Dimitris Pikionis’ Acropolis Work

Docomomo International appeals for awareness regarding the future of the Acropolis’ works, in Athens, developed by Dimitris Pikionis might expect. Pikionis’ interventions consist on an architectural composition, created between 1954 and 1957, that achieved a coherent dialogue with the renowned archaeological site, by merging art, architecture and landscape. Docomomo Greece has now composed an open letter advocating for the preservation of the Pikionis’ work at the Acropolis hills. “Pikionis’ ‘handmade’ work on the Acropolis hills, which was accomplished sixty years ago, is internationally recognized as one of the most interesting architectural projects of its era; an original composition of high…

The renovation of the Maison des Sciences de l´Homme building in Paris

The Maison des Sciences de l´Homme building, designed by Marcel Lods and built between 1968 and 1970, located at the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue Cherche-Midi, it forms a great contrast with the surrounding historical architecture. It is one of the most characteristic edifices of the French post-war modern movement, however it did not receive a protected status. This situation became highly problematic in 2010, when due to high asbestos use inside, the building was to undergo renovation. The renovation project was led by historic preservation architect François Chatillon, in association with Michel Rémon, and it produced a building that,…

Preservation Good News: Uganda National Theatre

In June 2017 docomomo International has been informed about potential risks facing the Uganda National Theatre. Docomomo is glad to announce that National Theatre has been successfully refurbished and reopened in September 2018 as part of Uganda National Cultural Centre. You can find more information here.

New development on: The Viking Ships Hall

Last year, docomomo International and docomomo Denmark have been advocating for the protection of the Viking Ships Hall (by Erik Christian Sørensen, Roskilde Fjord, Denmark, 1969). The building is currently facing danger of losing its protection status and possible demolition. The Viking Ships Hall is a building located on the shallow shore of Roskilde Fjord, constructed in 1969 as a museum for ancient ships. The building combines the brutalism architecture with the ancient history, creating a balance between the ships, its materiality and the site. A giant window and sweeping views over the fjord creates a background that connects the…

Church Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Almada

Docomomo International alerts for the eventual intervention and possible adulteration of the original features of Church Nossa Senhora da Assunção, in Almada. This church was designed by the Portuguese architects Nuno Teotónio Pereira, founder of the Movement for the Renovation of Religious Art (Movimento de Renovação de Arte Religiosa – MRAR), Luís de Almeida Pereira and Nuno Portas, the last president of MRAR. The Church of Almada stands as an example of a new attitude of the Catholic Church (as an institution and its physical spaces) towards its congregation – a Church closer to the people, relying on simplicity rather…

Preservation Good News: Former Germia Shopping Center

After an active campaign held by Docomomo Kosovo, in order to prevent the demolition of the former Germia Shopping Center, docomomo international is glad to announce that on October 10th 2018, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Kosovo published the new list of Protected Cultural Heritage assets which included the Germia building. The Germia building was originally built to serve as a shopping center but since then it has served as the former Ministry of Public Services, the Ministry of Public Administration, and is currently home to the Tax Administration of Kosovo and the Ministry of Infrastructure. During…

Selby Public Library

The original Selby Public Library, a.k.a. G.WIZ building is under threat of imminent demolition. We are asking the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO) for an appropriate evaluation of this architecturally significant building to determine if repurposing it is in the best interest of the citizens of Sarasota. The original Selby Public Library was designed by master architect Walter Netsch in 1976. Mr. Netsch was a principal star of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, whose body of work has achieved great international acclaim. Sarasota should be proud to have such an exceptional example of his work….

Transgas Complex

Docomomo International is now appealing to your foremost interest and concern regarding the situation of Transgas Complex, Prague, Czech Republic. The Transgas Complex is now under threat of demolition. “Former telemetric control center  of International gas pipeline Transgas and administrative department of The Ministry of Fuel and Energy, situated in the center of Prague, near the National Museum, Main Railway station and Czech Radio Headquarters, at the border between Vinohrady neighborhood and New Town of Prague (gps 50°04´42.8″N, 14°25´59.9″E).  The objects are arranged into urban micro-landscape, which accommodates the former enclosure of block, and left it open and accessible to…

West Wing of the Former Government Offices

In December 2012, after Docomomo International had issued a Heritage Alert (June 2012) in collaboration with ICOMOS, the Board of the Hong Kong Antiquities Authority classified the West Wing of the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong level 1, the highest grade under the Hong Kong legislation, and determined it would be retained for government use to house Department of Justice offices instead of being sold for a commercial development. “The three buildings in the Central Government Offices (CGO) Complex are all post-war buildings built in three phases with the East Wing completed in 1954; the Main Wing and Legislative Council…

Tafel House demolition denied

“Thanks to the efforts of community members, architects, Docomomo US New York/Tristate and others, the Scarsdale Committe for Historic Preservation denied the current owner´s application to demolish Edgar Tafel´s Alpern House at 8 Overlook Road in Scarsdale, New York. Designed in 1950 by Tafel, among the most prominent members of Frank Lloyd Wright´s Fellowship, the Committee agreed the home designed by a “master,” and its style as well as its material usage was important. This is a hurdle in a much longer race as the owners may appeal the decision to the Village Trustees. Docomomo US New York/Tristate and others will continue to…