Introduction

This book deals with the planned conservation of modern architecture and proposes a comparative discussion between eight research programs recently completed in Italy and Brazil as part of the “Keeping It Modern” program by means of which the Getty Foundation supported the drafting of conservation management planning for major architectural masterpieces of the twentieth-century worldwide, between 2014 and 2020. The scientific results of this program are maturing and also resulting in publications promoted by universities and research centers involved by the Getty Foundation.

Framework and Focus

Within this framework of initiatives, we dedicate this book to the comparison among research projects carried out in Italy and Brazil, starting from the distinctive characteristics that modern architecture has gained in the two countries and evaluating the impact that the Conservation Management Plans on the cultural scenario of each country and on the corresponding protection systems.

Research Experience and Reflection

We asked the co-authors to reconsider the research experience faced within the KIM program, overcoming their description, and proposed to describe its specific reflection on the role that management plans play for twentieth-century architecture and on how the outcomes of this experience have contributed to the debate on the protection of contemporary architecture.

Topics and Conclusions

Finally, the book presents many transversal topics and highlights numerous similarities in approach between the two countries, but also profound differences in the way of understanding conservation of twentieth-century architectural heritage.