Reflections on the destruction of memory

Operations towards the recovery of the voluntarily destroyed architecture between the XX and XXI centuries

Abstract

Throughout the history of mankind, wars and conflicts represented a threat against cultural heritage. The impact of these violent and intentional attacks, determined the destruction of monuments, historical buildings and entire cities. However, this destruction did not only involve material damage, but also moral aggression understood in its symbolic character. In other words, damage against architecture became the quintessential tool to weaken a culture, attacking the icons that make up its identity and its collective memory.
What is meant to be exposed is the destruction of heritage specifically during the 20th and 21st centuries. The Second World War will be taken as a starting point for the atrocious consequences generated in European cities. From this historical context, we will identify the different strategies used in regard to urban reconfiguration. Finally, we will demonstrate how this phenomenon, the war against architecture transcended to the present time, materialized in the 21st century with the terrorist destruction of the Twin Towers from New York.