The Modern Ruins Database hopes to find similarities in the vast unmediated worlds of architecture, and contemporary construction, and real estate management. All of these professions interface one another in the creation of ruins. The ruins are themselves time machines which stand as testaments to particular eras in architectural history and theory. And at the same time these ruin-monuments represent the most meaningful presentaiton of architecture ro the public. It is fundamenatlly through the creation of monuments that architecture finds its meaning. The ruin is the monument that has not been divested of its temporal placements.
In the case of our so-called modern ruins, continuities among meaning, function, economic conditions and human needs will be sought out as the vital forces shaping the temporal landscape. This landscape is where architecture functions, and fails to function.
The Modern Ruins Database will be an interactive sampling of public and private articles on the state of destruction of any and all buildings newer than the late 1880's. Any and all forms of documentation will be included, not ruling out artifacts, drawings, photographs, and written materials. The IAA archives will be tapped and appropriate material furnished for the database. Contributors are welcome to contact the Institute.
