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2020 Theme: 70s TURN 50

2015 National Symposium Archive

Docomomo US Advocacy Theme 2020: 70s TURN 50
Love it or hate it, architecture of the 1970s now has another label: historic

The 1970s turn 50 in 2020 and Docomomo US along with our chapter will spend the year looking at a time of great change and an even greater variety of forms, technical advances and ideas of architectural thinking. With their mirror skins, brush-hammered concrete facades, dramatic or colorful forms, expressions of whimsy and historical context, Docomomo US and our chapters across the country will explore these elements and more to see what rises to the top.

For all the fragmentation and contradictions, architectural designs of the 1970s had many powerful external forces to take into consideration including the recently passed National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. An Act, that perhaps unconsciously, led to the desire to build more original or monumental forms over similar universally applied ideas. Architectural designs also were responding to the cultural zeitgeist of political and social upheaval, the looming energy crisis, new advances in material and building technology, and sought to elevate egalitarian values much like in earlier designs. But architecture of the 1970s is also uniquely aligned with corporate development, branding and large project or campus architecture. When, if not in the 1970s, does a building shape or form correspond more directly with a corporation’s identity and values?

​It is these contradictions and transgressions we seek to explore and comprehend in this golden anniversary of 1970s architecture. (via Docomomo US)

Notable 1970s Architecture in Minneapolis

Docomomo US/MN Research Intern, Mary Begley compiled a short list of 24 notable sites from the 1970's across Minneapolis. View the PDF here, and use the guide to check out these sites in person!

How can you participate?

Join us in spotlighting 1970s architecture, design and landscapes throughout 2020 in the following ways: 
  • Want to know what's shakin'? Subscribe to our national newsletter to receive articles on the challenges of the decade, sites, and chapter/partners efforts
  • Get down on social media using hashtag #70sTurn50
  • Get stoked for groovy events such as lecture series in iconic buildings from the decade and '70s-themed tours during Tour Day 2020
  • Help us identify a top ten list of local significant, interesting or challenging examples of the '70s. Explore the map below and fill out the form with what 70s buildings are a must see in Minnesota!
List of the various resources we utilized can be found here. 

What buildings or sites have to be on our TOP TEN #70sTurn50 LIST?