Monumental Proportions

Staff -- Interior Design, 11/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

The World Monuments Fund, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of landmarks, released the 2002 version of the biennial World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites. The list includes examples of religious and secular architecture from ancient to modern, as well as cultural, archaeological, and historic urban landscapes that face the threats of natural disasters, deterioration, neglect, and terrorism. In light of the World Trade Center disaster, the World Monuments Fund recently added historic Lower Manhattan as the 101st endangered site. This section of New York, founded as Nieuw Amsterdam in 1625, comprises more than 65 landmarks and six districts and is one of the most important historical areas in the United States.

The WMF list brings international attention and funding for endangered sites and attempts to engage local governments in protecting cultural icons. Listed monuments are selected by an independent panel of experts who receive nominations from governments, local and international preservation groups, various organizations, and individuals. For the complete list or more information, visit www.worldmonuments.org.