2024 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize

This prize recognizes heroic efforts made for the preservation of our modern heritage. Projects that enhanced a site’s architectural, functional, economic, and environmental sustainability while also benefiting the community are encouraged.

Description
Forward-thinking. Experimental. Bold. Progressive. Innovative. Once recognized for these defining characteristics, significant modern structures around the world often fall victim to material deterioration, perceived obsolescence, and public apathy. These threats repeatedly result in inappropriate alterations or demolition. As many modern buildings are too young to qualify for landmark designation and protection, the need for preservation and increased public awareness of these unique resources is urgent.
The biennial World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize acknowledges individuals and organizations that preserve our modern built heritage through pioneering architectural and design solutions. The prize honors contemporary architects and preservationists whose work ensures sustainable futures for at-risk modern heritage.
The prize is part of WMF's broader programming that addresses these challenges facing modern sites through advocacy, education, and conservation, including the World Monuments Watch. The prize stemmed from WMF's Modernism at Risk initiative, created in 2006 in response to the increasing threats to buildings representative of the modern movement.
The World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize recognizes outstanding physical interventions to preserve modern heritage. Projects that enhance a site's architectural, economic, and environmental sustainability while engaging and benefiting local stakeholders are encouraged.

Jury
Barry Bergdoll, Chairmain, Meyer Schapiro Professor of Art History and Archaeology, Columbia University; New York, NY
Courtney J. Martin, Director of the Yale Center for British Art, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Dietrich Neumann, Professor of the History of Modern Architecture and Director, Urban Studies, Department of the History of Art and Architecture, Brown University; Providence, RI
Karen Stein, Critic, Architectural Advisor, and Executive Director of the
George Nelson Foundation; New York, NY
Mabel O. Wilson, Nancy and George Rupp Professor of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, a Professor in African American and African Diasporic Studies, and the Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies (IRAAS) at Columbia University; New York, NY
Susan Macdonald, Head, Buildings and Sites, The Getty Conservation Institute; Los Angeles, CA
Theo Prudon, President, Docomomo US and Adjunct Professor of Historic Preservation, Columbia University and Pratt Institute; New York, NY

Prize
A cash honorarium of $10,000
A Knoll Barcelona chair
Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for the winner to attend the award ceremony in New York City.

Entry Fee
None

Timetable
PM EDT and the prize will be awarded in early 2024.

Links
Past winners

Organizer
World Monuments Fund

Official Website