The Biden Administration has reversed course on the Trump Administration’s policy on designs of federal buildings.
Biden recently overturned the previous president’s executive order, “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture.” That policy promoted classical and traditional architecture above other designs and required extensive justification to use other styles.
“Overall, the mandate inappropriately elevated the design tastes of a few federal appointees over the communities in which the buildings would be placed,” according to an AIA news release. In February 2020, AIA members sent more than 11,400 letters to the White House opposing the classical architecture policy.
AIA advocates for The Democracy in Design Act, which would effectively thwart the Trump executive order by codifying the General Service Administration’s (GSA) Design Excellence Program principles. It would ensure that the federal government maintain neutrality on architectural styles, the release says.
Related Stories
| Sep 14, 2012
NRCA University offers photovoltaic class
NRCA University will offer a class called “Photovoltaic Roof Systems: Energizing Your Business” Oct. 16 in Philadelphia.
| Sep 14, 2012
Costa Rica’s strict building codes prevent major damage in powerful quake
The relatively little damage from a 7.6 earthquake was due in large part to strict building codes in Costa Rica, a country that has long enjoyed more stability, better governance, and stronger economic development than many of its Central American neighbors.
| Sep 14, 2012
Building codes should require continuous connection from roof to foundation, says IBHS chief
“One of the most effective ways to greatly increase a building’s strength and safety during hurricanes, tornadoes and straight-line windstorms is to be sure the building is tied together properly,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
| Sep 7, 2012
Related Companies and unions agree to wage-cutting deal on Hudson Yards
The Related Companies has won wage-cutting agreements with four dozen construction unions in its efforts to save money on the $15 billion development of Hudson Yards.
| Sep 7, 2012
Lorain, Ohio considers halting downtown construction while it works out development plan
Construction would stop downtown for six months while Lorain, Ohio officials consider a development plan for the city, according to new legislation.
| Sep 7, 2012
Business, labor groups push for easing of California’s Environmental Quality Act
Business and labor groups have combined forces to push for a change to California's Environmental Quality Act, specifically its complex review process for building and construction projects.
| Sep 7, 2012
Twenty years later, Florida contractors cite Hurricane Andrew as construction game-changer
Remarking on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, which devastated south Florida; contractors are noting the storm’s impact on their industry—including the state’s adoption of tougher building codes.
| Sep 7, 2012
At risk for nine types of natural disasters, Texas trails most coastal states on building codes
Texas has the most diverse weather risk in the country, with exposure to nine different types of natural disasters.
| Aug 30, 2012
OSHA plans new crane-safety standards for demolition and underground work
The new rule will streamline OSHA’s standards by eliminating the separate cranes and derricks standard currently used for underground and demolition work.
| Aug 30, 2012
Federal government cancels defense contracts worth $2.15 billion
This action may foreshadow federal spending cuts scheduled for year's end if Congress takes no action on the federal budget.
