Fiches

The forms, referred to by DOCOMOMO as fiches, for documenting modern buildings and sites, urban developments, gardens and landscapes are in two formats: "minimum" and "full." Individuals are encouraged to submit minimum fiches through the fill-in fiche page that is linked to the DOCOMOMO US Register database. The full fiche is for more thorough documentation and cannot currently be completed online. Those interested in contributing a full fiche may download the form, fill in the required information and submit it electronically to the email address listed on the Register Introduction page or mail a CD to DOCOMOMO US.

- minimum fiche
In ensuring wider access to the International Register the minimum fiche is of primary importance and also forms the basis of the DOCOMOMO US Register and database. The fiche summarizes the essential data in a brief form. As a stand-alone document the minimum fiche is four pages in length and is available as a PDF download below. The fill-in fiche linked to the register database is the same information and can be completed online.

- full fiche
The full fiche is meant for scientific research and documentation, as well as for raising awareness of the modern architecture at an international level. The full fiche is a nine page document available in a Word format with form fields or as a PDF.

Minimum Documentation Fiche view and download - PDF format
Full Documentation Fiche view and download - Word format

Full Documentation Fiche view and download - PDF format

Guidelines

The following guidelines are from DOCOMOMO International and edited by DOCOMOMO US to apply to the Minimum Documentation Fiche and the Full Documentation Fiche. Note that the Minimum Documentation Fiche can be completed online and is the basis of the DOCOMOMO US Register database. The full fiche cannot currently be filled in online but the forms can be downloaded in Microsoft Word or PDF formats above. The guidelines can be downloaded in PDF format through the link at the bottom of the page.

The guidelines are provided to assist in completing the minimum and full fiches and to ensure uniformity in recording. Fiches should be completed as fully as possible but in the standard format every section might not be relevant to a particular subject. Relevant sections should always be completed even when the entry repeats data on other related fiches. The principal objective of the is to provide a scientific record. Because chronology is particularly important, all data in the submitted documents should be as exact as possible. Entries in the section "history" (2) should be confirmed from all available sources.

Picture of building
Minimum and Full Fiche: Section 0

For a quick visual identification this should be a single image which characterizes the subject. This image should be cleared for copyright and its source clearly stated. If possible one copy should be suitable for reproduction, e.g. an original black and white print. The "brief description" should form a caption to this picture. Note that additional photographs and drawings illustrating the building or site are required in part 5 of the full fiche.

Identity of building/site
Minimum Fiche: Section 1, Categories 1.1-1.10
Full Fiche: Section 1, Categories 1.1-1.2 

Identification
Here sufficient information must be given to locate and identify the subject.
Addresses are stated conventionally; the zip/post code is important. Where postal address is not adequate give location by place-name and in relation to nearest classified road.

National grid reference
For the United States this refers to Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. If the building or site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places this will be shown on the completed National Register form. The UTM coordinates may also show on forms for listing on state registers. Please provide UTM coordinates if available from research sources.

Typology
Typology should be standardized, see classification list at the end of these guidelines (e.g.: church: REL; fire station: PBS)

The status of protection
Status should be indicated according to the present and local situation. If a nomination is under preparation - for local, state, or national protection or for the World Heritage List - this can be mentioned under the heading of remarks on the full fiche. Eventual changes in the status should be mentioned in later updates.

Full Fiche only: Category 1.3

Visually or functionally related building(s)/site(s)
Related buildings or sites can be mentioned if they are essential for the composition of the main building/site.

History of the building or site
Minimum Fiche: Section 2, Categories2.1-2.7
Full Fiche: Section 2, Categories 2.1-2.5 

Chronology-development-relevant person(s)/organization(s)
These categories should be completed as fully as possible to record the design and building process from commission - client and program - to inauguration, noting especially changes of program, concept or construction during that period. Note also any connections, through related persons or events, with wider aspects of the Modern Movement.

Other associated persons/events - important changes
Categories can be used to record the history of the building in use.

Take especial care with dates, which should be precise and researched. They should be noted either "exactly known" (e) or "approximate" (a) or (c) for circa per item.
Dates can distinguish:
- the international competition year

- the preliminary concept of the design
- the official construction permission
- the beginning and completion of construction
- the inauguration of the building
If possible, specify the information sources

Description of the building or site
Minimum Fiche: Section 3, Categories 3.1-3.3
Full Fiche: Section 3, Categories 3.1-3.4

Description/Character
Summarize here the main characteristics of the building or site, in no more than one page, please. The subject should be described, not only on the functional level, but also in its formal and technical aspects, and, in a few words, the architectural concept should be synthesized. Building complexes, neighborhoods, urban and rural landscapes or gardens might require identification of separate buildings or elements, which eventually can be described more in detail in subsidiary fiches.

Current use - condition
Complete to record present use(s) and condition.

Context
Note local developments or any known proposals affecting the concept or functions of the building or site.

Evaluation

Minimum Fiche: Section 4, Categories 4.1-4.5
Full Fiche: Section 4, Categories 4.1-4.5

Note that categories 4.1-4.3 are similar for both fiches while categories 4.4 and 4.5 vary between the fiches. The latter entries of the full fiche seek to document the significance of the building or site in a national or international context. The latter entries of the minimum fiche are appropriate for initial documentation or for buildings or sites more significant on the local or national level.    

DOCOMOMO'S tests for modernity seek to establish innovation - technical, social and aesthetic.

Intrinsic value
In the next three categories, the principal reasons for the selection are explained. It is not enough to affirm the outstanding values of the building or site at technical, social, aesthetic levels; the reasons must be argued in a few words. The evaluations must stress the innovatory aspects e.g. in building materials, structure and details, in commission, use or typology, and in design.

4.1 Technical evaluation
The use of new materials and new techniques was a credo for modern architects, so this aspect must be examined very carefully. Building materials and finishes, structure and services and, if relevant, building methods should be considered.

4.2 Social evaluation
Consider here social purposes and effects. Was the client a new actor compelling Modern intervention as were the public housing offices, or demanding new building types such as sanatoria or health centers? Did the project serve wider social or economic strategies, as did hydro-electric schemes and new towns?

4.3 Aesthetic evaluation
Here are considered the formal strategies of the designer and the formal qualities of the building.

Minimum Fiche only: Categories 4.4-4.5

4.4 Historical
Consider here the historical context: can we establish relationships (technical, functional or formal) between the building or site under consideration and others which were built or established before, in the same region or in foreign countries.

4.5 General assessment
Provide a brief overview evaluation.

Full Fiche only: Categories 4.4-4.5

Comparative significance
The two next categories are complementary. Though modern architecture was often acclaimed for its innovatory character, not all buildings did introduce new models; moreover, many were derivative.

4. 4 Canonic Status (question of model)
This question concerns architectural appreciation, reception in the specialized press, as well as the project's impact on design practice, at international or local level. In other words, in the time of its construction, sometimes later, was the project recognized as a major contribution to modernity? Furthermore, did the building or site contribute to establish new architectural principles? Did it become a model?

4. 5 Reference Value (question of precedent)
Consider here the historical context: can we establish relationships (technical, functional or formal) between the building or site under consideration and others which were built or established before, in the same region or in foreign countries.

Documentation
Minimum Fiche: Section 5, Categories 5.1-5.3
Full Fiche: Section 5, Categories 5.1-5.4

Minimum Fiche only: Categories 5.1-5.3

Principal references - visual material attached
List bibliographical references per guidelines below and provide additional photographs or drawings. Category 5.3 "rapporteur" is for the name of the person completing the fiche.

Full Fiche only: Categories 5.1-5.4

Archival sources - principal publications - visual materials

Give archival sources, list bibliographical references per guidelines below, and provide additional visual material. A supplementary dossier can be attached with additional supporting materials.
Bibliographical references

- Book
AUTHOR NAME, First name or Initials, Title, Town of publication; Publisher's name; year; ISBN
e.g. WATTERS, Diane, Cardross Seminary, Edinburgh; RCAHMS; 1997; ISBN 0 7480 5829 X

- Article
AUTHOR NAME, First name or Initials, 'Title', Name of periodical, country, volume or issue number, year, pp. x-y.
e.g. BROOKS, Allen, 'PSFS: a source for its design', Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, vol. 27, 1967, pp. 299-302

What is important is the sufficiency of data; not the writing order, nor the punctuation. Different styles can be used, but be consistent. Please ensure that all important references are given.

Guidelines download - PDF format