We are at a pivotal point in addressing the legacy of the recent past.
In the decades since the global preservation community became aware of the unprecedented
and pressing issues raised by the vast body of modernism, much has been accomplished
towards understanding the nature and importance  of our mid to late 20th century built heritage.
Still, the scale, variety, and uneven quality of these resources often
necessitate interventions that significantly alter the fabric, use, and perception of a property.
While more significant properties are well served by existing international standards and charters,
there remains a critical gap in guidance for the evaluation and treatment of
ordinary, everyday modernism;-- these less distinguished, workmanlike buildings
that make up a sizable component of the contemporary built environment.
Much of the work performed on these buildings falls under "modernization"
and typically employs little, if any, conservation ethos.
To address these issues, APT's Technical Committees on Modern Heritage and Sustainable Preservation
formed a joint sub-committee to plan a symposium and draft guiding principles for the treatment
of modern structures, particularly those considered to be of less than top-tier architectural value.
The Principles for Practice reflect an emerging consensus on our shared responsibility
to balance conservation philosophy and the environmental imperative that
re-purposing these structures represents the prudent use of finite resources.
Focused on the particular challenges presented by modern resources with heritage of marginal liability,
functionality, or merit, along with those of clear significance and value,
the Principles are organized into four categories:
Rigorous evaluation remains the starting point for effective project planning.
Modern buildings of debatable merit benefit from preliminary evaluation before they reach age-related
eligibility thresholds to inform project planning for buildings that may become eligible in the future.
Apply established criteria to understand a building's context in modern construction, design,
technology, function, culture, and history.
Determine the relative significance to inform reuse strategies and preservation priorities among
buildings within a complex and spaces within a building.
Physical building evaluation for major reinvestment and master planning should consider the condition,
robustness, and potential adaptability of the resource.
Study reinvestment strategies that look beyond immediate conservation and reuse
to consider a cyclical adaptability and recyclability.
The use of experimental materials and techniques were an integral part of the design of many modern structures
- in some cases character defining features.
Acknowledge and document when original materials or components compromised by limited durability, poor
performance, or hazardous nature require replacement and if and how new fabric should be distinguished.
Many under performing modern assets will require substantial intervention to accommodate human needs and radically different programs.
To the extent possible, find an optimal fit of program to resource, rather than fitting the resource to the program.
Favor design solutions informed by original design intent and creative approaches to engage the old with the new.
We encourage project teams to share their lessons learned documenting the challenges and solutions
unique to modern assets so that their effort may benefit similar projects elsewhere.
The APT Technical Committee on Modern Heritage collaborates with other technical committees and
organizations to address emerging issues using the resources of APT to resolve technical and
philosophical dilemmas of renewing modern resources responsibly.
These Principles for Practice provide a framework to foster practical renewal outcomes that promote
the conservation, sustainability, and resilience of the modern built environment.
Learn more by visiting the Technical Committee webpage at www.apti.org.
