Listen to this article

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order demanding that only beautiful federal buildings are constructed in Washington DC. He said all new federal buildings must meet that standard and be designed in a classic architectural style. Point to be noted that Trump famously lived in a $100 million Trump Tower apartment before moving into the White House. Trump Tower apartment decorated in the style of Louis XIV and covered in 24-carat gold and marble. The White House has reportedly been working on the order for months and in an early draft, they even proposed banning modernist design, which was condemned by architecture groups. The American Institute of Architects issued a statement.

The American Institute of Architects said, “Architecture should be designed for the specific communities that it serves, reflecting our rich nation’s diverse places, thought, culture and climates”. The statement adds, “Architects are committed to honoring our past as well as reflecting our future progress, protecting the freedom of thought and expression that are essential to a democracy”. A White House official said most Americans prefer traditional architecture and modern buildings are not easily identifiable as public ones. Now a Council for Improving Federal Architecture will be established to update guidelines for the General Services Administration.

It is noteworthy that the GSA is the authority to oversee federal buildings. The authority will also be required to seek input from the public and those who will work in them. The government has already informed architects that a traditional style is needed for the new federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Point to be noted that Nevada congresswoman Dina Titus has introduced legislation. It would ban the GSA from blocking modernist architecture. Titus wrote in a letter to the Administrator of GSA Emily Murphy and said, “Imposing a preferred architectural style for federal facilities runs counter to our nation’s democratic traditions”.