Getty Center Event: 'Global, Regional, and Local Efforts in Conserving Modern Architecture'

Case Study House No. 8. Image courtesy of the Getty Conservation Institute, Conserving Modern Architecture InitiativeThe Getty Conservation Institute will host an event on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, called “Global, Regional, and Local Efforts in Conserving Modern Architecture.” The event will gather experts from London, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia “as they explore the ways conservation of modern architecture is being addressed by professionals and organizations worldwide.”

Although efforts to conserve the architectural heritage of the modern era began in the late 1970s, a lot of work remains in educating the public about the value of modernism and in developing conservation methods that respond to the unique set of considerations presented by the methods and materials of modern architecture. To that end, back in March, the Getty announced the Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative, a research-based initiative making its first study the of the Eames House in the Pacific Palisades (i.e., Case Study House No. 8).

“Global, Regional, and Local Efforts in Conserving Modern Architecture” will be held on stage at the Getty Center. Make reservations and get more information at the GCI website. 

Restoring a Modern Classic

The Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam is one of the key landmarks of modernism; and Dutch architect Wessel de Jonge will describe how he restored it in a lecture at The Getty Center this Thursday, November 15, 2012. The Getty loves pompous titles and has christened this one “Continuity and Change: Approaches to Conserving Modern Architecture Internationally”. It’s part of the Getty Conservation Institute’s new and welcome focus on modern buildings, which began with a long-term program to restore and maintain the Eames house. What makes the Van Nelle so exciting is its fusion of poetry and functionalism. The Dutch industrialist C.H.Van der Leeuw, who loaned Neutra the money he needed to build the VDL house in Silverlake, believed that his workers deserved the best working conditions, and the model factory (which is open for public tours) now serves new media and design companies. Imagine any of Bain Capital’s ventures being held up as an exemplar, 90 years from now! The lecture will be presented in the Harold Williams Theater at 7 p.m.; click here to reserve your free tickets. -- Michael Webb

John Fidler: My Life in Ruins

The Santa Monica Conservancy, RICS, and FORM Magazine present John Fidler: My Life in Ruins on November 27 from 6-8 pm at Davis Langdon, 301 Arizona, Santa Monica. The event will feature John Fidler, RIBA, Intl Assoc AIA, FRICS, and former Conservation Director of English Heritage, who will share tales of his time protecting historic mold (!) and hob-nobbing with royals. The event will be supplemented by free wine and mold of a slightly less historic quality (i.e., cheese) and chances to network and mingle with conservation-minded folk looking to gain lessons from a country with a much longer built history than our own.

$20 ticket. Space is limited. Register online at Santa Monica Conservancy.

Spring Green Expo 2010 This Thursday

This Thursday, from 8:30am-2pm, is the Metropolitan Water District’s 3rd Annual Spring Green Expo. There will be more than 40 exhibits of green products and services, a showcase of innovative sustainability concept projects, designed by some of the brightest students in Southern California, and a keynote address: “Climate Change and Water” – featuring noted scientist David Yates from the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Register here.