As late Modernism and Postmodernism come of age, how do we prepare to fight for newly endangered buildings and places? Can we broaden the very notion of preservation? With the future of James R. Thompson Center hanging in the balance, Chicago’s preservation community has mobilized to push for updated policies and protocols governing historic preservation. At question: how can we better recognize and save significant structures from the recent past?

At the same time, a new generation of preservationists is challenging the traditional scope of the profession and redefining what is worth preserving. Beyond advocating for places of historical and architectural value, how should preservationists respond to the issues of our time, including climate change, racial justice, equity and access?

This two-part program will explore these important questions through moderated panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions.