Heritage Alert: Y-block Government Buildings, Oslo, Norway
19 June 2018
The ICOMOS Europe Group at its annual meeting in Helsinki was very surprised to learn that the Norwegian Government is upholding its decision to demolish the Y-Block in the Norwegian Government Quarter, in spite of strong international, national and local opposition. In their declaration, the Europe Group strongly urges the Norwegian Government to reconsider its position and seek alternative solutions, respecting the universal values of the Y-Block.
26 October 2016
On 26 October 2016, a demonstration was held in front of the Y-block to protest its demolition. Musicians performed and protestors gathered around the building. Despite their efforts, State Secretary Paul Chaffey announced later that evening that the decision of demolishing would stand. The Directorate for Cultural Heritage suggested as an ultimate solution that the North wing be demolished, leaving the curve around the H-block intact.
Photo: Lars Lillo-Stenberg performing to support the protest outside of the Y-block on 26 October 2016 © Arve Henriksen
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage (ICOMOS ISC20C), has expressed its concern about the alarming situation now facing the Administration Building at the Izumo Shrine, in Shimane, Japan.
ICOMOS, on the basis of information gathered by Russian ICOMOS members, the National Committee of Finland and the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Historic Towns and Villages (CIVVIH), wishes to express its strong concerns about the safeguarding of the Historic City of Vyborg and therefore addresses this ICOMOS Heritage Alert to the attention of the authorities of the Russian Federation, and the administrations of the City of Vyborg and Leningrad Oblast.