VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents a MFAH Special Lecture - Preservation of Modern Architecture,  Monday, Apr 11, 2011, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Law Building, Lower Level, 1001 Bissonnet.

Professor Theodore H. M. Prudon discusses the preservation of modern architecture, the need to advocate for Texas modern heritage, and the vital role modern preservation groups are playing on the international, national, and local level.

This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. A reception sponsored by the MFAH Design Council follows the program.

Presented by Houston Mod, the Design Council at the MFAH, and AIA Houston, with additional support from Preservation Texas, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (GHPA), the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT)—Texas Chapter, and the Rice Design Alliance (RDA).

Theodore Prudon, PhD, FAIA, is a leading expert on the preservation of modern architecture, Principal with Prudon & Partners Architects, author of Preservation of Modern Architecture, and professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Department. Professor Prudon is the president of DOCOMOMO US. DOCOMOMO is an acronym for the DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement.

Founded in 1988 in the Netherlands, DOCOMOMO International has national chapters or working parties in 54 countries and over 2,000 individual members. DOCOMOMO has become an important presence in the conservation of modern architecture worldwide, working in partnership with other international organizations, national governments, and national, regional, and local associations.

Professor Prudon will lecture in three Texas cities Houston on April 11, Dallas on April 12, and Austin on April 13. Each lecture is hosted by a local Texas chapter or friend organization of DOCOMOMO US, which include Houston Mod, the first friend organization of DOCOMOMO US, DOCOMOMO US/North Dallas Chapter, and DOCOMOMO US/Mid-Tex Mod, which includes Austin and San Antonio.

These lectures are being held to support the statewide effort by Preservation Texas to promote April as Mod Month in Texas, to raise awareness of the need to preserve locally, regionally, and nationally significant examples of modern buildings, sites, and neighborhoods in Texas.

Houston Mod is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas.

MFAH Design Council is the patron group for the museum's modern and contemporary decorative arts, crafts, and design collections. The group’s focus celebrates objects and the defining role that they play in the way people live and envision the environment.

AIA Houston, formally known as the American Institute of Architects, Houston Chapter, is a component of the national professional association of architects: the American Institute of Architects (AIA), headquartered in Washington, DC. AIA Houston is the community of architects coming together to accomplish things in our practices and our communities that no single architects can do alone.

Preservation Texas (PT) is a nonprofit membership organization, established in 1985 as an all-volunteer organization, to be a unifying voice in preserving the historic environment of Texas. By promoting the importance of historic preservation by working with partners, Preservation Texas is the advocate for preserving the historic resources of Texas. Preservation Texas is the Statewide Partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (GHPA) promotes the preservation and appreciation of Houston's architectural and cultural historic resources through education, advocacy and committed action, thereby creating economic value, developing a stronger sense of community. GHPA is the Local Partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Association for Preservation Technology International (APT)—Texas Chapter is a cross-disciplinary membership organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structures and settings.

Rice Design Alliance (RDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of architecture, urban design, and the built environment in the Houston region.