2015 Modernism at Risk

Modernism at Risk will be on view at Big Springs Gallery at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 3 to September 6, 2015. An integral part of the WMF Modernism at Risk program, this exhibition consists of large-scale photographs by noted photographer Andrew Moore and interpretative panels highlighting five case studies that explore the role architects and designers play in preserving modern landmarks at risk.

Among the buildings highlighted in the exhibition are ADGB Trade Union School in Bernau, Germany; the A. Conger Goodyear House in Old Westbury, New York, saved from demolition by WMF in 2001; Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida; the Grosse Pointe Public Library in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan; and the Kent Memorial Library in Suffield, Connecticut. The exhibition also includes Zonnestraal Sanatorium in The Netherlands and Hizuchi Elementary School in Japan.

Since late 2009, Modernism at Risk has been traveling to architecture and design schools and other venues, beginning in Gainesville, Florida, then traveling to such venues as The Art Institute of Tampa Gallery, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, AIA New York Center for Architecture, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the George Brown School of Design in Canada.

World Monuments Fund, with founding support from Knoll, Inc., established the Modernism at Risk initiative in 2006 to address the growing threats to modern buildings at risk. In its efforts to save modern buildings from demolition and inappropriate alterations, WMF has learned that architects and designers can often play a critical role in saving these buildings by demonstrating that these buildings can be economically and functionally viable, and that the advocacy role of good design is increasingly important.

Interested in hosting Modernism at Risk: Modern Solutions for Saving Modern Landmarks? Please send an email to modernism@wmf.org.