UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just signed a controversial presidential order mandating that all federal buildings in Washington, D.C. adhere to his preferred classical design standards. The order, titled ‘Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,’ was announced on September 28, 2023, and is set to reshape the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital.
Trump’s directive targets courthouses and government offices, insisting they reflect the aesthetic of the White House. In his statement, he criticized the existing Design Excellence Program, established in 1994, stating that it produced structures that “sometimes” impressed the “architectural elite” but failed to resonate with the general public.
“Many of these new Federal buildings are not even visibly identifiable as civic buildings,” Trump asserted, emphasizing the need for architecture that honors tradition and inspires civic pride. The president aims for a return to “timeless architecture,” making it the “preferred and default” style for federal buildings.
The order notably targets modernist and brutalist designs, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building, which is infamous for its stark appearance. HUD Secretary Scott Turner previously described the building as the “ugliest building in D.C.” The HUD facility, completed in 1968, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 but is now facing relocation to Virginia.
In a fact sheet released by the White House, officials argue that the shift to modernist designs in the 1960s was “deeply unpopular” among taxpayers. The fact sheet states, “A majority of American taxpayers want classical, regionally inspired public buildings that beautify public spaces.”
Trump’s order mandates that any design deviating from his classical architecture blueprint will be flagged for review, emphasizing the need for buildings to convey “dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability.” Interestingly, the president points out that his concept of the “general public” does not include artists or architects, suggesting a preference for designs that appeal more broadly to everyday citizens.
The directive also lists favored architectural styles including Gothic, Romanesque, and Spanish Colonial, while explicitly criticizing the deconstructivist movement of the 1980s for its “fragmentation and disorder.”
This bold move follows a series of renovations Trump has implemented at the White House, including the controversial paving over of the Rose Garden lawn and plans for a $200 million ballroom in the East Wing.
As this architectural overhaul unfolds, it is clear that Trump’s vision for federal aesthetics is set to stir significant debate among architects, critics, and the American public alike. The implications of this order could reshape not only the skyline of Washington, D.C. but also the perception of federal buildings nationwide.
**NEXT STEPS:** Watch for responses from architectural bodies and public opinion as this order takes effect. Will citizens embrace this new vision, or will it provoke further controversy in the nation’s capital? Stay tuned for more updates.