by: AIA New York
As you probably have seen in the press this week, in a news story first reported by Architectural Record and published today by The New York Times, a draft executive order is circulating among White House staff that seeks to designate classical architecture as the preferred style of federal buildings.
AIA National is vigorously opposing this order. The institute has issued the following statement and has been communicating with White House staff on this issue:
“The AIA strongly opposes uniform style mandates for federal architecture. Architecture should be designed for the specific communities that it serves, reflecting our rich nation’s diverse places, thought, culture and climates. 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 democracy.”
At the local level, AIA New York’s Executive Committee has authorized a letter to be sent on our membership’s behalf, but individual outreach is encouraged. At present, thousands of AIA members and colleagues have added their voice to reiterate our fervent belief that design decisions should be left to designers and communities. Email President Trump and voice your opposition to the executive order.
AIA New York is also in communication with our congressional representatives, urging them to fight against this mandate.
We will continue to keep our members posted as this issue develops.