Docomomo UK

This paper outlines some cases in which I have campaigned for the conservation of works of modern architecture, primarily through Docomomo-UK (as co-chair since 2002), but also as casework committee-member of the Twentieth Century Society. I hope to demonstrate that conservation issues in terms of design, whose significance would be readily recognized in the case of pre-modern listed buildings, are of equal significance in the case of modern buildings but have not always been recognized as such by the regulatory bodies. I also hope to pinpoint some areas of special significance in modern buildings. Though the number of post-war listed buildings has increased enormously, a consensus has yet to emerge in a still controversial field where public backing for conservation may be felt to be insecure.

Figure 11 Trellick Tower, London, by Ernö Goldfinger (1969). The ‘cornice’ defining the skyline was subsequently removed, and it had been hoped that this critical element would be reinstated as part of the proposed refurbishment.

James Dunnett MA, Dip.Arch (Cantab), RIBA

James Dunnett studied architecture at Cambridge and sculpture at St Martin’s School of Art. He was one of the last to work for Ernö Goldfinger, and then joined Camden Council’s Department of Architecture, setting up in his own practice in 1983. He has taught on a regular basis at Canterbury College of Art and Oxford Brookes University, as well as lecturing widely and contributing to the Architects’ Journal, Architectural Review, and other journals. His translation of Le Corbusier’s book The Decorative Art of Today appeared in 1987 (Architectural Press/MIT Press).

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Donhead Publishing 2012