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Modernist Architecture – between Love and Hate

Modernist Architecture – between Love and Hate

April 29, 2024

In contemporary society, there is an unequivocal attitude towards modernist architecture: some of it is loved and respected, others are rejected. What causes this contrast and why is it important? These questions will be answered on 9-10 May at the international scientific conference "Imperfect Modernism", organised by the Faculty of Architecture (AF) of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH).

The theme of the conference is particularly topical, as the ambiguous evaluation of 20th century modernist architecture makes it difficult to adapt it to contemporary needs and to make decisions. According to dr. Kateryna Didenko, Vice-Dean of the AF, the challenges are particularly great in countries where the trauma of post-Soviet or post-colonial nations and the unfinished formation of national identities have led to the politicisation of ideas.

"On the one hand, the influence of established traditions created new identities, while on the other hand, the heritage of modernist architecture began to be associated with the activities and tragic events of political regimes, and a sense of rejection developed," says K. Didenko.

She is echoed by dr. Eglė Bagušinskaitė, Vice-Dean of the AF, who says that interwar modernism is accepted and respected, while Soviet-era modernism is particularly controversial. According to her, it is important to be interested in the influence of different contexts on architecture, its evaluation and quality.

"For example, the inter-war modernist architecture of Kaunas, Asmara, Tel Aviv's 'White City' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will be proudly presented at the conference. Meanwhile, the modernism of the second half of the 20th century often evokes negative associations and gives the impression of unacceptable or unappreciated architecture," shares E. Bagušinskaitė.

How can we now evaluate modernist architecture and cityscapes that, even with changes in the political context, reflect ideas that contradict the democratic, liberal worldview of contemporary society? What is our relationship with the heritage of this period?

The conference will discuss the political, social and cultural aspects of the evaluation and conservation of modernist heritage. As modernist architecture is diverse, despite its international character and common features, representatives of foreign countries will join the discussion, as different professional experiences and expertise will allow for a more objective assessment. The conference will bring together researchers from Eritrea, Israel, Cyprus, Kosovo, Poland, Lebanon, Canada, Portugal, Sakartvelo, Germany. Around a third of the speakers will be Ukrainian researchers, so the preservation of Ukraine's modernist heritage will be given special attention.

"Imperfect Modernism" is organised by the Faculty of Architecture of VILNIUS TECH, international partner – DOCOMOMO International. Sponsors: Lithuanian National UNESCO Commission, Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, "Domus Galerija".
More information here.