The 19th International Docomomo Conference with the topic “Multiple Moderns: Climate, Community, Creativity” has been a huge success. It has been an absolute pleasure to join with our colleagues, partners, and friends from all around the world in Los Angeles in March 2026. The Conference brought together the global modern architecture community for an unforgettable week of discussions, events, and tours, preceeded by the traditional Docomomo Student Workshop. This was only the second time in Docomomo’s history that the Conference was held in the States, this time on the West Coast. Guided by the theme of Climate, Community, Creativity, the Conference celebrated the richness and diversity of 20th‑century modernism. Participants explored how modern architecture has been shaped by different climates, cultures, and collaborative practices, and how these forces remain critical to adaptation, reuse, and resilience today.

It was a real treat to participate in the iconic Docomomo tours around the city of Los Angeles and across Southern California, offering rare access to landmark works by John Lautner, Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul R. Williams, and R.M. Schindler. These experiences were paired with memorable social and cultural highlights, including the opening reception at LA Center Studios, and a spectacular closing reception at the Getty Center.

Special thanks goes to the participants and tutors of the Student Workshop for their great work on the case-study of Los Angeles County Hall of Records, the results of which were presented on Tuesday 17 March at USC.

Three inspiring keynotes anchored the Conference:

Opening Keynote by Thom Mayne in conversation with Frances Anderton launched the Conference with a bold discussion on Los Angeles, creativity, and the evolving legacy of modernism. Mid‑Conference Keynote by Hubert‑Jan Henket, co‑founder of Docomomo International, invited on reflection on what the Modern Movement means today in the face of climate urgency and social change. Closing Keynote by architect Frida Escobedo at the Getty Center presented a compelling vision for architecture shaped by climate, community, and creative practice.

The University of Southern California School of Architecture hosted 35+ moderated paper sessions and over 130 international speakers. Sessions were organized into four thematic tracks: Modernism in the Sun, Late 20th‑Century Modernism, Creativity and Collaboration, and Community Adaptation and Repurposing, alongside special-topic panels and conference-wide roundtables addressing Late Modern advocacy and digital documentation for conservation.

The Council Meeting was held on 19 March, during which 3 new National Working Parties were warmly welcomed to the Docomomo community: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Uruguay. This means that Docomomo is now present in 86 countries worldwide!

The success of the 19th IDC was made possible through the dedication and energy of its organizers Docomomo US and US/Southern California Chapter, the generosity of its sponsors, institutional and media partners, engagement from volunteers and guides, and the enthusiasm and insight of participants from around the world. Docomomo International extends sincere thanks to all who contributed their time, expertise, creativity, and support.

We look forward to meeting you all at the 20th International Docomomo Conference which will take place in September 2028 in Athens, Greece!

Featured photo: Docomomo US staff