Hanley Wood and North Carolina Modernist Houses (NCMH) announced today at AIA Convention 2016 a landmark archival agreement for mid-century architectural preservation. As part of the agreement, historically important design titles, now out of print, will be accessible through NCMH’s Colossus Architecture Magazine Archive atwww.ncmodernist.org/colossus.

At completion, Colossus will be the largest open, free, searchable, digital archive of architectural magazines available to the public, with over 1.3 million pages of content. Titles found in the Hanley Wood collection will be available starting July 1. Titles to be added include:

· The Octagon: A Journal of The American Institute of Architects, 1929–1943

· The Journal of The American Institute of Architects, 1944–1964

· Architecture: The AIA Journal, 1983–1985

· Architecture, 1985–2006

· Progressive Architecture, 1945–1996

George Smart, NCMH executive director, will be honored with the 2016 AIA Collaborative Achievement Award here at AIA Convention 2016. He explained the significance of Colossus and the Hanley Wood agreement:

“All across America, architecture magazines from the Modernist era are rotting in basements, if they haven't already been trashed. These publications chronicled the best of Modernist design along with the talented, progressive architects who created them. As Modernist buildings are being threatened or destroyed, access to historical information has never been more critical for preservation. Colossus makes it easier for anyone to research mid-century design. We’re thrilled to have Hanley Wood on board with Colossus as it becomes the largest repository in the world.”

Architect Frank Harmon, FAIA, NCMH’s director of national affairs, worked with the AIA to help secure the agreement. “The most dangerous period in a building's lifetime is when it’s 60 years old, when it’s not old enough to be antique and still young enough to seem ordinary,” he said. “Many Modernist buildings are at that time of life now, and too many are being torn down. The agreement with Hanley Wood to digitally archive their publications is a major step in preserving Modernist architecture. This digital archive of architecture magazines will be available to inform owners, historians, architects, and the public about the heritage of Modernist architecture and about significant buildings that may be in their own town.

“The first step to saving historic architecture creating awareness of its value,” Harmon added. “With this agreement, North Carolina Modernist Houses and Hanley Wood have stepped forward to document, inform and preserve the legacy of Modernist architecture.”

Ron Spink, President of the Design Group for Hanley Wood, noted, “Preservation of context around the conversation of architecture is incredibly important. The heritage and relevance of Modernist architecture is unique to the dialogue of design, and is historically explored in no better way than through the publications that offered coverage, review and criticism of the day. As such, Hanley Wood is honored to contribute to the Colossus digital archive – ensuring legacy and perspective for years to come.”

Colossus began in 2013 and currently includes AIA North Carolina (formerlySouthern Architect); House + Home; Architectural Forum; Metro Magazine; and others. Colossus is available at http://www.ncmodernist.org/colossus.

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