During a brief, exhilarating period of the 20th century, architecture, urban planning and landscape design were transformed in parallel with the Theory of Relativity, Cubism, Twelve Tone Music, Scientific Method, Rational Philosophy, Economic and Social Theory, Medical Science and Industrialism. Modern architecture was, consequently, a cultural imperative that expressed innovative ideas. Early modernist buildings and sites retain their potency to this day, and it is as much the spirit that generated these forms as the forms themselves that represent a crucial part of our intellectual and cultural heritage. This built inheritance, which celebrates the dynamic spirit of the 20th century, employed advanced technology that has not always endured long-term stresses. The functions these buildings originally met have changed substantially.

The preservation of significant buildings and sites is a demanding economic and physical challenge. The continued life of both the icon and the ordinary as elements in an economically driven world depends first, upon a shared recognition of their cultural and social value, and second, upon their continuing economic viability.
 

The reconciliation of these two factors lies at the core of an international initiative launched in Eindhoven, The Netherlands in 1988. This effort lead to the founding of DOCOMOMO.
 

Organization

The International Secretariat is located in Paris, France. The Secretariat serves as the communications link between national working parties and the International Council. In October 2002, the Secretariat was moved to Paris, France and operates under the auspices of the Cite de l'architecture et du Patrimoine.
The Secretariat maintains information on national and local initiatives; coordinates the international register of buildings and sites; publishes the biannual DOCOMOMO Journal; and works in conjunction with a national working party to organize the DOCOMOMO International conference held every other year.
International Specialist Committees (ISCs) are working in the following areas: International Register; Technology; Urbanism; Landscapes and Gardens; Education; and Publications.
 

Mission

Evolve and sustain a network for exchange of experience, including but not limited to the exchange of technical information on the maintenance and conservation of Modern Movement buildings;
Through an international register centralize research by national working parties to create a register of the most important buildings and sites of the Modern Movement worldwide.
Draw attention to this important component of 20th century cultural history.
Work with ICOMOS and UNESCO to foster the inclusion of Modern architecture on the World Heritage List.
Advocate for the preservation of significant buildings and sites and provide a network for alerting members when a Modern Movement building or site is threatened.

This mission is directed to: Persons involved in policy making, legislation, financing and management of built resources; professionals interested in the protection of Modern Movement buildings and sites, including architects, urban and landscape designers, historians and critics; researchers, technical specialists and consultants engaged in restoration projects; and faculty and students studying the Modern Movement.
 

National and Regional Working Parties

NATIONAL WORKING PARTIES AND OTHER RESOURCES