government structures, as instructed by Donald Trump, will adopt the classical architectural design.
In a move to update the policy governing federal architecture, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order reminding that the founding fathers of the USA placed great importance on federal civic architecture. The order emphasizes that federal buildings should inspire the American people and encourage civic virtue.
The proposed ballroom renovation for the White House residence, a project personally funded by Trump, is not part of this executive order. However, it has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on the East Wing of the White House, which could be affected by the renovation, potentially disrupting daily activities and tours.
The ballroom renovation plan does not prioritize regional architectural heritage, as stated in the executive order about federal architecture. Instead, it aims to create a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a departure from the traditional architecture of the White House.
Classical architecture, which refers to an architectural tradition derived from the forms, principles, and vocabulary of Greek and Roman antiquity, is the preferred style for federal buildings, according to the executive order. Styles such as neoclassical, Georgian, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco fall under this definition.
The executive order also notes that returning to traditional forms should visually connect modern architecture with historical heritage. To ensure this, a separate provision of the order requires that federal buildings be designed by architects with education or experience in classical architecture.
In the past, the General Services Administration (GSA) has been criticized for launching a design program that often chose projects by renowned architects without considering local experience or regional aesthetic preferences. The Trump administration seems to be taking steps to rectify this, with the executive order mandating that future federal buildings be designed by architects who use classical architecture.
However, the proposed ballroom renovation for the White House residence is not in line with this emphasis. Despite the warnings of potential disruptions, Trump has already awarded the contract to contractors for the proposed renovation.
The controversy surrounding the ballroom renovation highlights the importance of balancing modern design with traditional values in federal architecture. While the American people should be inspired by their public buildings, these buildings must also receive broad public support, as stated in the executive order.
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