by: AIA New York
The AIA New York Chapter joins the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in strongly condemning both the destruction of the East Wing of the White House and the lack of public engagement and transparency in the White House ballroom construction project.
We’ve heard architects, members, and the public at large respond with outrage and despair to the pile of rubble that was formerly the East Wing of the People’s House. As architects, we believe that our public buildings represent and reflect our civic values. The current administration’s blatant disregard for public process, and its disrespect for the White House as both a symbol of democracy and public investment, shock the conscience. To make matters worse, the new building planned for the site is entirely out of scale in proportion to the existing White House complex and is financed privately, evading public accountability.
AIANY continues to support reforms in New York City that seek to rezone neighborhoods, speed approvals, and streamline processes in order to deliver critical housing, public projects, and more. But, as stated by AIA, “the White House is not simply another building; it is the People’s House, a living symbol of democracy and national identity.” We condemn the circumvention of transparency, process, and public stewardship that our civic built environment demands.
We recognize that the current administration operates with a disregard for expertise—in design excellence, preservation, and broadly in the management of our democracy. Alongside AIA we encourage you, our members, and all architects to make your voices heard in any way you can. Contact decision-makers and members of Congress, sign and share petitions, and voice your opposition at every opportunity.
AIA is asking Congress to investigate the destruction of the White House—add your voice here.