Docomomo International is a non-profit organization chaired by Ana Tostoes with the headquarters at Tecnico, Lisbon University. Initiated in 1988 by Hubert-Jan Henket, architect and professor, and Wessel de Jonge, architect and research fellow, at the School of Architecture of the Technical University in Eindhoven, Docomomo is an acronym standing for DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement.
Docomomo main goals were expressed in the Eindhoven Statement which was issued at the conclusion of the founding conference in 1990:
1. Bring the significance of the architecture of the modern movement to the attention of the public, the authorities, the professionals and the educational community.
2. Identify and promote the surveying of the works of the modern movement which will include a general register, drawings, photographs and manuscript archives.
3. Foster and disseminate the development of appropriate techniques and methods of conservation.
4. Oppose destruction and disfigurement of significant works.
5. Identify and attract funding for documentation and conservation.
6. Explore and develop the knowledge of the modern movement.
The significance of the modern movement, specially its uniqueness during the most radical years of the twentieth century, has gone under deep scrutiny during the past decades. Its complexity and worldwide diffusion has been the concern of many scholars and professionals who have put efforts in establishing Docomomo International within the legacy of the modern movement.
Since its creation, Docomomo International has witnessed a rapid growth. It has established itself as a major player not only in the realm of preservation, but also in the broader field of architectural culture. The worldwide influence of Docomomo was possible thanks to many factors, such as the growing awareness of the present status of emergency relative to recent architectural heritage. Furthermore, the pluralist, interdisciplinary dimension of Docomomo International, due to its ability to bring together historians, architects, town-planners, landscape architects, preservationists, professors and public officials, has been a strong asset.
At present, it includes almost 70 working parties/chapters and more than 3000 members, from the 5 continents. In their variety of cultures and experiences, the working parties/chapters represent the true richness of Docomomo International.
Among its numerous activities and publications, Docomomo has held 12 times the biannual International Conference, created 4 International Specialist Committees working on a specific topic related to the modern movement.
History:
In 2002, the Docomomo International secretariat relocated to Paris and was hosted by the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in the Palais de Chaillot. The chair and secretary general were Maristella Casciato, architect and architectural historian and Émilie d’Orgeix, architectural historian, respectively, with Anne-Laure Guillet being director.
In January 2010, the Docomomo International secretariat relocated to Barcelona, hosted by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe. The chair is Ana Tostões, architect (ESBAL, 1982), architecture historian (UNL, 1994), member of Docomomo Ibérico, and associate professor with habilitation at the Civil Engineering and Architecture Department of the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa; and the secretary general is Ivan Blasi, architect. Since April 2014, Docomomo International is hosted at Instituto Superior Técnico, in Lisboa; the Director is Zara Ferreira, architect.
Join Docomomo International!
Support the efforts of Docomomo by becoming a member! Participate in our ever-expanding work to preserve the built-heritage of the Modern Movement and connect with people interested in Modern architecture across the world, by sending an email for docomomo@tecnico.ulisboa.pt