Twentieth-century architecture evolved as a cultural imperative, parallel with the Theory of Relativity, Cubism and abstraction in art, twelve-tone music, and economic and social theory. Modern buildings used advanced technology which often has succumbed to long term stresses, and the functional requirements which the buildings orignally met, have changed substantially. Modern Movement Heritage is an introduction to the specific challenges associated with the conservation of modern structures.
The preservation of significant buildings presents demanding economic and physical issues. The continued life of both icon and ordinary in an economically driven world depends on a shared recognition of their cultural and social value and their continuing economic viability. The essays in this highly illustrated book discuss the cultural theory of Modern Movement buildings, strategies for preserving these structures and case studies on the preservation of international major works of architecture.