Issue 79 of FORMES magazine, devoted to modern architectural heritage, brings together several specialists around the challenges of recognizing, preserving, and transforming this heritage. Two members of OCVI² make a significant contribution to this issue: Carlo Carbone, member of OCVI²’s executive committee, and Andrée De Serres, Director of OCVI².
- Carlo Carbone, professor at UQAM’s School of Design, co-directs this special issue with France Vanlaethem. He also contributes as an author and co-author.
He notably authored the article « Less is more? Mies et les paradoxes de la modernité, » focused on Mies van der Rohe and the paradoxes associated with the legacy of modern architecture. He also co-wrote the introduction, « Pour le patrimoine architectural moderne, » with France Vanlaethem. Together with Bessam Fallah and France Vanlaethem, he contributed to the article « La sauvegarde de l’architecture moderne au Québec : initiatives exemplaires et fausses notes. »
- Andrée De Serres, professor at ESG UQAM and Director of OCVI², contributed to the issue with the article « Les tours de centre-ville : de la prouesse architecturale aux défis contemporains. »
In it, she examines the future of the large towers that accompanied the modernization of city centers and that are now facing major transformations. Changes in work patterns, usage, and the real estate market are prompting a reconsideration of the value, function, and adaptability of these assets.
The challenge thus goes beyond architectural preservation alone: it also involves the requalification of existing buildings, their adaptation to new needs, and the extension of their useful life. This reflection connects with OCVI²’s work on the evolution of the built environment and on issues of obsolescence, adaptation, and resilience. Through the contributions of Carlo Carbone and Andrée De Serres, this special issue also illustrates the relevance of a dialogue between architecture, heritage, and real estate in reflecting on the future of the existing built environment.
Special Issue
FORMES (2026). Patrimoine architectural moderne. Special issue, edited by Carlo Carbone and France Vanlaethem, École de design de l’UQAM, in collaboration with Docomomo Québec. FORMES, No. 79, Summer 2026. Publisher: Claude Paquin, Founder and Director, Magazine FORMES. https://formes.ca/publications/n-79