Modern Matters: Principles and Practice in Conserving Recent Architecture.

This book is based on 19 papers given at a conference in late 1995 organised by English Heritage and the RIBA. Its publication is part of English Heritage's campaign to raise the profile of modern buildings in need of protection and care. As architects most of us take the quality of the best modern buildings for granted, but English Heritage have to carry, government and public along with them, and all of us who love modern buildings should be grateful to them for the very real and effective effort that they are making in spreading the appreciation for the best buildings of the recent past.

Part 1 of the book is headed 'Current Philosophy, Legislation and Practice'. The problems of what to do with redundant modern buildings or components of buildings are discussed, but, fortunately, no strong all-embracing strategy emerges. The authors generally agree that each building must be considered on its merits, and there is an emphasis on managing change, not preserving in aspic. But one is left with the impression that real change as envisaged in Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn, or as seen in AA Project Reviews, is not part of the agenda of these authors.

Part 2 is 'Practical Solutions to Conservation Problems'. It deals largely with case studies and, as befits an international style, is international in scope. Papers on concrete, metal windows, mosaic and so on punctuate the case studies and there are some thoughtful papers, particularly the one by John Allen which is full of common sense and concern for the owner as well as the conservationist. It is essential reading for all those involved in the field.