Reflections on Architectural Value and Tradition
Architecture reveals a great deal about how a culture perceives itself and the values it cherishes. When we think about structures that truly embody our ideals, landmarks like the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court come to mind, along with the memorials dedicated to Lincoln and Jefferson.
All these edifices share certain characteristics. They’re striking and constructed from materials that shimmer, drawing our gaze and evoking a sense of pride. More importantly, they endure the passage of time, reflecting a style rooted deeply in the classical traditions of ancient Greece and Rome.
When George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were involved in shaping the American capital, they placed significant emphasis on classical designs. Jefferson admired the Capitol, calling it “a taste of a country’s course that goes far beyond Athenian destiny, adorning Athenian tastes,” noting its unique dedication to the sovereignty of the people. Washington, on the other hand, celebrated the “magnificent simplicity and beauty” of the neoclassical features of the Capitol.
This classical tradition, initiated by the founders, influenced the design of many splendid buildings throughout the U.S., including the Birch Bay U.S. Court in Indianapolis, finished in 1905. Another notable example is the Tippecanoe County Courthouse in Lafayette, Indiana, completed in 1884, boasting a striking clock tower and an ornate domed roof.
However, starting in the 1960s, the focus of our federal government shifted away from constructing visually appealing buildings. Nowadays, less than 10% of new government structures reflect classic or traditional designs. Instead, we often see unappealing concrete structures, like the stark Brutalist designs of the FBI headquarters and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which have even been compared unfavorably to “the 10th floor of the basement” by officials from both parties.
My recent experience visiting a newly built courthouse reminded me of an outlandish art installation. The architect responsible for the San Francisco Federal Building has openly described his work as “aggressive.”
To address the decline in aesthetically pleasing architecture, I plan to propose a federal civil building law. This bill would codify former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at “making federal architecture beautiful again.” It would mandate that new federal buildings “elevate and glorify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, and command respect.”
Importantly, my bill wouldn’t prescribe a singular architectural style. Instead, it would encourage diverse traditional designs, including neoclassical, Art Deco, Romanesque, and Pueblo revivals. The legislation would also ensure that federal agencies actively seek opinions from local communities on building designs, a step that encourages public input that’s been overlooked.
Despite recent trends, our country can still create visually striking and dignified public architecture that bolsters civic virtues. The Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse, which opened in 2012, is a testament to this belief. Its classical design not only conveys strength and beauty but also was completed efficiently, without exceeding budgetary constraints. This illustrates that beautiful design doesn’t necessarily compromise financial responsibility.
Interestingly, a 2020 National Civic Arts Association/Harris poll revealed that a significant majority of Americans—72%—favor traditional designs for governmental structures. This support crosses demographic lines, including 70% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans.
Of course, some cultural elites may defend even the most unconventional designs, arguing that traditional architecture reflects Western civilization and the values inherent in our history. It’s a viewpoint that often misses the deeper implications.
Indeed, our public architecture goes beyond mere aesthetics. It intertwines with fundamental questions about our identity as a nation. As Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan often pointed out, “Design activity and political thought are inseparable.”
Ultimately, the architecture of our public buildings is a political statement. The founders envisioned Washington, DC, as a classical city. This is precisely why it’s crucial to advance my proposal and ensure that federal constructions continue to embody the values that affirm America’s greatness.
