Regulation “Make federal architecture again beautiful”, signed by the American president on Thursday, rejects the architectural guidelines in force since the 1960s created by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Continued article under video material
These guidelines advised the government to impose “official style” and recommended modeling on contemporary architects. Since the 1960s, hundreds of modernist buildings were created in the spirit of these principles. The new regulations go in opposition to these principles, establishing classical architecture – inspired by ancient Greece and Rome – as a model for new federal buildings.
“President Trump restores beauty and pride to the federal building”
The White House explained that in exceptional cases other styles are allowed, but they must “express the dignity, energy and stability of the American government” and gain recognition of public opinion. The administration is to be informed about projects different from classicism.
In the intention of the creators of the new law, public buildings should “refine public spaces” and “inspire human souls”. – President Trump restores beauty and pride to the federal buildings, destroyed by terrible and unpopular modernist architecture – said the spokesman for the White House Taylor Rogers, commenting on the new regulation.
One of the supporters of changes, Justin Shubow from the National Association of Citizens' Art, described them as a breakthrough, which “reflects control over the architecture of the state and citizens.” Critics, however, accuse Trump's administration, limiting creative freedom and forcing the regressive vision of aesthetics. The American Institute of Architects expressed “serious concern”, emphasizing that public buildings should reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of the country.
At the end of his previous term, Trump attacked modernism in architecture, and this year renewed these attacks as soon as the office was taken in January.
Donald Trump and his musical taste
Architectural changes can already be seen in the White House. On the order of Donald Trump, the decor of the rose garden has been changed, in which the tiles are now lined instead of the lawn. Speakers have also been installed through which musical works are played. The correspondent of the Polish Radio in the USA Marek Wałkuski revealed what performers the US president listened to on Friday. “Donald Trump has entered the role of America's chief DJ. We can get to know his musical taste today. On the playlist Trump there are, among others, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Andrea Bocelli, The Beatles and Michael Jackson” – he wrote on X.
