Photo ©James Haefner

Our Mission

The Michigan chapter of Docomomo US was established in 2014. We work to raise awareness to the significance of Michigan’s modern resources and encourage their preservation and reuse.

We are dedicated to the preservation of modern architecture, landscape & design. Through advocacy, education + documentation, we provide leadership and knowledge by demonstrating the importance of modern design principles through social context, technical merit, aesthetics & the settings of these important components of American history.

Our Vision

We strive to enrich our communities & culture through the understanding, appreciation and preservation of Modern architecture + design. Our goal is to build on the recognition and importance of Michigan’s role in the modern movement through documentation, education, conservation, technology and advocacy. We also support the role of SHPO’s Michigan Modern™ project and augment the activities of other mid-century modern interest groups in Michigan.

In addition, our organization adds to Michigan’s statewide inventory of mid-century modern architecture, landscape, urban planning + design, and encourages the listing of significant resources on local, state, national and international registers. Through these efforts we not only educate, but also advocate for, and assist in the protection of modern resources that are threatened with demolition, neglect, inappropriate changes or loss.

Our Values

We have a commitment to the fundamental values and ethics of the Modern Movement, and the ways in which they were, and continue to manifest, in the built environment.

We are committed to the principle that modern design merits the attention and preservation received by earlier periods. We maintain a continuous and constructive dialogue with national, state, and local preservation authorities and organizations, as well as with building owners, developers + designers.