventh year. This year’s theme, ”Shelter” built upon Docomomo US' annual advocacy theme, and people across the country explored forms, spaces, and materials that comprise modern shelter while reexamining topics such as Brutalism and regional architecture. Many thanks to Tour Day sponsor Martie Lieberman who showcases modernism in her backyard. 

Read 

Tour Day 2017 recap

Save the Date

Tour Day 2018 is set to take place Saturday, October 13th.

2017 Recap: Docomomo US Chapters

Read what has taken place in 2017 with our chapters located across the United States.