The challenges posed by the conservation of modern architecture

Abstract

In the last 15 or 20 years, many modern buildings were restored or renovated. Some of these restorations were very successful but others affected negatively and irreversibly the value of this heritage. These results, in additon to the weathering of modern buildings, pose a series of challenges which requires a more careful reflection. These challenges refer to: 1) The careful attention modern architects paid to functional aspects in the definition of spatial arrangements, which, along the rapid functional obsolescence, makes the introduction of new uses more difficult; 2) the material dimension of the building which show problems created by the use of new materials without previous knowledge of its long- term perfomance, the use of traditional materials in new ways, construction faults, poor detailing and the use of prefabricated materials; 3) the need to replace servicing systems in order to keep the building in use; 4) the lack of a maintenance culture, which directly affects modern buildings, once considered to be maintenance- free; 5) the lack of acceptance of patina in modern architecture; 6) the difficulties faced by big housing blocks to adapt to the ageing of their residents, their enrichment or impoverishment; and 7) The problems in the recognition and listing of modern architecture. Although these issues challenge the theoretical background of the conservation, we do not believe that the conservation of modern architecture should be different from the conservation of architectural works from a more distant past. This paper, therefore, offers a literature survey about the main challenges brought by the conservation of modern architecture, based particularly on the writings Susan McDonald and Theodore Prudon and in the proceeding of the major seminars and conferences.