The 2018 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize was awarded to Agence Christiane Schmuckle-Mollard for the rehabilitation of the Karl Marx School in Villejuif, France, designed and built by André Lurçat in 1933.
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Christiane Schmuckle-Mollard presented a paper about the restoration process of the building for the 14th International Docomomo Conference – Adaptive reuse, entitled “André Lurçat’s Karl-Marx School in Paris Suburbs: Restoration and Adaptation of a Major Landmark of the Modern Movement”.
About the World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize:
Forward-thinking. Experimental. Bold. Progressive. Innovative. Once recognized for their defining characteristics, significant modernist sites around the world are victims of physical deterioration of materials, perceived obsolescence, and public apathy. These threats repeatedly result in inappropriate alterations or demolition. With many modern buildings too young to qualify for landmark designation and protection, the need for preservation is urgent.
Launched in 2008 with founding sponsor Knoll, WMF launched the biennial World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize to recognize the individuals and organizations that preserve our modern built heritage through innovative architectural or design solutions.
Now, in its tenth year, the biennial prize recognizes architects or designers who have demonstrated innovative solutions to preserve or save threatened modern architecture.
For the first time in the prize’s ten year history, a special mention was also awarded to Harboe Architects, PC for their preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois.
A booklet describing the history of the Karl Marx School and its restoration project is available here + video.
To see the full press release, please visit: website