Four of the World’s Most Threatened Buildings

Buildings and architecture can be a major contribution to the fabric of a national identity. Though most countries has a government division of antiquities and UNESCO has a World Heritage List for protection of special cultural places, some of our most important historic places are not as protected as they could or should be. Here are some of the world’s most threatened buildings.

US Old Mint, San Francisco: California

One of only a handful of buildings to survive The 1906 Earthquake, the Old Mint today is one of the US’ most threatened buildings. It is used for some private functions and the occasional public exhibition, but is in dire need of repair. It is listed as a US National Historic Landmark and has undergone much renovation in the last 5 years but much more is needed; it was recently re-added to the Endangered Historic Places list by the Federal Government.

Mechanics Institute, Swindon: England

source: geograph.org.uk

Located at the historic Railway Village at the center of the railway town, The Mechanics Institute was once a library and education center for the families of the employees of the famous GWR founded by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The building is grade II* listed (by English Heritage, the NGO responsible for building conservation in England) as are all the houses of the urban village in which it is located. Years of neglect has left The Mechanics Institute a constant member of the Victorian Society’s most threatened buildings lists.

Aleppo: Syria

source: wikimedia

Buildings are not under threat because of neglect or pollution, sometimes armed conflict is the major cause of damage and potential damage. The ancient city of Aleppo in Syria has many examples of medieval and post medieval buildings which is why the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, ongoing conflict in the country puts much of the nation’s antiquities at risk from war damage and iconoclasm. Many of these ancient structures are now amongst the regions most threatened buildings.

Jakab and Komor Square Synagogue, Subotica: Serbia

The Synagogue in Subotica is important globally as one of only a handful of Jewish places of worship built in Art Nouveau style, considered a triumph of modern design. Today, it is one of the most threatened buildings in the country largely due to neglect since WWII. It has received several designations since 1974 giving it extra protection, but restoration and renovation has proven quite slow. In 2010, repairs halted the water leakage that had caused it so much damage. There is much more to do, however, with the next phases expected to be restoration of the facade.