The Docomomo US National Symposium is the primary event in the United States for those interested in the preservation of modern architecture. The National Symposium seeks to gather, discuss, share and explore this heritage, and consider its legacy and importance today. Held annually, this multi-day conference seeks to engage local participants in cities across the United States, offering participants the ability to interact with and explore a wide variety of significant modern architecture and sites.
The National Symposium developed as a result of the Docomomo US Board of Directors’ annual “Face to Face” meeting. The first expanded event took place in Los Angeles in 2010 with an open forum for local individuals actively engaged in the discussion of modern architecture. Docomomo US hosted its first National Symposium in Sarasota, Florida in April 2013.
National Symposium Objectives
- To promote the value of modern architecture and to highlight its significance and attributes
- To provide a forum whereby participants can share their knowledge and experience in an effort to promote collaboration and best practices
- To bring together the Docomomo US Board of Directors, its chapters and friend organizations, national and local partner organizations as well as the general membership and local community
- To provide an engaging and educational experience for Docomomo US members and all those who attend
- To promote interaction and communication among the chapters, the Board of Directors and its staff
- To provide a platform for the host organization, its city and region for their commitment and contribution to the preservation of modern architecture
- To influence public opinion and increase positive attitudes of modern architecture and design
History
Docomomo US has held an annual “Face to Face” meeting each year since 2002. Beginning in 2010, the annual Face to Face invited guests to participate and expand the discussions and engage the organization more broadly.
2002 – Chicago, Illinois
2004 – San Francisco, California
2004 – VIIIth International Conference of Docomomo in New York City
2006 – Dallas, Texas
2008 – Atlanta, Georgia
2009 – New Orleans, Louisiana
2010 – Boston, Massachusetts
2011 – Los Angeles, California
2012 – New York, New York
2013 – Sarasota, Florida
2014 – Houston, Texas
2015 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
2016 - Detroit, Michigan
2017 - Phoenix, Arizona
2018 - Columbus, Indiana
2019 - Honolulu, Hawaii
2021 - Chicago, Illinois (virtual)
2022 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2023 - New Haven, Connecticut
2024 - Miami, Florida