In collaboration with Docomomo International we will present a new campaign Architecture in Danger with the aim to prevent demolition and dissemination of Forgotten Masterpieces within our community.
The first demolition case is the Robin Hood Gardens, the post-war brutalist housing estate in east London by Alison and Peter Smithson. Despite years of campaigning from architects and heritage bodies is now underway demolition.
Video captures Robin Hood Gardens ahead of demolition. | Video via Dezeen
The Twentieth Century Society revived its earlier campaign to have the building saved in 2014. Its report claimed that the decision not to protect the estate with a formal heritage listing the first time around was ill-judged. Post-war architecture and Smithons expert Dirk van den Heuvel describes the estate as a rare, majestic gesture, both radical and generation in its aspiration for an architecture of human association. AlsoRichard Rogers, Zaha Hadid, Robert Venturi and Toyo Ito joined the protests against the destruction of the complex.
Ultimately the campaign failed for a second time and the developer Swan Housing Association with the backing of Tower Hamlets council revealed its plans for a new housing estate named Blackwall Reach.
The National Theatre of Albania dates in 1939 following the Italian occupation of Albania. Previously a movie theatre was primarily built to serve Italian soldiers as a form of entertainment (dopolavoro).
The building of the National Theatre of Albania at the beginning of the construction in the 1940s and today. | Photo via Balcanicaucaso
This rationalist building was one of the first constructed Italian architectural works in Albania. | Photo by T. Mali and via Voice of Albanians
Today the Albanian authorities have announced the demolition and the construction of a new complex, where BIG plan to build three indoor performance spaces, a rooftop amphitheater and a covered public space beneath the grounds of the current theater. Therefore people started to protests against government plans to demolish the iconic building. Facing these circumstances, Docomomo International would like to express encouragement to the on-going efforts to protect the building from demolition.
The Technical Faculty of Pristina University is one of Prishtina modern landmarks. The building that was designed by one of the most important Slovenian architects of its time, Edvard Ravnikar. It is of great importance for the city as well as the Modern Movement in the region. To the primary flat roof was added current tile roof. As one of the few buildings representing that movement and period in the City of Prishtina, should be fully preserved for what strives Docomomo Kosovo.
The National Theatre in Uganda is the main component of the Uganda National Cultural Centre. Designed by Peatfield and Bodgener Architects, it was the first modern and purpose built theatre in Uganda.
Docomomo International wish to express its full support to the efforts that are being carried out in order to preserve the Uganda´s National Theatre, believing that this building must be fully restored taking into consideration its history and the willing to maintain their integrity and authenticity for future generations.
The main facade is an elegantly curved lattice of prefabricated concrete rings that act as a passive shading device. | Photo via Pinterst
Former telemetric control center of Transgas Complex is situated in the center of Prague. The complex is going to be demolished and rebuild.
The strong campaign against the demolition runs since 2015. After more than two years of negotiations on heritage protection, the Minister of Culture ended the case without resolving - facing the threat of proceeding for the lost profits from the owner, investor of the future administrative building. Docomomo International would like to express encouragement to the on-going efforts to protect the Transgas Complex from demolition.
