THE CONCEPT OF MODERN HERITAGE VALUES–AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF URBAN HERITAGE MANAGEMENT (original) (raw)

The meaning of "monument" has migrated quite far away since its beginings in the 18th century. The pleasure provided by the beauty of an edifice has been replaced by the awe or surprise provoked by technical "tour de force" and a modern version of the colossal . Henceforth, the modern monument imposes itself on our attention without context or preparation and calls for instantaneous reaction, trading its ancient status as sign for that of signal. Examples: the Lloyd's Building in London, the Britanny Tower in Nantes, the La Defense Arch in Paris.