An architect's guide to the preservation of modern architecture filled with illustrative case studies

Modern architecture, built from approximately the 1920s to the 1970s, defined the twentieth century. Now, as works of modern architecture face a fate ranging from deterioration to functional obsolescence, the unique challenges of saving these buildings are evolving preservation practice. How does one preserve the design intent and character of a modern building while using new materials and advanced technologies not available when the building was constructed? Author Theodore Prudon answers that question in this comprehensive professional reference for architects and preservation professionals on the preservation of twentieth-century modern architecture.

Preservation of Modern Architecture is divided into two parts that comprehensively cover both theory and practice, including the latest building materials and technology:

Part One includes an introduction to the topic, and explores evolving preservation philosophies and standards as well as preservation issues unique to modern materials and systems. Part One also guides you through the investigation and assessment of modern buildings and structures.

Part Two is filled with case studies of preservation projects throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, including accompanying photographs and illustrations. Projects range from single-family residences to performing arts centers, schools, airport terminals, and industrial complexes, giving the reader a full range of both the challenges and techniques involved in preserving modern structures, small and large.

This thorough title addresses the question of preserving the design intent and character of a modern building when using new materials and technology unavailable when the building was originally constructed, as modern buildings built between ca. 1920s and ca. 1970s are now faced with issues ranging from deterioration to functional obsolescence. Modern architectural preservation expert Prudon divides the book into two parts, first introducing the topic, including evolving philosophy and standards as well as an assessment of modern buildings and structures, followed by a lengthy section providing case studies from throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. The detailed second section is furthermore usefully divided by specific types of projects, including pavilions, residential architecture, prefabrication, schools, performing arts centers, hotels, airport terminals, and industrial buildings. This title provides both compelling and practical reading for students and professionals in architecture and preservation. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Oh, the irony. Trend-setting modernist architectural statements of the 20th century, once said to transcend style and region, now require historic preservation. Often functionally obsolete, these structures, in many cases, have suffered neglect, major alterations, or demolition. Convincing owners and governments to protect modernist buildings is a tough sell, unless they are clearly iconic. Architect and Columbia University professor of preservation Prudon explains the situation fully. He includes a section on the materials and methods of the 20th century and the preservation issues of each. The book's second part consists of case studies of a variety of building types. Anyone who has read architecture history will be interested in the way some significant 20th-century buildings have been preserved, rehabilitated, or restored—often at great expense—and how they are being used today. More illustrations would have been welcome. Recommended for academic libraries supporting architecture, urban planning, or structural engineering programs.

—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., B.C.(Library Journal, September 1, 2008)

An architect's guide to the preservation of modern architecture filled with illustrative case studies

Modern architecture, built from approximately the 1920s to the 1970s, defined the twentieth century. Now, as works of modern architecture face a fate ranging from deterioration to functional obsolescence, the unique challenges of saving these buildings are evolving preservation practice. How does one preserve the design intent and character of a modern building while using new materials and advanced technologies not available when the building was constructed? Author Theodore Prudon answers that question in this comprehensive professional reference for architects and preservation professionals on the preservation of twentieth-century modern architecture.

Preservation of Modern Architecture is divided into two parts that comprehensively cover both theory and practice, including the latest building materials and technology:

Part One includes an introduction to the topic, and explores evolving preservation philosophies and standards as well as preservation issues unique to modern materials and systems. Part One also guides you through the investigation and assessment of modern buildings and structures.

Part Two is filled with case studies of preservation projects throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, including accompanying photographs and illustrations. Projects range from single-family residences to performing arts centers, schools, airport terminals, and industrial complexes, giving the reader a full range of both the challenges and techniques involved in preserving modern structures, small and large.

As Modern architecture ages to a point that preservation is necessary, the methods and technology used in preservation have to be carefully considered to maintain the design integrity of the building. This book will be a guide for the professional architect that is interested in a broad background in preservation as a field as well as specific material and technology issues in preservation.

THEODORE H. M. PRUDON, PhD, FAIA, a leading expert on the preservation of modern architecture, was educated at the University of Delft, Netherlands, and Columbia University where he received his doctorate. He is a partner of Prudon &Partners, based in New York City, and teaches preservation at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Prudon is the President of DOCOMOMO US and a board member of DOCOMOMO International. DOCOMOMO is dedicated to the study of significant works of Modern Movement architecture, landscape design, and urban planning around the world.

PART I

1. Preserving Modern Architecture: The Beginning

2. Philosophical Issues Affecting Preservation and Design

3. Evolving Preservation Philosophies and Standards

4. Preservation Issues for Modern Materials and Systems

5. Preserving Modern Architecture: What, Why, Where and How

6. Investigation and Assessment of Modern Buildings and Structures

PART II-- Building Typologies: Case Studies

7. Pavilions

1. German Pavilion, Barcelona, Spain

2. Aluminaire

8. Residences

1. Single family

Villa Savoye, Poissy, France

Gropius House, Lincoln, MA

Farnsworth House, Plano, IL

2. Suburban Developments

Greenbelt, MD

Levittown, Long Island, NY

Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA

3. Multi family

Chatham Towers, New York, NY

Peabody Terrace, Cambridge, MA

Hilliard Houses, Chicago, IL

9. Prefabrication

1. Cemesto

2. Lustron

10. Schools

1. Open Air School, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2. Crow Island, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

3. Munkeg?rd Elementary School, S?borg, Denmark

11. Performing Arts Centers

1. Royal National Theatre (London, England)

2. Lincoln Center, New York, NY

3. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

12. Hospitality

1. Caribe Hotel, Puerto Rico

2. Royal SAS (now the Radisson) Hotel, Copenhagen

13. Airport Terminals

1. TWA Terminal, New York, NY

2. Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, Virginia

14. Industrial buildings

1. Lingotto, Turin, Italy

2. Van Nelle, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

15. Exterior Cladding Materials--Glass and Stone

1. Glass

Department Store Schunck or "Glaspaleis", Heerlen, The Netherlands

Lever House -

New York, NY

2. Thin Stone Veneer

Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland

Amoco Building, Chicago, IL

16. Miscellaneous

1. Sanatorium Zonnestraal, Hilversum, The Netherlands

2. First Presbyterian Church -

Stamford, NY